Kapikacchu (200 gm)

Research

Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens)

M. pruriensis a popular Indian medicinal plant, which has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine, for diseases including parkinsonism. M. pruriensis reported to contain L-dopa as one of its constituents. The beans have also been employed as a powerful aphrodisiac in Ayurveda and have been used to treat nervous disorders and arthritis. The bean, if applied as a paste on scorpion stings, is thought to absorb the poison. Anti-epileptic and anti-neoplastic activity of methanol extract of M. pruriens has been reported. A methanol extract of MP seeds has demonstrated significant in vitro anti-oxidant activity, and there are also indications that methanol extracts of M. pruriens may be a potential source of natural anti-oxidants and anti-microbial agents.

All parts of M. pruriens possess valuable medicinal properties and it has been investigated in various contexts, including for its anti-diabetic, aphrodisiac, anti-neoplastic, anti-epileptic, and anti-microbial activities. Its anti-venom and anti-helminthic activities have been investigated and demonstrated. M. pruriens has also been shown to be neuroprotective and has demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity (1, 2).

1. Lampariello LR, Cortelazzo A, Guerranti R, Sticozzi C, Valacchi G. The Magic Velvet Bean of Mucuna pruriens. J Tradit Complement Med. 2012;2(4):331-9.
2. 2. Sathiyanarayanan L, Arulmozhi S. Mucuna pruriens Linn. – A comprehensive review. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2007;1:157.