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Botanical Name :
Mucuna pruriens
Sanskrit Name:
Kapikachhu
English Name :
Common cowitch, cowhage
Family : Papilionaceae
Part used: Seeds
Traditional Uses:
In ayurveda, the seeds are used as a tonic and for male
virility. The pods are anthelmintic and the root powder a
laxative. The seed powder has been tried in Parkinson’s disease
with positive results. The roots are tonic, stimulant, diuretic,
purgative and emmenagogue. They are used for diseases of the
nervous system, kidney troubles and dropsy. An ointment prepared
from the roots is applied for elephantiasis. The seeds are
astringent and tonic; they possess slight insecticidal activity.
The leaves of the plant are applied to ulcers. |
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Phytochemistry:
The major bioactive constituent of Mucuna pruriens seeds is
3-(3,4 dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine (L-Dopa). The other
constituents include alkaloids viz., mucunine, mucunadine,
prurienine, prurieninine, etc. ; epoxy fatty acids viz. cis
12,13-epoxyoctadec-trans-9-enoic acid and vernolic acid etc.
Pharmacology:
Mucuna pruriens has significant activity in Parkinson’s
disease. It is also known for its aphrodisiac activity in male
rats and decrease in sexual function in female rats. In
addition hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and antivenom
activity are also studied.
Marker constituent:
L-DOPA
Main Uses:
Anti-parkinsonism, Aphrodisiac.
Disclaimer:
The authenticity of the above
information are not verified and established by us. You are
requested to get it verified. The above given information are
collected from various sources may be used for academic purpose.
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