Jump to content

Mucuna pruriens: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Tags: references removed Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(164 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Species of flowering plant}}
{{taxobox
{{Speciesbox
|image = Mucuna_pruriens_flower.jpg
|image = Mucuna_pruriens_flower.jpg
|image_caption = ''Mucuna pruriens'' inflorescence
|image_caption = ''Mucuna pruriens'' inflorescence
|genus = Mucuna
|regnum = [[Plant]]ae
|species = pruriens
|unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
|authority = ([[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]) [[A. P. de Candolle|DC.]]
|unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
|unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]]
|ordo = [[Fabales]]
|familia = [[Fabaceae]]
|subfamilia = [[Faboideae]]
|tribus = [[Phaseoleae]]
|genus = ''[[Mucuna]]''
|species = '''''M. pruriens'''''
|binomial = ''Mucuna pruriens''
|binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) [[A. P. de Candolle|DC.]]
|synonyms =
|synonyms =
{{Plainlist | style = margin-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; |
{{Plainlist | style = margin-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; |
Line 63: Line 55:
|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=Mucuna+pruriens
|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=Mucuna+pruriens
|title=The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species
|title=The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species
|accessdate=8 March 2015}}</ref>
|access-date=8 March 2015}}</ref>
|}}
|}}


'''''Mucuna pruriens''''' is a tropical [[Fabaceae|legume]] native to Africa and tropical Asia and widely naturalized and cultivated.<ref name=GRIN/> Its English [[common name]]s include '''velvet bean''', '''Bengal velvet bean''', '''Florida velvet bean''', '''Mauritius velvet bean''', '''Yokohama velvet bean''', '''cowage''', '''cowitch''', '''lacuna bean''', '''Lyon bean''',<ref name=GRIN>{{cite web |url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?24652 |title=USDA GRIN Taxonomy |accessdate=8 March 2015}}</ref> Donkey eye,{{citation needed|date=March 2015}} monkey tamarind,{{citation needed|date=March 2015}} and Buffalo beans{{citation needed|date=March 2015}} (the last also refers to ''[[Thermopsis rhombifolia]]''{{citation needed|date=March 2015}}). The plant is notorious for the extreme itchiness it produces on contact,<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite journal |doi=10.2340/00015555-2146 |title=Human Surrogate Models of Histaminergic and Non-histaminergic Itch |year=2015 |last1=Andersen |first1=Hjalte Holm |last2=Elberling |first2=Jesper P. |last3=Arendt-Nielsen |first3=Lars |journal=Acta Dermato-Venereologica |volume=Epub ahead of print |pmid= 26015312 |pages=771–7}}</ref> particularly with the young foliage and the seed pods. It has value in agricultural and horticultural use and has a range of medicinal properties.
'''''Mucuna pruriens''''' is a tropical [[Fabaceae|legume]] native to [[Africa]] and [[tropical Asia]] and widely naturalized and cultivated.<ref name=GRIN/> Its English [[common name]]s include '''monkey tamarind''', '''velvet bean''', '''Bengal velvet bean''', '''Florida velvet bean''', '''Mauritius velvet bean''', '''Yokohama velvet bean''', '''cowage''', '''cowitch''', '''lacuna bean''', and '''Lyon bean'''.<ref name=GRIN>{{GRIN | access-date=8 March 2015}}</ref> The Tshivenda/Venda language name is Vhulada.

The plant is notorious for the extreme [[pruritis|itchiness]] it produces on contact,<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite journal | vauthors = Andersen HH, Elberling J, Arendt-Nielsen L | title = Human surrogate models of histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch | journal = Acta Dermato-Venereologica | volume = 95 | issue = 7 | pages = 771–7 | date = September 2015 | pmid = 26015312 | doi = 10.2340/00015555-2146 | url = http://vbn.aau.dk/files/219083590/4442_9.pdf | doi-access = free }}</ref> particularly with the young foliage and the seed pods. It also produces many medium-sized red swollen bumps along with the itching. It has agricultural and horticultural value and is used in [[herbalism]].


==Description==
==Description==
[[File:Mucuna pruriens (Khajkuiri) in Kawal, AP W2 IMG 1506.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Velvet bean in [[Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[India]]]]
[[File:Mucuna pruriens RHS.jpeg|thumb|right|''Mucuna pruriens'' flowers (colored [[engraving]])]]
The plant is an annual climbing shrub with long vines that can reach over 15&nbsp;m in length. When the plant is young, it is almost completely covered with fuzzy hairs, but when older, it is almost completely free of hairs. The leaves are tripinnate, ovate, reverse ovate, [[rhombus]]-shaped or widely ovate. The sides of the leaves are often heavily grooved and the tips are pointy. In young ''M.pruriens'' plants, both sides of the leaves have hairs. The stems of the leaflets are two to three millimeters long. Additional adjacent leaves are present and are about 5&nbsp;mm long.


''Mucuna pruriens'' is an annual climbing [[shrub]] with long vines that can reach over {{convert|15|m|ft|-1|abbr=off}} in length. When the plant is young, it is almost completely covered with fuzzy hairs, but when older, it is almost completely free of hairs. The [[leaves]] are tripinnate, ovate, reverse ovate, [[rhombus]]-shaped or widely ovate. The sides of the leaves are often heavily grooved and the tips are pointy. In young specimens, both sides of the leaves have hairs. The stems of the leaflets are {{Convert|2-3|mm|abbr=off|frac=16}} long. Additional adjacent leaves are present and are about {{convert|5|mm|in|1|abbr=on|frac=8}} long.
The flower heads take the form of axially arrayed [[panicle]]s. They are 15 to 32&nbsp;cm long and have two or three, or many flowers. The accompanying leaves are about 12.5&nbsp;mm long, the flower stand axes are from 2.5 to 5&nbsp;mm. The bell is 7.5 to 9&nbsp;mm long and silky. The [[sepal]]s are longer or of the same length as the shuttles. The crown is purplish or white. The flag is 1.5&nbsp;mm long. The wings are 2.5 to 3.8&nbsp;cm long.


The flower heads take the form of axially arrayed [[panicle]]s. They are {{convert|15-32|cm|in|0}} long and have two or three, or many flowers, which can be white, lavender, or purple. The accompanying leaves are about {{convert|12.5|mm|in|1|abbr=on|frac=4}} long; the flower stand axes are from {{convert|2.5-5|mm|in|1|abbr=on|frac=16}}. The bell is {{convert|7.5-9|mm|in|1|abbr=on|frac=16}} long and silky. The [[sepal]]s are longer or of the same length as the shuttles. The crown is purplish or white. The flag is {{convert|1.5|mm|in|2|abbr=on|frac=32}} long. The wings are {{convert|2.5-3.8|cm|in|1|abbr=on|frac=8}} long.
In the fruit ripening stage, a 4 to 13&nbsp;cm-long, 1 to 2&nbsp;cm-wide, unwinged, leguminous fruit develops. There is a ridge along the length of the fruit. The husk is very hairy and carries up to seven seeds. The seeds are flattened uniform ellipsoids, 1 to 1.9&nbsp;cm long, 0.8 to 1.3&nbsp;cm wide and 4 to 6.5&nbsp;cm thick. The ''[[Hilum (biology)|hilum]]'', the base of the ''[[Ovule|funiculus]]'' (connection between placenta and plant seeds) is a surrounded by a significant ''[[arillus]]'' (fleshy seed shell).


In the fruit-ripening stage, a {{convert|4-13|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1-2|cm|in|1|abbr=on|frac=8}} wide, unwinged, [[leguminous]] fruit develops. There is a ridge along its length and the [[husk]] is covered in loose, orange hairs that cause a severe [[itch]] if they contact skin.<ref name="Reddy">{{cite journal |vauthors=Reddy VB, Iuga AO, Shimada SG, LaMotte RH, Lerner EA |date=April 2008 |title=Cowhage-evoked itch is mediated by a novel cysteine protease: a ligand of protease-activated receptors |journal=The Journal of Neuroscience |volume=28 |issue=17 |pages=4331–5 |doi=10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0716-08.2008 |pmc=2659338 |pmid=18434511}}</ref><ref name="Rätsch">{{cite book |last=Rätsch |first=Christian |title=Enzyklopädie der psychoaktiven Pflanzen. Botanik, Ethnopharmakologie und Anwendungen. |publisher=AT-Verl. |year=1998 |isbn=978-3-85502-570-1 |location=Aarau |page=15 |author-link=Christian Rätsch}}</ref> The pods carry up to seven seeds, which are shiny black or brown [[drift seed]]s. They are flattened uniform ellipsoids, {{convert|1-1.9|cm|in|1|abbr=on|frac=8}} long, {{convert|.8-1.3|cm|in|1|abbr=on|frac=8}} wide and {{convert|4-6.5|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} thick. The ''[[Hilum (biology)|hilum]]'', the base of the ''[[Ovule|funiculus]]'' (connection between placenta and plant seeds) is a surrounded by a significant ''[[arillus]]'' (fleshy seed shell). The dry weight of the seeds is {{convert|55-85|g|oz|0|abbr=off}}/100 seeds.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Mucuna_pruriens.htm |title = Factsheet - Mucuna pruriens |publisher = www.tropicalforages.info |access-date = 2008-02-23 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080515210229/http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Mucuna_pruriens.htm |archive-date = 2008-05-15 }}</ref>
''M.pruriens'' bears white, lavender, or purple [[flower]]s. Its seed pods are about 10&nbsp;cm long<ref name="Rätsch">{{cite book | last = Rätsch | first = Christian | authorlink = Christian Rätsch | title = Enzyklopädie der psychoaktiven Pflanzen. Botanik, Ethnopharmakologie und Anwendungen. | publisher = AT-Verl.| location = Aarau| url = | doi = | isbn = 978-3-85502-570-1| page = 15 }}</ref> and are covered in loose, orange hairs that cause a severe itch if they come in contact with skin. The itch is caused by a protein known as [[mucunain]].<ref name=Reddy>{{cite journal | last1 = Reddy | first1 = V.B. | display-authors = etal | year = 2008 | title = Cowhage-evoked itch is mediated by a novel cysteine protease: a ligand of protease-activated receptors | journal = J. Neurosci | volume = 28 | issue = 17| pages = 4331–4335 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0716-08.2008 | pmid = 18434511 | pmc=2659338}}</ref> The seeds are shiny black or brown [[drift seed]]s.


{{gallery|mode=packed
The dry weight of the seeds is 55 to 85&nbsp;g/100 seeds.<ref>
|Leiden University Library - Seikei Zusetsu vol. 18, page 043 - 黎豆, 八升豆 - Mucuna pruriens (L.), 1804.jpg|19th-century Japanese illustration
{{cite web
|Mucuna pruriens RHS.jpeg|Flowers (colored [[engraving]])
|url=http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Mucuna_pruriens.htm
|Mucuna pruriens (Khajkuiri) in Kawal, AP W2 IMG 1506.jpg|Velvet bean in [[Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[India]]
|title=Factsheet - Mucuna pruriens
|Mucuna-pruriens-fruit.jpg|Seed pod, the hairs of which cause a dire&nbsp;itch
|publisher=www.tropicalforages.info
|Mucuna pruriens fruits.jpg|Mature seed pods
|accessdate=2008-02-23
|Mucuna-pruriens-seeds.jpg|Seeds of two different colors
|Black mucuna Seed.jpg|Pile of seeds
}}
}}
</ref>


==Uses==
=== Chemistry ===
The seeds of the plant contain about 3.1–6.1% {{Nowrap|[[L-DOPA|<small>L</small>-DOPA]]}}.<ref name="toxicology">{{cite book |last1=Dart |first1=Richard C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qDf3AO8nILoC&q=%22mucuna+pruriens%22+alkaloids&pg=PA1679 |title=Medical Toxicology - Google Book Search |year=2004 |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |isbn=978-0-7817-2845-4 |access-date=2008-03-15}}</ref> ''M.&nbsp;pruriens'' var. ''pruriens'' has the highest content of {{Nowrap|{{sm|l}}-DOPA}}. An average of 52.11% degradation of {{Nowrap|{{sm|l}}-DOPA}} into damaging [[quinone]]s and reactive oxygen species was found in seeds of ''M.&nbsp;pruriens'' varieties.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Pulikkalpura H, Kurup R, Mathew PJ, Baby S |date=June 2015 |title=Levodopa in ''Mucuna pruriens'' and its degradation |journal=Scientific Reports |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=11078 |bibcode=2015NatSR...511078P |doi=10.1038/srep11078 |pmc=4460905 |pmid=26058043}}</ref>
[[File:Mucuna-pruriens-seeds.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Mucuna pruriens'' seeds of two different colors]]
[[File:Mucuna-pruriens-fruit.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Mucuna pruriens'' seed pod]]


== Taxonomy ==
In many parts of the world, ''Mucuna pruriens'' is used as an important [[forage]], [[fallow]] and [[green manure]] crop.<ref name="tropical"/> Since the plant is a [[legume]], it [[nitrogen fixing bacteria|fixes nitrogen]] and fertilizes soil.


===Subspecies===
''M. pruriens'' is a widespread fodder plant in the tropics. To that end, the whole plant is fed to animals as silage, dried hay or dried seeds. ''M. pruriens'' silage contains 11-23% crude protein, 35-40% crude fiber, and the dried beans 20-35% crude protein. It also has use in the countries of [[Benin]] and [[Vietnam]] as a biological control for problematic ''[[Imperata cylindrica]]'' grass.<ref name="tropical">
*''Mucuna pruriens'' ssp. ''deeringiana'' <small>(Bort) Hanelt</small>
{{cite web
*''Mucuna pruriens'' ssp. ''pruriens''<ref name="Rätsch" />
|url=http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Mucuna_pruriens.htm
|title=Factsheet - Mucuna pruriens
|publisher=www.tropicalforages.info
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}
</ref> ''M. pruriens'' is said to not be invasive outside its cultivated area.<ref name="tropical"/> However, the plant is known to be invasive within conservation areas of South Florida, where it frequently invades disturbed land and [[South Florida rocklands#Rockland hammock|rockland hammock]] edge habitats.


===Varieties===
''M. pruriens'' is sometimes used as a coffee substitute called "Nescafe" (not to be confused with the commercial brand [[Nescafé]]). Cooked fresh shoots or beans can also be eaten. This requires that they be soaked from at least 30 minutes to 48 hours in advance of cooking, or the water changed up to several times during cooking, since the plant can be toxic to humans. The soaking leaches out the [[levodopa|L-DOPA]], making the product more suitable for consumption. If consumed in large quantities, unprocessed ''M. pruriens'' is toxic to non-[[ruminant]] mammals, including humans.
* ''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''hirsuta'' <small>(Wight & Arn.) [[Christine Melanie Wilmot-Dear|Wilmot-Dear]]</small><ref name="GRIN" />
* ''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''pruriens'' <small>(L.) DC.</small><ref name="policy">[https://web.archive.org/web/20091027113426/http://geocities.com/lepasil1/correct.html Picapica]</ref>
* ''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''sericophylla''<ref name="GRIN" />
* ''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''utilis'' <small>(Wall. ex Wight) L.H.Bailey</small> is the non-stinging variety grown in [[Honduras]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=CANADA: Hotline will help health care officials dealing with opioid cases andrsaquo; Medicine Hat News |url=http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/index.cgi?xfml=1&max=100 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422081439/http://www.drugpolicycentral.com/bot/index.cgi?xfml=1&max=100 |archive-date=2015-04-22 |access-date=2017-08-04 |website=drugpolicycentral.com}}</ref>


==Itch-inducing properties==
===Traditional medicine===
The seeds of ''Mucuna pruriens'' have been used for treating many dysfunctions in Tibb-e-Unani ([[Unani#Unani medicine|Unani Medicine]]).<ref name=Amin>{{cite journal | year = 1996 | url = http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3027853 | title = Sexual function improving effect of Mucuna pruriens in sexually normal male rats | journal = Fitoterapia | volume = 67 | issue = 1 | pages = 53–58 | quote = The seeds of ''M. pruriens'' are used for treating sexual dysfunction in Tibb-e-Unani ([[Unani#Unani medicine|Unani Medicine]]), the traditional system of medicine of Indian subcontinent|name-list-format=vanc|author1 = Amin KMY|author2 = Khan MN| author3 = Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman | display-authors=etal | authorlink3 = Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman }}</ref> It is also used in [[Ayurvedic medicine]].


The hairs lining the seed pods contain serotonin and the protein [[mucunain]], which cause severe itching when the pods are touched.<ref name="ReferenceA" /><ref name="toxicology" /><ref>{{cite journal |author=YERRA RAJESHWAR, MALAYA GUPTA and UPAL KANTI MAZUMDER |year=2005 |title=In Vitro Lipid Peroxidation and Antimicrobial Activity of Mucuna pruriens Seeds |url=http://ijpt.iums.ac.ir/article-1-45-en.html |journal=Iranian Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=32–35}}</ref> The calyx below the flowers is also a source of itchy spicules and the stinging hairs on the outside of the seed pods are used in some brands of [[itching powder]].<ref name="ReferenceA" /><ref name="joglekar">G. V. Joglekar, M. B. Bhide J. H. Balwani. An experimental method for screening antipruritic agents. ''British Journal of Dermatology''. Volume 75 Issue 3 Page 117 - March 1963</ref> Scratching the exposed area can spread the itching to other areas touched, which can cause blindness if in the area of the eyes.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/277203364 |title=The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants |publisher=[[Skyhorse Publishing]] |others=[[United States Department of the Army]] |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-60239-692-0 |location=New York |pages=129 |language=en-US |oclc=277203364}}</ref> Once this happens, the subject tends to scratch vigorously and uncontrollably and for this reason the local populace in northern [[Mozambique]] refer to the beans as "mad beans" (''feijões malucos''). The seed pods are known as "Devil Beans" in [[Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-15 |title=Devil's bean: Wonderful health provider! |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/devils-bean-wonderful-health-provider/ |access-date=2020-01-18 |website=The Sun Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref>
The plant and its extracts have been long used in tribal communities as a toxin antagonist for various snakebites. Research on its effects against ''Naja'' spp. (cobra),<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=19429384 |year=2009 |last1=Tan |first1=NH |last2=Fung |first2=SY |last3=Sim |first3=SM |last4=Marinello |first4=E |last5=Guerranti |first5=R |last6=Aguiyi |first6=JC |title=The protective effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds against snake venom poisoning |volume=123 |issue=2 |pages=356–8 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.025|journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology}}</ref> ''Echis'' (Saw scaled viper),<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene | year = 1999 | volume = 40 | pages = 25–28 | url = http://www.jpmh.org/issues/199940105.pdf| title=Characterization of the factor responsible for the antisnake activity of Mucuna Pruriens’ seeds}}</ref> ''Calloselasma'' (Malayan Pit viper) and ''Bangarus'' (Krait) <ref>http://sphinxsai.com/sphinxsaiVol_2No.1/PharmTech_Vol_2No.1/PharmTech_Vol_2No.1PDF/PT=132%20(870-874).pdf</ref> have shown it has potential use in the prophylactic treatment of snakebites.


==Uses==
Dried leaves of ''M. pruriens'' are sometimes smoked.<ref name="Rätsch"/>
it is also used in siddha system of medicine for various purposes..


In many parts of the world, ''M. pruriens'' is used as an important [[forage]], [[fallow]] and [[green manure]] crop.<ref name="tropical"/> Since the plant is a legume, it [[Nitrogen fixation|fixes nitrogen]] and fertilizes soil. In [[Indonesia]], particularly [[Java]], the beans are eaten and widely known as 'Benguk'. The beans can also be fermented to form a food similar to [[tempeh]] and known as [[Benguk tempe]] or 'tempe Benguk'.
It has long been used in traditional [[Ayurvedic]] Indian medicine in an attempt to treat diseases including [[Parkinson's disease]].<ref name=DoubleBlind/>


''M. pruriens'' is a widespread fodder plant in the tropics. To that end, the whole plant is fed to animals as [[silage]], dried hay or dried seeds. ''M.&nbsp;pruriens'' silage contains 11–23% crude protein, 35–40% crude fiber, and the dried beans 20–35% crude protein. It also has use in the countries of [[Benin]] and [[Vietnam]] as a biological control for problematic ''[[Imperata cylindrica]]'' grass.<ref name="tropical">{{cite web |url=http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Mucuna_pruriens.htm |title=Factsheet - Mucuna pruriens |publisher=www.tropicalforages.info |access-date=2008-05-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515210229/http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Mucuna_pruriens.htm |archive-date=2008-05-15 }}</ref> ''M.&nbsp;pruriens'' is said to not be invasive outside its cultivated area.<ref name="tropical"/> However, the plant is invasive within conservation areas of South Florida, where it frequently invades disturbed land and [[South Florida rocklands#Rockland hammock|rockland hammock]] edge habitats. Cooked fresh shoots or beans can also be eaten. The plant contains relatively high (3–7% dry weight) levels of {{Nowrap|{{sm|l}}-DOPA}},<ref name="JAMA">{{cite journal |last1=Cohen |first1=Pieter A. |last2=Avula |first2=Bharathi |last3=Katragunta |first3=Kumar |last4=Khan |first4=Ikhlas |title=Levodopa Content of Mucuna pruriens Supplements in the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database |journal=JAMA Neurology |date=1 October 2022 |volume=79 |issue=10 |pages=1085–1086 |doi=10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.2184|pmid=35939305 |pmc=9361182 }}</ref> which some people are sensitive to; it can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, arrhythmias, and hypotension.
==Itching-inducing properties==
The hairs lining the seed pods contain a protein known as [[mucunain]], which in addition to the [[5HT]] also present in the plant causes severe [[pruritus|itching]] when touched.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="toxicology"/><ref>{{cite journal | url = http://ijpt.iums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpt/article/viewPDFInterstitial/050401032/189 | author = YERRA RAJESHWAR, MALAYA GUPTA and UPAL KANTI MAZUMDER | title = In Vitro Lipid Peroxidation and Antimicrobial Activity of Mucuna pruriens Seeds| journal = IJPT | volume = 4 | pages = 32–35 | year = 2005}}</ref> The calyx below the flowers is also a source of itchy spicules and the stinging hairs on the outside of the seed pods are used in [[itching powder]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="joglekar">G. V. Joglekar, M. B. Bhide J. H. Balwani. An experimental method for screening antipruritic agents. ''British Journal of Dermatology''. Volume 75 Issue 3 Page 117 - March 1963</ref> Water should not be used if contact occurs, as it only dilutes the chemical. Also, one should avoid scratching the exposed area since this causes the hands to transfer the chemical to all other areas touched. Once this happens, one tends to scratch vigorously and uncontrollably and for this reason the local populace in northern Mozambique refer to the beans as "mad beans" (''feijões malucos''). The seed pods are known as "Devil Beans" in Nigeria.


===Traditional medicine===
==Medical research==
''M. pruriens'' contains [[L-DOPA]], a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine and formulations of the seed powder have been studied for the management and treatment of [[Parkinson's disease]].<ref name=DoubleBlind>{{cite journal|pmc=1738871 | pmid=15548480 | doi=10.1136/jnnp.2003.028761|title=Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study|year=2004|last1=Katzenschlager|first1=R|journal=Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry |volume=75 |issue=12 |pages=1672–7 |last2=Evans |first2=A |last3=Manson |first3=A |last4=Patsalos |first4=PN |last5=Ratnaraj |first5=N |last6=Watt |first6=H |last7=Timmermann |first7=L |last8=Van Der Giessen |first8=R |last9=Lees |first9=AJ }}</ref><ref>Lieu CA. Kunselman AR. Manyam BV. Venkiteswaran K. Subramanian T."A water extract of Mucuna pruriens provides long-term amelioration of parkinsonism with reduced risk for dyskinesias." ''Parkinsonism & Related Disorders.'' 16(7):458-65, 2010 Aug.</ref><ref name=PMID15022157>Manyam BV, Dhanasekaran M, Hare TA. Effect of antiparkinson drug HP-200 (Mucuna pruriens) on the central monoaminergic neurotransmitters. 2004. ''Phytother Res'' 18:97-101. [[Digital object identifier|DOI]]: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1407 10.1002/ptr.1407] '''PMID 15022157'''</ref><ref name=PMID15478206>Manyam BV, Dhanasekaran M, Hare TA. Neuroprotective effects of the antiparkinson drug Mucuna pruriens. 2004. ''Phytother Res'' 18:706-712. [[Digital object identifier|DOI]]: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1514 10.1002/ptr.1514] '''PMID 15478206'''</ref>


The plant and its extracts have long been used in tribal communities as an antidote for [[snakebite]]. More recently, its effects against bites by ''[[Naja]]'' ([[cobra]]),<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Tan NH, Fung SY, Sim SM, Marinello E, Guerranti R, Aguiyi JC | title = The protective effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds against snake venom poisoning | journal = Journal of Ethnopharmacology | volume = 123 | issue = 2 | pages = 356–8 | date = June 2009 | pmid = 19429384 | doi = 10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.025 }}</ref> ''[[Echis]]'' ([[saw-scaled viper]]),<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene | year = 1999 | volume = 40 | pages = 25–28 | url = http://www.jpmh.org/issues/199940105.pdf | title = Characterization of the factor responsible for the antisnake activity of Mucuna Pruriens' seeds | access-date = 2011-03-23 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100923033028/http://www.jpmh.org/issues/199940105.pdf | archive-date = 2010-09-23 | url-status = dead }}</ref> ''[[Calloselasma]]'' ([[Malayan pit viper]]), and ''[[Bungarus]]'' ([[krait]]) species have been studied.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} It has been investigated as a treatment for [[Parkinson's disease]]<ref name="DoubleBlind">{{cite journal | vauthors = Katzenschlager R, Evans A, Manson A, Patsalos PN, Ratnaraj N, Watt H, Timmermann L, Van der Giessen R, Lees AJ | title = Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study | journal = Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry | volume = 75 | issue = 12 | pages = 1672–7 | date = December 2004 | pmid = 15548480 | pmc = 1738871 | doi = 10.1136/jnnp.2003.028761 }}</ref> due to its high {{Nowrap|{{sm|l}}-DOPA}} content,<ref name="Parkinson">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cassani E, Cilia R, Laguna J, Barichella M, Contin M, Cereda E, Isaias IU, Sparvoli F, Akpalu A, Budu KO, Scarpa MT, Pezzoli G | title = Mucuna pruriens for Parkinson's disease: Low-cost preparation method, laboratory measures and pharmacokinetics profile | journal = Journal of the Neurological Sciences | volume = 365 | pages = 175–80 | date = June 2016 | pmid = 27206902 | doi = 10.1016/j.jns.2016.04.001 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="JAMA"/> while the seeds have been recognized for their ability to significantly alleviate neurotoxicity associated with the condition.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Singh|first1=Surya P.|last2=Gedda|first2=Mallikarjuna R.|last3=Jadhav|first3=Jyoti P.|last4=Patil|first4=Ravishankar R.|last5=Zahra|first5=Walia|last6=Singh|first6=Saumitra S.|last7=Birla|first7=Hareram|last8=Rai|first8=Sachchida N.|date=2017|title=Mucuna pruriens Protects against MPTP Intoxicated Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease through NF-κB/pAKT Signaling Pathways|journal=Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience|language=en|volume=9|page=421|doi=10.3389/fnagi.2017.00421|pmid=29311905|pmc=5742110|issn=1663-4365|doi-access=free}}</ref>
In large amounts (~ 30g dose), it has been shown to be as effective as pure [[levodopa]]/[[carbidopa]] in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, but no data on long-term efficacy and tolerability are available.<ref name=DoubleBlind/>


The seeds have also been used for treating mood disorders, as well as for [[sexual dysfunction]] in [[Unani#Unani medicine|Tibb-e-Unani]]<ref name="Amin">{{cite journal |author1=Amin. KMY |author2=Khan. MN |author3=Rahman, Hakim Syed Zillur |author-link3=Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman |display-authors=etal |year=1996 |title=Sexual function improving effect of Mucuna pruriens in sexually normal male rats |url=http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3027853 |url-status=dead |journal=Fitoterapia |volume=67 |issue=1 |pages=53–58 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625052215/http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3027853 |archive-date=2011-06-25 |access-date=2007-05-22 |quote=The seeds of ''M. pruriens'' are used for treating sexual dysfunction in Tibb-e-Unani ([[Unani#Unani medicine|Unani Medicine]]), the traditional system of medicine of Indian subcontinent}}</ref> and [[Ayurvedic medicine]].{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
==Pharmacology==


The dried leaves of ''M. pruriens'' are sometimes smoked.{{why|date=October 2021}}<ref name="Rätsch"/>
In addition to L-DOPA, it contains minor amounts of [[serotonin]], [[5-HTP]], [[nicotine]], [[dimethyltryptamine]], [[bufotenine]], and [[5-MeO-DMT]]. ''M. pruriens'' could potentially have [[Psychedelic drug|psychedelic]] effects, and has purportedly been used in [[ayahuasca]] preparations.<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/mucuna_pruriens/
|title=Erowid Mucuna pruriens Vault
|publisher=www.erowid.org
|accessdate=2008-03-02
}}
</ref>


==See also==
The seeds of the plant contain about 3.1–6.1% [[L-DOPA]],<ref name="toxicology">{{cite book
* [[Medicinal plants]]
|url=http://books.google.com/?id=qDf3AO8nILoC&pg=PA1679&lpg=PA1679&dq=%22mucuna+pruriens%22+alkaloids
|title=Medical Toxicology - Google Book Search
|publisher=books.google.com
|accessdate=2008-03-15
|isbn=978-0-7817-2845-4
|year=2004
}}
</ref> with trace amounts of [[serotonin]], [[nicotine]], [[dimethyltryptamine]]-[[amine oxide|n-oxide]], [[bufotenine]], [[5-MeO-DMT]]-[[amine oxide|n-oxide]], and [[beta-carboline]].<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=644
|title=Species Information
|publisher=sun.ars-grin.gov
|accessdate=2008-03-02
}}
</ref> One study using 36 samples of seeds found no tryptamines present.<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-31916-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html
|title=The phytochemistry, toxicology, and food potential of velvetbean
|publisher=www.idrc.ca
|accessdate=2008-03-02
}}
</ref>


==References==
The leaves contain about 0.5% [[L-DOPA]], 0.006% [[dimethyltryptamine]], 0.0025% [[5-MeO-DMT]] and 0.003% [[dimethyltryptamine]]-[[amine oxide|n-oxide]].<ref>[http://www.rain-tree.com/nescafe-chemicals.pdf Chemical Compounds Found in "Mucuna Puriens"]</ref>


{{reflist|30em}}
The ethanolic extract of leaves of ''Mucuna pruriens'' possesses anticataleptic and antiepileptic effect in albino rats. Dopamine and serotonin may have a role in such activity.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Champatisingh | first1 = D | last2 = Sahu | first2 = P K | last3 = Pal | first3 = A | last4 = Nanda | first4 = G | year = 2011 | title = Anticataleptic and antiepileptic activity of ethanolic extract of leaves of Mucuna pruriens: A study on role of dopaminergic system in epilepsy in albino rats | url = | journal = Indian Journal of Pharmacology | volume = 43 | issue = 2| pages = 197–199 }}</ref>


==External links==
==Nomenclature and taxonomy==
{{NIE Poster|Cowage}}
{{Commons-inline|Mucuna pruriens}}


* [http://www.hear.org/pier/species/mucuna_pruriens.htm ''Mucuna pruriens'' (U.S. Forest Service)]
===Common names===
* [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/mucuna.html www.hort.purdue.edu Crop Fact Sheets]
* ''Bieh'' in the [[Madurese language]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080515210229/http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Mucuna_pruriens.htm ''Mucuna pruriens'' (Tropical Forages)]
* ''Ci mao li dou'' 刺毛黧豆 in Chinese
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081202044636/http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/index.php?mode2=detail&origin=ibids_references&therow=779012 ''Mucuna pruriens'' protects against snakebite venom]
* ''Nasagunnikaayi'' ([ನಸಗೂನ್ಣೆಕಾಯಿ]) in [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
* [http://www.gene.affrc.go.jp/htbin/plant/image/get_logo_e?plno=54245009 ''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''utilis''] (Photos)
* ''Kara benguk '' in the [[Javanese language]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041119073349/http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=644 Chemicals in: Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases)]
* ''Atmagupta'' (आत्मगुप्ता) or ''Kapikacchu'' (कपिकच्छु) in [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090515195255/http://users.lycaeum.org/~mulga/mucuna.htm Lycaeum]
* ''Kiwanch'' (किवांच) or Kooch (कोंच) in [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110409155010/http://www.phcogrev.com/issue1/19.pdf ''Mucuna pruriens'' a Comprehensive Review]
* ''Khaajkuiri'' in [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080531125218/http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-31916-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html ''Mucuna pruriens'' Seed L-DOPA Content on the Basis of Seed Color]
* ''Alkushi''/আলকুশি ([[Bengali language|Bengali]])
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110609131117/http://www.uady.mx/~veterina/publicaciones/journal/2002-2-3/Szabo-b.pdf Research Paper Showing Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis]
* ''Poonaikkaali'' (பூனைக்காலி) in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101229014417/http://www.toddcaldecott.com/index.php/herbs/learning-herbs/349-kapikachu ''Mucuna pruriens'' (Kapikacchu, Atmagupta) entry in Caldecott]
* ''Juckbohne'' (German: "itch bean")<ref name="Rätsch"/>
* ''Fogareté'' (Dominican Republic); ''Picapica'' (everywhere), in [[Spanish language|Spanish]]
* ''Kapikachu''
* ''Werepe'' or Yerepe[[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
* "Devil Beans" (Nigeria) in [[English language|English]]
* ''Duradagondi''(దురదగొండి) or 'Dulagondi' in [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
* ''Feijão maluco'', "mad bean" (Angola and Mozambique); ''pó-de-mico'', "itching powder", ''feijão-da-flórida'', "[[Florida]]'s bean", ''feijão-cabeludo-da-índia'', "hairy/pilous Indian bean", ''feijão-de-gado'', "cattle's bean", ''feijão-mucuna'', "mucuna bean", ''feijão-veludo'', "velvet bean", and ''mucuna-vilosa'', "fleecy mucuna" (Brazil and Portugal), in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]
* ''Chitedze'' (Malawi)
* ''Naykuruna'' (ML:നായ്ക്കുരണ) ([[Malayalam]])
* ''Mah mui'' (TH: หมามุ่ย) in [[Thai language|Thai]]
* ''Đậu mèo rừng, đậu ngứa, móc mèo'' in [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]]
* ''Kavach beej''
* ''Yèrènkpè'' [[Nupe Language]]
* ''Inyelekpe'' (Nigeria) in [[Igala language|Igala]]
* ''Upupu'' in [[Swahili language|Kiswahili]]
* ''Baidanka'' ''ବାଇଡଙ୍କ''in [[Oriya language|Oriya]]
* ''Pois mascate'' (Reunion Island) in [[French language|French]]
* ''Wandhuru Mæ'' in [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]]
* ''Kway lee yerr thee'' in [[Myanmar language|Myanmar]]
* ''Agbala'' (Nigeria) in [[Igbo language|Ibo]]
* "Bandar Kekowa" (বান্দৰ কেকোঁৱা) in [[Assamese language|Assamese]]
*"picapica (puerto rico).
* ''Akpakru'' (Nigeria)[[Ebekwarra language|Bekwarra]]
* "Kauchho" or "Kauso" (काउछो / काउसो ) in [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
* ''Mamui'' (หมามุ่ย) in [[Thai language|Thai]]
* "Huriri" (Zimbabwe)in [[Shona language|Shona]]


{{WestAfricanPlants|Mucuna pruriens}}
===Subspecies===
*''Mucuna pruriens'' ssp. ''deeringiana'' <small>(Bort) Hanelt</small>
*''Mucuna pruriens'' ssp. ''pruriens''<ref name="Rätsch"/>


{{Taxonbar|from=Q953611}}
===Varieties===
*''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''hirsuta'' <small>(Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear</small><ref name="grin">{{cite web
|url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?24652
|title=Mucuna pruriens information from NPGS/GRIN
|publisher=www.ars-grin.gov
|accessdate=2008-02-23
}}</ref>
*''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''pruriens'' <small>(L.) DC.</small> <ref name="policy">[http://web.archive.org/web/20091027113426/http://geocities.com/lepasil1/correct.html Picapica]</ref>
*''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''sericophylla''<ref name="grin"/>
*''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''utilis'' <small>(Wall. ex Wight) L.H.Bailey</small> is the non-stinging variety grown in [[Honduras]].<ref>http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/index.cgi?xfml=1&max=100</ref>

==See also==
*[[Levodopa]]
*[[Medicinal plants]]
*[[Mucunain]]
*[[Psychedelic plants]]

==References==
{{Commons|Mucuna pruriens}}
{{Cookbook|Almond-Cowitch Matcha Smoothie}}
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/agpc/doc/GBASE/data/Pf000054.HTM www.fao.org]
*[http://www.hear.org/pier/species/mucuna_pruriens.htm ''Mucuna pruriens'' (U.S. Forest Service)]
*[http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/mucuna.html www.hort.purdue.edu Crop Fact Sheets]
*[http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Mucuna_pruriens.htm ''Mucuna pruriens'' (Tropical Forages)]
*[http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/index.php?mode2=detail&origin=ibids_references&therow=779012 ''Mucuna pruriens'' protects against snakebite venom]
*[http://www.gene.affrc.go.jp/htbin/plant/image/get_logo_e?plno=54245009 ''Mucuna pruriens'' var. ''utilis''] (Photos)
*[http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=644 Chemicals in: Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases)]
*[http://users.lycaeum.org/~mulga/mucuna.htm Lycaeum]
*[http://www.phcogrev.com/issue1/19.pdf ''Mucuna pruriens'' a Comprehensive Review]
*[http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-31916-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html ''Mucuna pruriens'' Seed L-DOPA Content on the Basis of Seed Color]
*[http://www.uady.mx/~veterina/publicaciones/journal/2002-2-3/Szabo-b.pdf Research Paper Showing Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis]
*{{cite book |last=Caldecott |first=Todd |year=2006 |title=Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life |publisher=Elsevier/Mosby |isbn=0-7234-3410-7 }} Contains a detailed monograph on ''Mucuna pruriens'' (Kapikacchu, Atmagupta) as well as a discussion of health benefits and usage in clinical practice. Available online at http://www.toddcaldecott.com/index.php/herbs/learning-herbs/349-kapikachu
{{WestAfricanPlants|Mucuna pruriens}}


[[Category:Phaseoleae]]
[[Category:Mucuna|pruriens]]
[[Category:Antidepressants]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants of Asia]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Edible legumes]]
[[Category:Edible legumes]]
[[Category:Forages]]
[[Category:Forages]]

Latest revision as of 19:23, 20 November 2024

Mucuna pruriens
Mucuna pruriens inflorescence
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Mucuna
Species:
M. pruriens
Binomial name
Mucuna pruriens
Synonyms[1]
  • Carpogon capitatus Roxb.
  • Carpogon niveus Roxb.
  • Carpopogon capitatus Roxb.
  • Carpopogon niveum Roxb.
  • Carpopogon pruriens (L.) Roxb.
  • Dolichos pruriens L.
  • Macranthus cochinchinensis Lour.
  • Marcanthus cochinchinense Lour.
  • Mucuna aterrima (Piper & Tracy) Holland
  • Mucuna atrocarpa F.P.Metcalf
  • Mucuna axillaris Baker
  • Mucuna bernieriana Baill.
  • Mucuna capitata Wight & Arn.
  • Mucuna cochinchinense (Lour.) A.Chev.
  • Mucuna cochinchinensis (Lour.) A.Chev.
  • Mucuna deeringiana (Bort) Merr.
  • Mucuna esquirolii H. Lév.
  • Mucuna esquirolii H.Lev.
  • Mucuna hassjoo (Piper & Tracy) Mansf.
  • Mucuna hirsuta Wight & Arn.
  • Mucuna luzoniensis Merr.
  • Mucuna lyonii Merr.
  • Mucuna martinii H.Lev. & Vaniot
  • Mucuna minima Haines
  • Mucuna nivea (Roxb.) DC.
  • Mucuna nivea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn.
  • Mucuna prurita (L.) Hook.
  • Mucuna prurita Wight
  • Mucuna sericophylla Perkins
  • Mucuna utilis Wight
  • Mucuna velutina Hassk.
  • Negretia mitis Blanco
  • Stizolobium aterrimum Piper & Tracy
  • Stizolobium capitatum (Roxb.) Kuntze
  • Stizolobium cochinchinense (Lour.) Burk
  • Stizolobium deeringianum Bort
  • Stizolobium hassjoo Piper & Tracy
  • Stizolobium hirsutum (Wight & Arn.) Kuntze
  • Stizolobium niveum (Roxb.) Kuntze
  • Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik.
  • Stizolobium pruritum (Wight) Piper
  • Stizolobium utile (Wall. ex Wight) Ditmer
  • Stizolobium velutinum (Hassk.) Piper & Tracy

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume native to Africa and tropical Asia and widely naturalized and cultivated.[2] Its English common names include monkey tamarind, velvet bean, Bengal velvet bean, Florida velvet bean, Mauritius velvet bean, Yokohama velvet bean, cowage, cowitch, lacuna bean, and Lyon bean.[2] The Tshivenda/Venda language name is Vhulada.

The plant is notorious for the extreme itchiness it produces on contact,[3] particularly with the young foliage and the seed pods. It also produces many medium-sized red swollen bumps along with the itching. It has agricultural and horticultural value and is used in herbalism.

Description

[edit]

Mucuna pruriens is an annual climbing shrub with long vines that can reach over 15 metres (50 feet) in length. When the plant is young, it is almost completely covered with fuzzy hairs, but when older, it is almost completely free of hairs. The leaves are tripinnate, ovate, reverse ovate, rhombus-shaped or widely ovate. The sides of the leaves are often heavily grooved and the tips are pointy. In young specimens, both sides of the leaves have hairs. The stems of the leaflets are 2–3 millimetres (1⁄16–1⁄8 inch) long. Additional adjacent leaves are present and are about 5 mm (1⁄4 in) long.

The flower heads take the form of axially arrayed panicles. They are 15–32 centimetres (6–13 in) long and have two or three, or many flowers, which can be white, lavender, or purple. The accompanying leaves are about 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in) long; the flower stand axes are from 2.5–5 mm (1⁄8–3⁄16 in). The bell is 7.5–9 mm (5⁄16–3⁄8 in) long and silky. The sepals are longer or of the same length as the shuttles. The crown is purplish or white. The flag is 1.5 mm (1⁄16 in) long. The wings are 2.5–3.8 cm (1–1+1⁄2 in) long.

In the fruit-ripening stage, a 4–13 cm (2–5 in) long, 1–2 cm (3⁄8–3⁄4 in) wide, unwinged, leguminous fruit develops. There is a ridge along its length and the husk is covered in loose, orange hairs that cause a severe itch if they contact skin.[4][5] The pods carry up to seven seeds, which are shiny black or brown drift seeds. They are flattened uniform ellipsoids, 1–1.9 cm (3⁄8–3⁄4 in) long, .8–1.3 cm (3⁄8–1⁄2 in) wide and 4–6.5 cm (2–3 in) thick. The hilum, the base of the funiculus (connection between placenta and plant seeds) is a surrounded by a significant arillus (fleshy seed shell). The dry weight of the seeds is 55–85 grams (2–3 ounces)/100 seeds.[6]

  • 19th-century Japanese illustration
    19th-century Japanese illustration
  • Flowers (colored engraving)
    Flowers (colored engraving)
  • Velvet bean in Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, India
    Velvet bean in Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, India
  • Seed pod, the hairs of which cause a dire itch
    Seed pod, the hairs of which cause a dire itch
  • Mature seed pods
    Mature seed pods
  • Seeds of two different colors
    Seeds of two different colors
  • Pile of seeds
    Pile of seeds

Chemistry

[edit]

The seeds of the plant contain about 3.1–6.1% L-DOPA.[7] M. pruriens var. pruriens has the highest content of l-DOPA. An average of 52.11% degradation of l-DOPA into damaging quinones and reactive oxygen species was found in seeds of M. pruriens varieties.[8]

Taxonomy

[edit]

Subspecies

[edit]
  • Mucuna pruriens ssp. deeringiana (Bort) Hanelt
  • Mucuna pruriens ssp. pruriens[5]

Varieties

[edit]
  • Mucuna pruriens var. hirsuta (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear[2]
  • Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens (L.) DC.[9]
  • Mucuna pruriens var. sericophylla[2]
  • Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (Wall. ex Wight) L.H.Bailey is the non-stinging variety grown in Honduras.[10]

Itch-inducing properties

[edit]

The hairs lining the seed pods contain serotonin and the protein mucunain, which cause severe itching when the pods are touched.[3][7][11] The calyx below the flowers is also a source of itchy spicules and the stinging hairs on the outside of the seed pods are used in some brands of itching powder.[3][12] Scratching the exposed area can spread the itching to other areas touched, which can cause blindness if in the area of the eyes.[13] Once this happens, the subject tends to scratch vigorously and uncontrollably and for this reason the local populace in northern Mozambique refer to the beans as "mad beans" (feijões malucos). The seed pods are known as "Devil Beans" in Nigeria.[14]

Uses

[edit]

In many parts of the world, M. pruriens is used as an important forage, fallow and green manure crop.[15] Since the plant is a legume, it fixes nitrogen and fertilizes soil. In Indonesia, particularly Java, the beans are eaten and widely known as 'Benguk'. The beans can also be fermented to form a food similar to tempeh and known as Benguk tempe or 'tempe Benguk'.

M. pruriens is a widespread fodder plant in the tropics. To that end, the whole plant is fed to animals as silage, dried hay or dried seeds. M. pruriens silage contains 11–23% crude protein, 35–40% crude fiber, and the dried beans 20–35% crude protein. It also has use in the countries of Benin and Vietnam as a biological control for problematic Imperata cylindrica grass.[15] M. pruriens is said to not be invasive outside its cultivated area.[15] However, the plant is invasive within conservation areas of South Florida, where it frequently invades disturbed land and rockland hammock edge habitats. Cooked fresh shoots or beans can also be eaten. The plant contains relatively high (3–7% dry weight) levels of l-DOPA,[16] which some people are sensitive to; it can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, arrhythmias, and hypotension.

Traditional medicine

[edit]

The plant and its extracts have long been used in tribal communities as an antidote for snakebite. More recently, its effects against bites by Naja (cobra),[17] Echis (saw-scaled viper),[18] Calloselasma (Malayan pit viper), and Bungarus (krait) species have been studied.[citation needed] It has been investigated as a treatment for Parkinson's disease[19] due to its high l-DOPA content,[20][16] while the seeds have been recognized for their ability to significantly alleviate neurotoxicity associated with the condition.[21]

The seeds have also been used for treating mood disorders, as well as for sexual dysfunction in Tibb-e-Unani[22] and Ayurvedic medicine.[citation needed]

The dried leaves of M. pruriens are sometimes smoked.[why?][5]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d "Mucuna pruriens". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  3. ^ a b c Andersen HH, Elberling J, Arendt-Nielsen L (September 2015). "Human surrogate models of histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch" (PDF). Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 95 (7): 771–7. doi:10.2340/00015555-2146. PMID 26015312.
  4. ^ Reddy VB, Iuga AO, Shimada SG, LaMotte RH, Lerner EA (April 2008). "Cowhage-evoked itch is mediated by a novel cysteine protease: a ligand of protease-activated receptors". The Journal of Neuroscience. 28 (17): 4331–5. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0716-08.2008. PMC 2659338. PMID 18434511.
  5. ^ a b c Rätsch, Christian (1998). Enzyklopädie der psychoaktiven Pflanzen. Botanik, Ethnopharmakologie und Anwendungen. Aarau: AT-Verl. p. 15. ISBN 978-3-85502-570-1.
  6. ^ "Factsheet - Mucuna pruriens". www.tropicalforages.info. Archived from the original on 2008-05-15. Retrieved 2008-02-23.
  7. ^ a b Dart, Richard C. (2004). Medical Toxicology - Google Book Search. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-0-7817-2845-4. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  8. ^ Pulikkalpura H, Kurup R, Mathew PJ, Baby S (June 2015). "Levodopa in Mucuna pruriens and its degradation". Scientific Reports. 5 (1): 11078. Bibcode:2015NatSR...511078P. doi:10.1038/srep11078. PMC 4460905. PMID 26058043.
  9. ^ Picapica
  10. ^ "CANADA: Hotline will help health care officials dealing with opioid cases andrsaquo; Medicine Hat News". drugpolicycentral.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-22. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  11. ^ YERRA RAJESHWAR, MALAYA GUPTA and UPAL KANTI MAZUMDER (2005). "In Vitro Lipid Peroxidation and Antimicrobial Activity of Mucuna pruriens Seeds". Iranian Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 4 (1): 32–35.
  12. ^ G. V. Joglekar, M. B. Bhide J. H. Balwani. An experimental method for screening antipruritic agents. British Journal of Dermatology. Volume 75 Issue 3 Page 117 - March 1963
  13. ^ The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants. United States Department of the Army. New York: Skyhorse Publishing. 2009. p. 129. ISBN 978-1-60239-692-0. OCLC 277203364.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  14. ^ "Devil's bean: Wonderful health provider!". The Sun Nigeria. 2018-11-15. Retrieved 2020-01-18.
  15. ^ a b c "Factsheet - Mucuna pruriens". www.tropicalforages.info. Archived from the original on 2008-05-15. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  16. ^ a b Cohen, Pieter A.; Avula, Bharathi; Katragunta, Kumar; Khan, Ikhlas (1 October 2022). "Levodopa Content of Mucuna pruriens Supplements in the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database". JAMA Neurology. 79 (10): 1085–1086. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.2184. PMC 9361182. PMID 35939305.
  17. ^ Tan NH, Fung SY, Sim SM, Marinello E, Guerranti R, Aguiyi JC (June 2009). "The protective effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds against snake venom poisoning". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 123 (2): 356–8. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.025. PMID 19429384.
  18. ^ "Characterization of the factor responsible for the antisnake activity of Mucuna Pruriens' seeds" (PDF). Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene. 40: 25–28. 1999. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-23. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  19. ^ Katzenschlager R, Evans A, Manson A, Patsalos PN, Ratnaraj N, Watt H, Timmermann L, Van der Giessen R, Lees AJ (December 2004). "Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study". Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. 75 (12): 1672–7. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2003.028761. PMC 1738871. PMID 15548480.
  20. ^ Cassani E, Cilia R, Laguna J, Barichella M, Contin M, Cereda E, Isaias IU, Sparvoli F, Akpalu A, Budu KO, Scarpa MT, Pezzoli G (June 2016). "Mucuna pruriens for Parkinson's disease: Low-cost preparation method, laboratory measures and pharmacokinetics profile". Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 365: 175–80. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2016.04.001. PMID 27206902.
  21. ^ Singh, Surya P.; Gedda, Mallikarjuna R.; Jadhav, Jyoti P.; Patil, Ravishankar R.; Zahra, Walia; Singh, Saumitra S.; Birla, Hareram; Rai, Sachchida N. (2017). "Mucuna pruriens Protects against MPTP Intoxicated Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease through NF-κB/pAKT Signaling Pathways". Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 9: 421. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2017.00421. ISSN 1663-4365. PMC 5742110. PMID 29311905.
  22. ^ Amin. KMY; Khan. MN; Rahman, Hakim Syed Zillur; et al. (1996). "Sexual function improving effect of Mucuna pruriens in sexually normal male rats". Fitoterapia. 67 (1): 53–58. Archived from the original on 2011-06-25. Retrieved 2007-05-22. The seeds of M. pruriens are used for treating sexual dysfunction in Tibb-e-Unani (Unani Medicine), the traditional system of medicine of Indian subcontinent
[edit]
Wikisource has the text of the 1905 New International Encyclopedia article "Cowage".

Media related to Mucuna pruriens at Wikimedia Commons

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Mucuna_pruriens&oldid=1258629086"