Health Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens

Mucuna Pruriens, one of the common Ayurvedice herbs, is also known as velvet bean or cowhage. Mucuna pruriens contains L-Dopa. Mucuna has been used for generations in India for Parkinson’s disease. L-dopa is used to make dopamine, an important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and movement. Studies in rats show mucuna pruriens supplements influence dopamine content in the cortex of the brain. Mucuna pruriens has antioxidant properties.

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume native to Africa and tropical Asia and widely naturalized and cultivated. Its English common names include velvet bean, Bengal velvet bean, Florida velvet bean, Mauritius velvet bean, Yokohama velvet bean, cowage, cowitch, lacuna bean, Lyon bean, Donkey eye monkey tamarind, and Buffalo beans (the last also refers to Thermopsisrhombifolia. The plant is notorious for the extreme itchiness it produces on contact^, 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, or Velvet Bean, is a bean that grows from trees and is very itchy to touch due to serotonin on its surface. It is a good source of L-DOPA, and contains some other molecules that may aid the benefits of L-DOPA. The other psychoactives in Mucuna are dosed too low to be relevant. Mucuna has been used for generations in India for Parkinson’s disease. L-dopa converts into dopamine, an important brain chemical involved in mood, sexual desire, and body movement. How well this herb works in Parkinson’s disease is just beginning to be evaluated in research studies and no definitive conclusions can yet be made but the early clinical trials look promising.

Health Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens Extract

• Supports a healthy central & peripheral nervous system
• Supports the body’s ability to handle stress
• Is a natural source of levodopa (L-dopa)
• Supports physical balance & posture
• Promotes healthy motor skills & coordination
• Improves energy & endurance
• Supports the intellect
• Bolsters libido
• Revitalizes both the male & female reproductive systems

As An Antioxidant Body

Too much oxidation with the skin can cause free radicals. Therefore, it is necessary to get as many as we can the antioxidants that are useful to prevent the occurrence of free radicals. Mucuna Pruriens is also one of the plants that contain flavonoids that produce antioxidants or as anti-oxidation.

Treating Diarrhea

Eating foods and beverages containing flavonoids like Mucuna Pruriens is also beneficial for the digestion system. The benefit is to keep the body from lack of fluids that can result in diarrhea. This disease is often infected especially in children.

Protein Producer and Energy Source

It is also beneficial as one source of protein substitutes other than the more expensive meats and contains other substances. Mucuna Pruriens serves as an essential nutrient in the body.

Maintain the Nervous System

The content of vitamin B1, phosphorus, and iron in Mucuna Pruriens is very important in keeping the nervous system functioning properly.

Prevent Aging Skin

The content of flavonoids in Mucuna Pruriens also useful in preventing premature aging. Self-aging can occur because the skin is often exposed to air pollution and direct sunlight. In addition, flavonoid also protects and maintains skin health.

Reduce the Absorption of Excessive Cholesterol

Mucuna Pruriens has saponin content. This saponin serves to lower cholesterol levels in the body. This content will bind bile acids and cause cholesterol bound. So this plant is often called an anti-cholesterol plant.