Mucuna pruriens / Mucuna / Leguminosae (Pea family)

Information

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Other Names

Dolichos pruriens, Dolichos pruriens, Stizolobium pruriens, Mucuna prurita, Setae Siliquae Hirsutae, Nescafé, Mucuna, Pó de Mico, Fava-Coceira, Cabeca-de-Frade, Cowage, Cowitch, Cowhage, Cow-itch, Kiwach, Velvet Bean, Bengal Bean, Mauritius Bean, Itchy Bean, True Sea-Bean, Mule Bean, Ox-eye Bean, Banana Field Bean, Hamburger Bean, Buffalo Bean, Velvetbean, Krame, Picapica, Chiporro, Coffee, Fagiolo Di Rio Negro, Fogarate, Jeukerwt, Juckbohne, Kratzbohnen, Kuhkratze, Nd, Pien Tou, Pois A Gatter, Cadjuet, Liane à gratter, Pois pouilleux, Ceil de bourrique, Pois velus, Pois Gratte, Swagupta, T'Ao Hung King, Kekara Gatel, Rarawejah, Ojo de Buey, Ojo de Venado, Ojo de Llama, Kaw Ai, Kevatch, Kapi Kacchu, Quenk Mula, Frijol de Abono.

Description

Mucuna pruriens is a climbing plant originating from tropical America. The pods are covered with stinging hairs that cause irritation. The seeds of Mucuna pruriens are also known as "Velvet beans". In Central America, Velvet beans have been roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute for decades: "Nescafé" it is called in these regions as well as in Brazil. It is still grown as a food crop by the Ketchi indigenous people in Guatemala where the bean is cooked as a vegetable. In Brazil the seeds have also been used as a medicine. It also has a long history of use in Indian Ayurveda. The seeds are known to enhance the mental function, support normal control of physical movements, and strengthen the immune system. They also enhance the libido and support both the male and female sexual function. For women they also normalise the menstrual blood flow and support the health of the reproductive organs. The seeds of Mucuna pruriens are high in protein, carbohydrates and minerals. They are also rich in alkaloids and are an important natural source of L-dopa.