Reviewed by Experts
Mucuna Pruriens, commonly known as Velvet bean or Kaunch seeds or Kiwach, is a legume that grows in tropical regions of Africa, India, and the Caribbean. The plant has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments. The seeds of the plant contain a high concentration of L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the regulation of mood, movement, and motivation. [1] In recent years, the health benefits of Mucuna Pruriens have gained significant attention from researchers, and several studies have shown its potential in treating various health conditions. In this article, we will discuss the top ten amazing health benefits of Mucuna Pruriens and the scientific evidence behind them.
10 Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens
1. Improves Mood and Reduces Stress
Primary Benefit: As mentioned earlier, the plant contains a high concentration of L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and motivation. [1] [2]
Secondary Benefit: Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens can increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce stress levels. [1] [2]
2. Improves Cognitive Function
Primary Benefit: Another significant health benefit of Mucuna Pruriens is its ability to improve cognitive function. Dopamine plays a crucial role in regulating cognitive function, including attention, memory, and learning. Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens can improve cognitive function in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments. [3]
Secondary Benefit: Along with improving cognitive function Mucuna Pruriens supplements can also boost your memory. [3]
3. Enhances Sexual Function
Primary Benefits: Mucuna Pruriens has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac in Ayurvedic medicine. Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens can enhance sexual function in both men and women. The plant contains a high concentration of L-DOPA, which can increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, leading to improved sexual function. [4]
Secondary Benefits: Mucuna Pruriens can improve sexual function and satisfaction in men with infertility. [4]
4. Reduces Inflammation
Primary Benefit: Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to several health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens can reduce inflammation in the body. [5]
Secondary Benefit: Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory effect can help combat oxidative stress and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. [6]
5. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Primary Benefit: High blood sugar levels can lead to several health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens can lower blood sugar levels in the body. [7] [8]
Secondary Benefit: Mucuna Pruriens also helps bring down blood sugar levels of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. [7] [8]
6. Helps manage Neurological Disorders
Primary Benefit: Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The disease is characterised by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens can help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. [9]
Secondary Benefit: A study has found that Mucuna Pruriens improved motor function and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease. [9]
7. Boosts Immune System
Primary Benefit: The immune system is the body’s defence against infections and diseases. Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens can boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections. [10]
Secondary Benefit: The herb also inhibits the cell mediated immune response and helps in fighting inflammatory disorders. [10]
8. Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. Lack of sleep can lead to several health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens can improve sleep quality and duration. [11]
9. Protects Against Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are characterised by the progressive loss of neurons in the brain, leading to cognitive decline and motor impairments. Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens can protect against neurodegenerative diseases by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. [9] [12]
10. Anti-Cancer Properties
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and finding new ways to prevent and treat the disease is a top priority for researchers. Several studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens has anti-cancer properties, and may help prevent the development of certain types of cancer. [9]
FAQs
1. How is Mucuna Pruriens consumed?
Mucuna Pruriens can be consumed in several forms, including as a powder, capsule, or extract. It can also be brewed as a tea or used in cooking.
2. Are there any side effects of consuming Mucuna Pruriens?
Mucuna Pruriens is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts. However, some people may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It is also important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming Mucuna Pruriens, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.
3. Where can I buy Mucuna Pruriens?
Mucuna Pruriens is available for purchase online or at health food stores. It is important to purchase from a reputable source to ensure the product’s quality and purity.
4. Can Mucuna Pruriens be used as a replacement for conventional medication?
Mucuna Pruriens should not be used as a replacement for conventional medication without consulting a healthcare professional. While it may have potential health benefits, it is important to follow the advice of a healthcare professional to ensure proper treatment of any medical condition.
5. Is Mucuna Pruriens safe for everyone to consume?
While Mucuna Pruriens is generally safe for most people to consume, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before use. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid consuming Mucuna Pruriens, as there is not enough research to determine its safety in these populations. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications may need to avoid Mucuna Pruriens due to potential interactions or adverse effects.
Conclusion
Mucuna pruriens is a potent natural supplement that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its numerous health benefits. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement to ensure that it is safe for you and will not interact with any medications you are currently taking. With its diverse range of health benefits and natural origins, Mucuna pruriens is definitely worth considering as a supplement to support overall health and well-being.
Disclaimer: This article is from a health and wellness perspective only and does not constitute medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a trained medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
References:
- The Magic Velvet Bean of Mucuna pruriens
- Antidepressant Effect Of Mucuna Pruriens Ethanol Extract In The Forced Swimming Test And Chronic Mild Stress Models Of Depression
- Cognitive Enhancing and Antioxidative Potentials of Velvet Beans (Mucuna pruriens) and Horseradish (Moringa oleifera) Seeds Extracts: A Comparative Study
- Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis
- Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. seed extract inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 microglial cells
- A Review On Phytochemistry And Pharmacological Activity Of Parts Of Mucuna Pruriens Used As An Ayurvedic Medicine
- Phytochemical evaluation by GC-MS and antihyperglycemic activity of Mucuna pruriens on Streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats
- An assessment of potential nutritive and medicinal properties of Mucuna pruriens: a natural food legume
- Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson’s and in some other diseases: recent advancement and future prospective
- Studies on Immunomodulatory Activity of Mucuna Pruriens
- A Dietary Supplement Containing Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean Improves Sleep Quality in Men and Women
- Ayur-informatics: Establishing an in-silico-ayurvedic medication for Alzheimer’s disease
