Kaunch Beej

Mucuna Pruriens or Kaunch Beej is a well known herb, used for the treatment of male infertility, sexual health related issues, nervous disorders and as an aphrodisiac. It’s seeds are considered most important due to it’s various medicinal properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used to treat Parkinson’s disease due to its neuroprotective effects, which has been attributed to one of it’s main constituent L-Dopa.

Background

Mucuna Pruriens, also known as Velvet Bean, Kaunch Beej, Cowitch, Werepe, Karara, and Agbara, belongs to the Fabaceae family, and is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Apart from medicinal usage, it is also considered a rich source of dietary proteins due to its high protein concentration (around 30-35%).

 

Mucuna Pruriens – Kaunch Beej

 

There are different varieties of Mucuna Pruriens cultivated across the globe which differs by the characteristics of the pubescence on the pod, color of the seed and the time taken to harvest the pod. The most abundant types are Cowitch and Cowhage, having long stinging hairs on the pod, human contact of which results in intense itching. The nonstinging types are known as Velvet Bean which has appressed silky hairs.

Velvet Bean has its origin in China and Eastern India, and is cultivated across Asia, America, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, as green vegetable crop where its pods are used for human consumption and green leaves as animal fodder.

It is known as a fairly resilient crop with reasonable tolerance for drought, soil infertility, and high soil acidity, however, they are sensitive to cold climate and wet soils. It grows very well under warm, moist conditions with good rainfall.

Velvet Bean is also a commercial source of L-dopa, which is mainly used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In Guatemala and Mexico, Mucuna Pruriens has traditionally been roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute.

Chemical Composition

Mucuna Pruriens contains:

• L-DOPA, or Levodopa
• Nicotinic Acid
• Tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids
• Serotonin and its precursor, 5-HTP
• NN-dimethyltryptamine and 5-MeO-dimethyltryptamine (bufotenin) in the seed
• Beta-Carboline
• Mucunain, a compound that causes itches when skin comes into contact with Mucuna species
• Various saponins, anthraquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and tannins
• A glycoprotein inhibitor of protein digestive enzymes
• Behenic Acid, a dietary fatty acid with low bioavailability
• In the cotyledon of the plant, CoQ10 and Nicotine adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)
• D-chiro Inositol
• Basic dietary minerals in small amounts, such as Selenium, Iron and Magnesium

 

General Health Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens

Classical Usage of Mucuna Pruriens in Ayurveda

• Mucuna Pruriens is of great importance in Ayurvedic medicine which has been using it since ancient times for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions and Parkinson’s disease, including other nervous disorders.
• It is considered one of the most potent aphrodisiac that boosts sexual desire, treats premature ejaculation, improves sperm quality, increases testosterone level and improves erection strength.
• Mucuna Pruriens beans extracts have been very effective in the treatment of Arthritis related issues.
• According to Ayurvedic texts, if the paste of Mucuna Pruriens beans is applied on scorpion stings, it is thought to absorb the poison.
• Ayurveda experts recommend Mucuna Pruriens for its Anti-epileptic and anti-neoplastic activity.
• Mucuna Pruriens beans are believed to possess significant anti-oxidant activity, and are considered a potential source of natural anti-oxidants.
• It has been found to be very effective in the treatment of various Diabetic related health issues.
• Traditional healing systems based on natural herbs have been using Mucuna Pruriens for it’s anti-helminthic and anti-microbial activities.
• It is also known to have anti-venom properties and it’s seeds are used in traditional medicine to prevent the toxic effects of snake bites.
• Mucuna Pruriens is considered a potent neuroprotective herb and has been used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.

Scientific Studies on General Health Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens

Parkinson’s Disease – Mucuna Pruriens beans are a rich source of L-dopa. L-dopa is known as a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is used as first-line treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Clinical studies have found that L-dopa derived from Mucuna Pruriens is therapeutically much better than synthetic L-dopa as it can cause many side effects when used for a prolonged period.

Further studies have suggested that synthetic L-dopa can increase DNA damage through copper ions in the brain, whereas some other compounds present in Mucuna Pruriens can alleviate this damage through metal chelating effect. L-dopa in Mucuna Pruriens has been found to be 2-3 times more effective in compared to synthesized L-dopa, which is believed to be due to Dopamine Decarboxylase inhibitor in Mucuna Pruriens.^{1, 2, 3}

Snake Venom Poisoning – Mucuna Pruriens seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat the toxic effects of snake bites. Clinical investigations have found that its seed extract contains multiform glycoprotein, an immunogenic component, which stimulates the production of anti-bodies that cross-react with certain venom proteins (Guerranti et al., 2004).

Anti-microbial Properties – Phytochemical compounds are known to possess anti-microbial properties. Parts of the plant which contains the highest concentration of phytochemicals are preferred for medicinal purposes. Methanolic extracts of Mucuna Pruriens leaves have been found to have anti-bacterial properties, which is due to the presence of phenols and tannins (Ogundare and Olorunfemi, 2007).

Anti-diabetic Effect – Clinical studies have found Mucuna Pruriens to have anti-diabetic effect. In one study, supplementation of its seeds reduced plasma glucose levels. Studies have suggested that anti-diabetic properties of its seeds are due to d-chiro-inositol and its galacto-derivatives.

Anti-oxidant Activity – Pathological cell metabolism is responsible for the production of free radicals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) react with free radicals to become radicals themselves. Anti-oxidants protect from damaging effects of ROS, lipid peroxidation, protein damage and DNA strand breakage.

Phenolic compounds, which includes phenolic acids, polyphenols and flavonoids, help remove free radicals such as peroxide, hydroperoxide or lipid peroxyle, thus work as very effective anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic agents.

Clinical investigations have found that Mucuna Pruriens plant and seed extract, which contains large amounts of phenolic compounds, are significant source of natural anti-oxidant, helpful in preventing various oxidative stresses. (Kottai Muthu et al. 2010)

Skin Conditions – Skin happens to be the largest organ of our body, which easily becomes the target of various exogenous toxicity such as O3, cigarette smoke, environmental pollution, UV radiation etc, increasing oxidative stress that results in several skin pathologies, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema etc. Studies have found that anti-oxidative properties of Mucuna Pruriens plant and seed extract are very helpful in alleviating skin related conditions. (Lampariello et al., 2011).

Noradrenaline – Noradrenaline is known as a ‘fight or flight’ chemical, as it is responsible for the body’s reaction to stressful situations. Supplementation of Mucuna Pruriens has been found to be helpful in maintaining normal level of noradrenaline.

Interactions with Glucose Metabolism – Mucuna Pruriens seed extract has been found to be very effective in curbing blood sugar level in diabetic as well as normal individuals.^{4, 5, 6, 7}

Memory and Cognition – Mucuna Pruriens has been found to be effective in long term memory formation.⁸

Neuroprotective Properties – In one clinical study, Mucuna Pruriens has been found to restore levels of serotonin and catecholamines in the brain area associated with Parkinson’s, whereas synthesized L-dopa was not able to do this.⁹

 

Mucuna Pruriens for Sexual Health

Enhances Libido and Fertility

Prolonged supplementation of Mucuna Pruriens seed powder has been found to increase sperm count, sperm motility and various other parameters of semen, indicative of increased fertility.^{10, 11, 12}

In another study, supplementation of its seed powder significantly increased libido, erectile strength, ejaculation latency, and has been found to alleviate penile tissue damage caused by Diabetes.^{13, 14, 15}

Improves Testosterone Level

Testosterone is important for a man’s sex drive and performance. Dip in testosterone level can cause low libido, erectile dysfunction and may hamper sexual performance.

Mucuna Pruriens seed extract has been shown to improve Testosterone level significantly. Its main component L-dopa, a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, leads to increase in serum dopamine which suppresses prolectin secretion and thus, alleviates it’s adverse effects on libido and testosterone, both.¹⁶

Improves Adrenaline Level

Adrenaline activates the sympathetic nervous system, which increases our heart rate and dilates arteries to increase blood flow to our muscles during sex. During intercourse, increased amounts of adrenaline are released from the adrenal glands. This chemical amplifies the circulatory system with each heart contraction, which is essential for sufficient erection in males. Mucuna Pruriens has been found to have increasing effect on the Adrenaline level, which enhances fertility as well as sexual performance.

Improves Dopamine Level

Release of Dopamine in our brains is responsible for the experience of pleasure, therefore, it is considered very important for boosting sex drive. Also, low level of Dopamine is associated with infertility. L-dopa is known as a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies have found Mucuna Pruriens increases Dopamine level, possibly through it’s main ingredient L-dopa.¹⁶

Reduces Prolactin Level

Prolactin is a hormone, linked to the feeling of sexual satisfaction after ejaculation. It also mediates the refractory period or “recovery time” before going for another orgasm. High level of Prolactin increases the duration of refractory period. Mucuna Pruriens has been shown to curb Prolactin levels through increasing Dopamine level, which suppresses prolactin secretion.^{16, 17} This way it shortens recovery time leading to increased frequency of sex, and with passion running high on increased dopamine level, it enhances sexual performance.

Anti-stress effect

We all know that hormones affect our bodies in numerous ways. Cortisol is one of the hormones produced by stress. If elevated levels of Cortisol are being produced for a prolonged period of time, they suppress our sex hormones which results in lower libido. Mucuna Pruriens has been found to significantly reduce cortisol concentrations, thus alleviating the symptoms of stress and its comorbidities e.g. fatigue, temporary cognitive impairment, etc.

 

Recommended Dosage

As a supplement, 5g/day of Mucuna Pruriens dried seed powder works with best efficacy in different conditions., including sexual health related issues.

It can also be eaten as a food product due to its rich protein content, but cooking is needed to destroy trypsin inhibitors in the beans to facilitate protein absorption. However, cooking also destroys L-DOPA.

 

Conclusion

Mucuna Pruriens is an exceptional plant. Being a good source of nutrients, almost all parts of the plant possess medicinal properties. Clinical investigations as well as its usage in traditional medicine systems across the globe, both, have found it very effective as a neuroprotective agent and sexual health enhancer. It is a wonderful herb for sexual wellness, which increases sperm quality, improves libido, enhances erectogenic properties, and maintains level of essential hormones, required for a great sexual health.

 

Reference:

1. Anti-Parkinson botanical Mucuna pruriens prevents levodopa induced plasmid and genomic DNA damage
2. Antiparkinson drug–Mucuna pruriens shows antioxidant and metal chelating activity.
3. A water extract of Mucuna pruriens provides long-term amelioration of parkinsonism with reduced risk for dyskinesias.
4. Evaluation of the anti-diabetic properties of Mucuna pruriens seed extract.
5. The effect of Momordica charantia and Mucuna pruriens in experimental diabetes and their effect on key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
6. Prevention of experimental diabetic cataract by Indian Ayurvedic plant extracts.
7. Hypoglycemic effect of Mucuna pruriens seed extract on normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats.
8. Investigation of neuropsychopharmacological effects of a polyherbal formulation on the learning and memory process in rats.
9. Neuroprotective effects of the antiparkinson drug Mucuna pruriens.
10. Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.
11. A proton NMR study of the effect of Mucuna pruriens on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males.
12. Mucuna pruriens Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in Infertile Men.
13. Dose- and time-dependent effects of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed on sexual behaviour of normal male rats.
14. Estimating the Maximum Safe Starting Dose in Initial Clinical Trials for Therapeutics in Adult Healthy Volunteers
15. Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on oxidative stress-induced structural alteration of corpus cavernosum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.
16. Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.
17. In vitro studies on the regulation of prolactin secretion in the bullfrog pituitary gland.

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treatment of men’s and women’s sexual health and general health conditions without consulting the doctor. While we review and promote nutrients, herbs, Ayurvedic medicines, and alternative therapies for men’s and women’s sexual health and general health conditions, you must consult an authorized physician before taking any of the products.

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