COWHAGE, Kevanch, Mucuna Pruriens, किवांच
Indian Name : Atmagupta
Botanical Name : Mucuna Pruriens
Other Names : Kiwanch, Cowitch,
Kapikachhu, Velvet bean, Cowhage plant, Mad Beans, Atmagupta, आत्मगुप्ता, Kapikacchu,
कपिकच्छु, किवांच, Konch, कोंच, Yoruba, Kevanch, Kivanch
The
plant is notorious for the extreme itchiness it produces on contact,
particularly with the young foliage and the seed pods. The hairs lining the
seed pods and the small spicules on the leaves
contain 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) which cause severe itching when touched.
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. In India, the
application of cow dung and unrefined moist tobacco are very effective to treat
the itching caused by the spicules of this herb.
The
seeds must 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
otherwise the plant can be toxic to humans. The plant and its extracts are used
as a toxin antagonist for various snakebites and for diseases including Parkinson's disease as well as for treating anxiety,
arthritis, parasitic infections, and a condition called hyperprolactinemia (Prolactin
hormone is too high in blood). Kiwanch is sometimes used as a coffee
substitute called "Nescafe" (not to be confused with the commercial
brand Nescafé).Its seed powder contains high concentrations of levodopa, a
direct precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Root
is used as a remedy in facial paralysis and nervous
disorders. Decoction of the roots purifies the
blood, cures rheumatism, asthma, cough, stone in the bladder and
improves vitality. It is also used for fevers, edema, and elephantiasis.
Another
benefit of Mucuna is that it can increase the production
of human growth hormone, and extracts are commonly sold as body-building
supplements. Mucuna has also been shown to have
diuretic effects. It increases tissue resiliency and improves
coordination. In history, Mucuna has been used as an
aphrodisiac. It is still used to increase libido
in both men and women due to its dopamine inducing properties. Dopamine
has a profound influence on sexual function.
Medicinal
Properties and Benefits of Seeds:
1.
It act as
precursor of the neural transmitter dopamine.
2.
It causes
significant effect on glucose metabolism and arterial blood pressure.
3.
It stimulates the
natural release of growth hormone.
4.
It functions to
activate depressor neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and caudal
ventrolateral medulla (CVLM).
5.
It plays major
roles as a neurotransmitter for baroreceptor reflex and blood pressure
regulation. 6. It reduces body fat and decreases cellulite.
6.
It is used to
cure fertility disorders, Parkinson’s disease and leprosy.
7.
It is useful in
constipation, strangury, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and ulcers.
It is used in inflammations, verminfuge and
general debility.NOTE: Please take an expert advice as per your requirement to confirm the benefits and doses.
