Description:

Bengali Name : Alkushi
Chinese Name : Ci mao li dou, Chi huseh teng
English Name : Cow-Itch Plant, Cowhage, Velvet Bean
French Name : Pois à gratter, Cadjuet, Pois velus
German Name : Juckbohne, Juckfasel
Gujarati Name : Kavach, Kaucha
Hindi Name : Kaunch, Konch, Kavach, Kevanch
Kannada Name : Nasugunne
Latin name : Mucuna pruriens Baker.
Marathi Name : Khajkuhilee, Kavach
Punjabi Name : Koonch, Kawanch
Sanskrit Name : Kapikachchhu, Atmagupta
Urdu Name : Konch

Description: The seeds are anthelmintic, good aphrodisiac,astringent, nervine tonic, nutritive, rejuvenative and alsospermatogenetic. It is used in the treatment of prematureejaculation, spermatorrhoea and diseases of the genitourinarysystem. Is a prophylactic against oligospermia, ovulation in women,etc. and is useful in increasing sperm count and improving theirquality. It prevents male and female sterility. Also useful inerectile dysfunction and sexual debility and increases testosteronelevels. Also prescribed in diseases of the nervous system, facialparalysis and hemiplegia. The herb increases the level of dopamine,scrotonin and other catecholamines in the brain and body to theextent that it induces mood elevation and relieves depression.
The seeds due to the presence of L-DOPA (yield 1.5%)and nicotineare in great demand. L-DOPA is a neurotransmitter precursor, and iseffective for relief in Parkinson’s disease. In a 1995 study,Hp-200 (derived from the Ayurvedic therapeutic agent Mucuna prurienseed powder, as opposed to isolated active ingredients) was testedon 60 patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease for 12 weeks. Acontrol sample of 26 patients were given synthetic treatments. Theresults were monitored with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease RatingScale. The study showed that the Ayurvedic treatment was effectiveand only caused minor side effects.

The herb is also known to help the body build lean muscle and tobreak down unwanted fat and hence it is often used by athletes andbody builders in sports medicine.

Recommended Dosage: 3 to 5 g powder of dried mature seeds.

Contraindication: This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy. Ithas shown to lower blood sugar. Those with hypoglycemia or diabetesshould only use this herb under the supervision of a qualifiedhealthcare practitioner. Cowhage is contraindicated in combinationwith M.A.O. inhibitors. It has androgenic activity, increasingtestosterone levels. Persons with excessive androgen syndromesshould avoid using Cowhage.