Mucuna Pruriens which is well-known as Velvet bean is a plant that comes from Leguminosae family. The original habitat of Mucuna Pruriens spreads flat across the tropics on all continents, starting from Africa, the Caribbean Islands, Northern Australia, India, South East Asia (including Indonesia), and the Pacific islands.

Mucuna Pruriens is a seasonal leguminous, which grows to propagate. This plant can be used for the food, feed (forage and seeds) and environmental services. The young leaves, pods, and seeds can give some benefits, especially for the ingredient of the food such as tempe which originally comes from Indonesia and made by fermenting paste of boiled seeds.

Nutrients of Mucuna Pruriens

[table]

[tr][th]Nutrient[/th] [th]Nutritional Value[/th][/tr]

[tr][td]Energy[/td] [td]32 kkal[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Protein[/td] [td]24 g[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Fat[/td] [td]3 g[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Carbohydrate[/td] [td]55 g[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Calcium[/td] [td]130 mg[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Phosphorous[/td] [td]200 mg[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Zinc[/td] [td]2 mg[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Vitamin A[/td] [td]70 IU[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Vitamin B1[/td] [td]0.3 g[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Vitamin C[/td] [td]0 mg[/td][/tr]

[/table]

From the nutrients above, here are the health benefits of Mucuna Pruriens.

1. Reduce The Absorption Of Excessive Cholesterol

According to various scientific studies that have been done, the results show that Mucuna Pruriens has saponin content. This saponin serves to lower cholesterol levels in the body. This content will bind bile acids and cause cholesterol bound. So this plant is often called an anti-cholesterol plant.

2. As An Antioxidant Body

Too much oxidation with the skin can cause free radicals. Therefore, it is necessary to get as many as we can the antioxidants that are useful to prevent the occurrence of free radicals. Mucuna Pruriens is also one of the plants that contain flavonoids that produce antioxidants or as anti-oxidation.

3. Prevent Aging Skin

The content of flavonoids in Mucuna Pruriens also useful in preventing premature aging. Self-aging can occur because the skin is often exposed to air pollution and direct sunlight. The flavonoid will lift the dull skin and regenerate dead skin from these problems. In addition, flavonoid also protects and maintains skin health.

4. Avoiding Allergies

According to the study, after consuming or using Mucuna Pruriens, the body will respond to things that can make the allergy to be rejected. So that the body will feel comfortable from the disturbance that surrounds. The smell and the flavor of this plant are also not too strong that often can cause allergies.

5. Treating Diarrhea

Eating foods and beverages containing flavonoids like Mucuna Pruriens is also beneficial for the digestion system. The benefit is to keep the body from lack of fluids that can result in diarrhea. This disease is often infected especially in children.

6. Increase Libido (Aphrodisiac)

Inside Mucuna Pruriens, there is a substance that is called levodopa and give some good effects as an aphrodisiac. It can increase the libido which can be interpreted as an increase in a person’s sexual drive. This can happen to both men and women.

According to some studies, especially in Brazil, people use the leaves of this plant to increase male sex drive and it shows some great results to it.

7. Protein Producer And Energy Source

Mucuna Pruriens that we already know from above can be used as one of the raw materials of tempe. It is also beneficial as one source of protein substitutes other than the more expensive meats and contains other substances. Mucuna Pruriens serves as an essential nutrient in the body.

This plant contains epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine that give some effects that can boost the energy and focus. It is the same result as a dose of caffeine. Therefore, consuming it will increase energy in the body in the activity. In addition, the body will feel full for a long time and make the body feel more energetic.

8. Heals Minor Wounds

The sap from the stem of the Mucuna Pruriens plant is beneficial in dealing with minor outer sores. It is because of the contains in the stem which can heal these minor wounds such as torn, stabbed, cut, scratched, or lightly burned skin.

9. Relieves Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a gradual degeneration of nerve cells in the middle of the brain that regulates body movement. It is often characterized by tremors. Parkinson’s own can also lead to various other serious diseases, especially psychiatric problems. L-dopa contained in the seed of Mucuna Pruriens is a precursor of dopamine and improves the level of dopamine in the brain.

However, L-dopa is not the only substances that are responsible for the use in preventing Parkinson’s disease. In addition, there are other substances in the seeds which can act as neuroprotective and reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

10. Reduce Stress

Feelings of stress can be fatal to the body. This is because if a person is depressed, he/she will tend to perform actions beyond the control of his / her mind. In addition, it can affect the others because that person will try to blame the others, get angry easily, and the most dangerous one, that person can also hurt others in order to get rid of the stress. Fortunately, consuming Mucuna Pruriens can refresh the mind to be calmer because of the fragrant smell and flavor.

11. Lowering Blood Sugar Levels In The Body

Mucuna Pruriens contains protein and some vitamins which are useful in fighting hypertension. The study was conducted on the mice and concluded that blood sugar levels were reduced by 21.89% in four weeks. The result from it can be used to the human too. We already know that protein can maintain the blood sugar level and vitamins contain antioxidant and pure sugar that will not increase the blood sugar levels.

12. Keep The Body Immune

Inside Mucuna Pruriens, there are phosphorus and calcium substances that will increase endurance and white blood cells. According to one study in 2008 by Universidade Tecnica de Lisboa from Portugal, lack of these two substances may weaken the immune system. According to research in 1996 at the University of Arkansas, phosphorus deficiency is often associated with vitamin D deficiency and calcium. These nutritional deficiencies can boost the auto-immune disorder.

13. Maintain The Nervous System

The content of vitamin B1, phosphorus, and iron in Mucuna Pruriens is very important in keeping the nervous system functioning properly. Phosphorus is one of the important minerals in the body. Phosphorus directly maintains normal neural activity. While iron play a role in regulating the red blood cells remain awake, so the nerve can work optimally.

14. Substitute Viagra For The Reproductive System

Popular research claims that couples who have a healthy and active sex life are relatively happier and even live longer. But this can be problematic if the man has erectile dysfunction. Viagra is the most popular pill to increase sex drive/libido in men and also helps erectile dysfunction. People of all ages use these blue pills that have a negative effect on health.

Therefore, the consumption of Mucuna Pruriens becomes a more natural substitute viagra. In addition, It is good for normal fertility, healthy sperm and ova, proper functioning of the reproductive organs, and appropriate genital secretions.

More Mucuna Pruriens Uses

Here are more health benefits of Mucuna Pruriens.

1. Good for diet and lose some weights
2. Protect heart
3. Circulate the blood flow
4. Fight against cancer
5. Good for pregnant women
6. Make the digestion system run smoothly

Side Effects of Mucuna Pruriens

1. Contains Cyanide Acid

Mucuna Pruriens contains cyanide acid poison (HCN), especially in seeds. This is what makes the interest to consume this plant become reduced. One way to eliminate it by soaking koro beans into the water for 1 day, with every 6 hours to replace the water. This experiment has been done many times and the result is very good but it is too complicated for the people that always want an instant way.

2. Vomiting, Headaches, and Sleeplessness

We should not consume Mucuna Pruriens too much because it can cause some problems such as vomiting, headaches, and sleeplessness. According to the research, the right dosage to consume Mucuna Pruriens is no more than 500 mg for a day.

That’s all the health benefits of Mucuna Pruriens. However, there are some side effects if we eat or use it too much. Stay healthy and good luck.