Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res.

, 17(1), 2012; nᵒ 18, 86-93 ISSN 0976 – 044X

Review Article

REVIEW ON “MUCUNA” - THE WONDER PLANT

1 2 1
Natarajan K *, Narayanan N and Ravichandran N
1
CARISM, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India.
2
Director Research, Jaya College of Pharmacy, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: nata14@rediffmail.com

Accepted on: 02-10-2012; Finalized on: 31-10-2012.

ABSTRACT
Mucuna is an unconventional plant species having promising nutritional, pharmaceutical and cosmaceutical bioactive constituents.
Mucuna pruriens is reported to have the highest content of L-dopa. Researchers from various countries have identified Mucuna as a
good nutritional supplement in livestock feed and as a fodder crop. The demand for Mucuna is increasing day by day due to its
pharmaceutical potency. Approximately 120 species have been reported from worldwide and 15 species from India. Most of the
species had been studied for its nutraceuticals potential and few reported for its pharmaceutical values. M. pruriens had been
evaluated and concluded as a potential medicinal herb in terms of anti cholestrolemic, antiparkinson, antidiabetic, aphrodisiac and
antimicrobial. The present study presents a comprehensive review of Mucuna genus and its species, their morphology,
phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, medicinal values and some pharmacological activities.
Keywords: Mucuna, Nutritional value, Medicinal use.

INTRODUCTION evaluated worldwide and concluded as a potential

medicinal herb. Approximately 120 species of Mucuna
Herbs are the major source of natural products used as
had been reported so far3 and 130 species according to
pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavoring agents,
the Zipcodezoo Data Base (table 2). In India, 15 species
fragrants, ingredients in food additives and pesticides1.
(table 3) were identified and reported4. Various works in
The recent research admits priority in search for new
taxonomical and nutritional characters on different
plant derived chemicals towards sustainable conservation
geographical accession were reported by more number of
and rational utilization of biodiversity. There has been
scientists5. The herb is very much acceptable as livestock
explosion of scientific information concerning plants,
feed after removing the anti nutritional constituents. The
crude plant extracts and various substances from plants
present review reports a comprehensive information of
as medical agents during last few decades. Indian system
Mucuna genus its different species, traditional uses,
of medicine has existed since long period; however the
nutritional value, medicinal value, phytochemical
mechanism of plants as polyherbal formulations in
constituents and pharmacological activities.
treating ailments remains largely unexplored. This has
prompted researchers to focus their investigations to TAXONOMY - THE GENUS AND SPECIES
understand the holistic information specially their
Mucuna genus belongs to the family Fabaceae and its
functional properties of such plants.
taxonomy is described in table 1. This is the second
Sustaining the nutritional requirements is one of the largest family of flowering plants and contains 600 genera
3
important tasks for any developing as well as developed and about 12000 species . The leaves are stipulate nearly
countries. Nevertheless, combating several existing and always alternate and range from bipinnately or palmately
newly spreading dreadful diseases is a major problem. In compound to simple. The petiole base is commonly
resolving these combined factors, potential herbs should enlarged into a pulvinus that commonly functions in
be identified and their properties need to be evaluated. orientation of the leaves. The flowers are usually bisexual
Many herbs in current use have any one of the above actinomorphic to zygomorphic, slightly to strongly
resolving capacity. But from the traditional and scientific perigyrous and commonly in racemes, spikes or heads.
data available, legumes have promising potential source The perianth commonly one or many stamens distinct of
in terms of nutrition, medicine and agricultural variously united sometimes. The pistil is simple often
development in developing countries. One such known stipulate comprising a single style and stigma and a
legume is Mucuna pruriens. Its L-dopa content is superior ovary with one locule containing two or many
scientifically proved to be a very effective in marginal ovules. The fruit is usually a legume sometimes a
neurodegenerative disorder. It is also a best nutritional loments, follicle, indehiscent pod, achene, drupe or berry.
source as it contains rich nutrients especially protein and The seeds often have a hard coat with hour glass shaped
carbohydrate. Mucuna can be processed properly and can cells and sometimes bear a u-shaped line called
3
be utilized as best nutrient and medicine. L- dopa isolated plaerogram .
from Mucuna was found to be more effective than the
2 Most of the Mucuna species are herbaceous twining
synthetic product . Extracts of M. pruriens has been
plant. It is indigenous to tropical regions especially Africa,
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Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 17(1), 2012; nᵒ 18, 86-93 ISSN 0976 – 044X

India and West Indies. They possess trifoliate leaves Table 2: Different Mucuna species found world wide
unequal at base. Flowers are white to dark purple in S.No MUCUNA SPECIES
colour and hang in long clusters. Pods are sigmoid, turgid 1. Mucuna acuminata Baker
and longitudinally ribbed. Seeds are ovoid black or white. 2. Mucuna amblyodon Harms
Mucuna pods are covered with reddish orange hairs 3. Mucuna andreana
which are readily dislodged. Mucuna seeds collected from 4. Mucuna anguinea Sweet
different locations show different botanical features, and 5. Mucuna argyrophylla Standl.
6. Mucuna aterrima
environment has no interference in genetic diversities of
7. Mucuna atropurpurea (Roxb.)Wight & Arn.
Mucuna5.
8. Mucuna aurea C.B.Rob.
Table 1: Taxonomy of Mucuna 9. Mucuna axillaris
Domain Eukaryota 10. Mucuna benettii
Kingdom Plantae 11. Mucuna biplicata Kurz
Subkingdom Viridaeplantae 12. Mucuna birdwoodiana Tutcher
Phylum Magnoliophyta 13. Mucuna brachycarpa
Subphylum Spermatophytina 14. Mucuna bracteata DC.
Infraphylum Angiospermae 15. Mucuna calophylla W.W.Sm.
Class Magnoliopsida 16. Mucuna canaliculata Verdc.
Subclass Rosidae 17. Mucuna capitata
Superorder Fabanae 18. Mucuna championii Benth.
Order Fabales 19. Mucuna cochinchinensis
Family Fabaceae 20. Mucuna collettii Lace
Subfamily Faboideae 21. Mucuna comorensis
Tribe Phaseoleae 22. Mucuna comosa DC
Genus Mucuna 23. Mucuna coriacea Baker
TRADITIONAL USES 24. Mucuna cristata Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.
25. Mucuna curranii Elmer
The seeds are traditionally used as nervine tonic, 26. Mucuna cyclocarpa F.P.Metcalf
emmenagogue, astringent, aphrodisiac, leucorrhoea and 27. Mucuna cylindrosperma Welw. ex Baker
paralysis. The hairs of the pods are vermifuge and treated 28. Mucuna deeringiana (Bert) Merrill
for round worm infections. Mucuna monosperma is used 29. Mucuna deerlingianum (954) Smal
as an expectorant and sedative given in cough and 30. Mucuna diabolica Keuchenius.
asthma6. Bark powder mixed with dry ginger is used for 31. Mucuna diplax Wilmot-Dear
rubbing over painful rheumatic joints7. The roots are 32. Mucuna discolor Merr. & L.M.Perry
bitter, thermogenic, emollient, stimulant, purgative, 33. Mucuna elegans Merr. & L.M.Perry
aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue, anthelmintic, 34. Mucuna elliptica (Ruiz & Pav.)DC.
febrifuge, diuretic and tonic. In Ayurveda they are useful 35. Mucuna elmeri Merr
in vitiated conditions of vata and pitta, constipation, 36. Mucuna erecta
nephropathy, strangury, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, 37. Mucuna eriocarpa Barb.Rodr
elephantiasis, dropsy, neuropathy, ulcers, helminthiasis, 38. Mucuna fawcettii Urb.
39. Mucuna ferox Verdc.
fever, delirium and for treating Parkinson’s disease. The
40. Mucuna ferruginea
leaves are aphrodisiac, anthelmintic and tonic and are
41. Mucuna flagellipes Hook.f.
useful in ulcers, inflammation, helminthiasis, cephalalgia
42. Mucuna gigantea (Willd.)DC
and general debility. The seeds are astringent, laxative,
43. Mucuna glabra (Reinecke) Wilmot-Dear
anthelmintic, aphrodisiac and tonic. They are useful in
44. Mucuna glabrialata (Hauman)Verdc.
gonorrhoea, sterility, vitiated conditions of vata, and
45. Mucuna gracilipes Craib
general debility8. The seeds are restorative and are 46. Mucuna grevei
sometimes consumed as a vegetable4. Seed diet produced 47. Mucuna hainanensis Hayata
hypoglycaemic effect in normal rats9. 48. Mucuna hirsuta
NUTRITIONAL CONSTITUENTS 49. Mucuna holtonii (Kuntze)Moldenke
50. Mucuna hooglandii Verdc.
Mucuna form a rich source of protein, carbohydrate, lipid, 51. Mucuna horrida
fiber, minerals and amino acids. Eight different species of 52. Mucuna huberi Ducke
Mucuna were studied viz M.cochinchinensis, M. jaspeada, 53. Mucuna humblotii Drake
54. Mucuna imbricata Baker
M. veracruz, M.gigantean, M.monosperma, M. pruriens,
55. Mucuna inflexa
M. solanei, M.utilis10-15 for its nutritional property. The 56. Mucuna interrupta Gagnep.
ranges of the compositions in eight Mucuna accessions 57. Mucuna iriomotensis Ohwi
were as follows, crude protein (24 - 31.44 %), crude 58. Mucuna japira A.M.G.Azevedo, K.Agostini & Sazima
carbohydrate (42.79 - 64.88 %), crude lipid (4.1 - 14.39 %), 59. Mucuna junghuhnianum Backer ex Koord.-Schum.
crude fiber (5.3 - 11.5 %), ash (2.9 - 5.5 %). 60. Mucuna keyensis Burck.
61. Mucuna killipiana

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Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 17(1), 2012; nᵒ 18, 86-93 ISSN 0976 – 044X
S.No MUCUNA SPECIES Table 3: Mucuna species reported in India
62. Mucuna lamellata Wilmot-Dear S.No Indian Mucuna species
63. Mucuna lamii Verdc. 1. Mucuna atropurpurea, DC.
64. Mucuna lane-poolei Summerh 2. Mucuna bracteata, DC.
65. Mucuna lignosa Scop.
3. Mucuna capitata, Wight & Arn.
66. Mucuna lindro Piper
67. Mucuna longipedunculata Merr.
4. Mucuna cochinchinensis (Lour.) Cheval
68. Mucuna luzoniensis 5. Mucuna deeringiana, (Bort) Merrill
69. Mucuna macmillanii Elmer 6. Mucuna gigantea, DC.
70. Mucuna macrobotrys Hance 7. Mucuna hirusta, Wight & Arn.
71. Mucuna macrocarpa Wall. 8. Mucuna macrocarpa Wall.
72. Mucuna macroceratides (Raddi)DC. 9. Mucuna monosperma, DC.
73. Mucuna macrophylla Miq. 10. Mucuna nigricans, DC.
74. Mucuna macropoda Baker.f
11. Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) DC.
75. Mucuna manongarivensis Du Puy & Labat
12. Mucuna prurita, Hook
76. Mucuna mapirensis (Rusby)J.F.Macbr.
77. Mucuna mattogrossensis 13. Mucuna urens
78. Mucuna melanocarpa A.Rich. 14. Mucuna utilis, Wall
79. Mucuna membranacea Hayata
80. Mucuna mindorensis Merr.
For minerals, 12 different species were studied10 and their
81. Mucuna warburgii K.Schum. & Lauterb constituents ranged from, 806 - 2790 mg/100g for
82. Mucuna mitis (Ruiz & Pav.)DC. potassium, 4 - 70 mg/100g for sodium, 104 - 900
83. Mucuna mollis (Kunth)DC. mg/100g for calcium , 98 - 498 mg/100g for phosphorus,
84. Mucuna monosperma Wight 85 - 477 mg/100g for magnesium, 1.3 - 15 mg/100g for
85. Mucuna montana
86. Mucuna mutisiana (Kunth)DC.
iron, 0.33 - 4.34 mg/100g for copper, 1 - 15 mg/100g for
87. Mucuna manongarivensis Du Puy & Labat zinc and 0.56 - 9.26 mg/100g for manganese. Various
88. Mucuna nigricans (Lour.)Steud. amino acids were reported in M.cochinchinensis, M.
89. Mucuna nivea pruriens and M. solanei such as glutamic acid, aspartic
90. Mucuna novo-guineensis Scheff. acid, serine, threonine, proline, alanine, glycine, valine,
91. Mucuna oligiplax Niyomdh. & W.-Dear
cystine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenyl
92. Mucuna ovalis Baker f.
93. Mucuna pachycarpa Wiriad. alanine, tryptophan, lysine, histidine and arginine
94. Mucuna pachylobia Rock supporting the genus for nutritional value13-17.
95. Mucuna pacifica Hosok.
96. Mucuna pallida Cordem. PHARMACEUTICAL CONSTITUENTS
97. Mucuna paniculata Baker
Extract of the whole herb is reported to have L-dopa as a
98. Mucuna platycarpa
99. Mucuna platyphylla A.Gray
major constituent and mainly in seeds18-19. Four alkaloids
100. Mucuna platyplekta Quisumb. & Merr. in Mucuna pruriens seeds were recently reported. They
101. Mucuna pluricostata Barb.Rodr. are L- 3- caboxy- 1, 2, 3, 4- tetrahydroisoquinoline, (-)- 1-
102. Mucuna poggei Taub. methyl- 3carboxy- 6, 7- dihydroxy- 1, 2, 3, 4-
103. Mucuna pruriens (L.)DC. tetrahydroisoquinoline, dimethyl- 3carboxy- 6, 7-
104. Mucuna psittacina Miers
105. Mucuna quadrialata
dihydroxy- 1, 2, 3, 4- tetrahydroisoquinoline and (-)- 1- 3-
106. Mucuna recta carboxy- 1, 1- dimethyl- 7, 8- dihydroxy- 1, 2, 3, 4- tetra
107. Mucuna reptans Verdc. hydroisoquinoline20. Dr. Dukes Phytochemical and ethno
21
108. Mucuna reticulata Burck botanical database describes diversified chemical
109. Mucuna revoluta Wilmot-Dear constituents in Mucuna seeds like, 5- hydroxytryptamine,
110. Mucuna rhynchosioides
5-methoxy- N, N- dimethyltryptamine- N- oxide, 5-
111. Mucuna rostrata Benth.
112. Mucuna rubro-aurantiaca oxyindole- 3- alkylamine, 6- methoxyharman, arahidic-
113. Mucuna samarensis Merr. acid, arginine, ash, asparticacid, behenicacid,
114. Mucuna schlechteri Harms betacarboline, betasitosterol, bufotenine, choline, cis- 12,
115. Mucuna sempervirens Hemsl. 13- poxyctadec- trans- 9- cis- acid, cis- 12, 13-
116. Mucuna sloanei Fawc. & Rendle
epoxyoctadec- trans- 9- enoicacid, gallicacid,
117. Mucuna stanleyi C.T.White
118. Mucuna stans Baker glutamicacid, glutathione, indole- 3- alkylamine,
119. Mucuna stenoplax Wilmot-Dear linoleicacid, linoleicacid, mucunadine, mucunain,
120. Mucuna suberosa mucynine, myristic-acid, N, N- dimethyltryptamine, N, N-
121. Mucuna subferruginea Hayata dimethyltryptamine, -N-oxide, niacin, nicotine, oleicacid,
122. Mucuna subumbellata Wilmot-Dear
palmiticacid, prurienine, riboflavin, saponins, serotonin,
123. Mucuna taborensis Schweinf. ex Piper
124. Mucuna terrens H.Lev.
stearicacid, thiamine, vernolicacid. In Mucuna leaves the
125. Mucuna thailandica Niyomdham & Wilmot-Dear data base reveals the presence of L-dopa, 6-
126. Mucuna tomentosa K.Schum. methoxyharman, genistein, hydroxygenistein in minimal
127. Mucuna toppingii Merr. concentration. Recently three new lipid derivatives were
128. Mucuna urens (L.)Medik. also reported, triactont- 5, 7, 9- triene, docos- 2, 4, 6-
129. Mucuna venenosa A.Murr.
130. Mucuna venulosa
triene- 1, 8- diol and docos- 5- en- 1- oic acid22.

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MEDICINAL VALUE induced by a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion,

whereas L-dopa was equally effective only at the doses of
Many Mucuna species have been reported processing
6 mg/kg. At the same dosage, MPE significantly improved
medicinal value apart from nutritional value and as
23 the placement of the forelimb in vibrissae-evoked
fodder crop . The main use of this herb is to treat the
forelimb placing, suggesting a significant antagonistic
symptomatic effects in Parkinson’s disease. The
activity on both motor and sensory-motor deficits. The
constituents bufotenine, choline, β-carboline were
effects of MPE were moreover investigated by means of
reported for their antiepileptic and antineoplastic
the turning behavior test and in the induction of
activity24-25. Mucuna birdwoodiana seeds are also used to
abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) after either
treat joint pain and irregular menstruation26. Mucuna pod
acute or sub-chronic administration. MPE acutely induced
hairs blended with honey can be used as vermifuge.
a significantly higher contra lateral turning behavior than
Mucuna seed powder is used to treat leucorrhoea,
L-dopa (6 mg/kg) when administered at a dose of 48
spermatorrhoea7. Seeds posses anabolic, androgenic,
mg/kg contains 6 mg/kg of L-dopa. On sub chronic
analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antivenom,
administration, both MPE (48 mg/kg) and L-dopa (6
aphrodisiac, febrifuge, cholesterol lowering,
mg/kg) induced sensitization of contra lateral turning
hypoglycemic, immunomodulator, antilithiatic,
behavior; however, L-dopa alone induced a concomitant
antibacterial, antiparasitic, cough suppressant, blood
sensitization in AIMs suggesting that the dyskinetic
purifier, carminative, hypotensive, and uterine stimulant
17 potential of M. pruriens is lower than that of L-dopa. M.
properties .
pruriens (48 mg/kg) was also effective in antagonizing
NUTRITIONAL EVIDENCE tremulous jaw movements induced by tacrine, a validated
test reproducing Parkinsonian tremor. Furthermore, M.
Daidzin and genistein, were the main isoflavones
pruriens induced no compartment preference in the place
responsible for the antioxidant activity present in soybean
preference test, indicating the lack of components
and Mucuna. The total daidzin and genistein in Mucuna
characterized by rewarding effects in the extract. Finally,
was found to be higher than in soybeans, while it is the
in a sub-chronic mice model of 1- methyl- 4- phenyl- 1, 2,
opposite in Indonesian traditional food (Tempe)
3, 6 tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP) - induced
formulation. Factor II (6, 7, 4; trihydroxy isoflavone) and
dopamine neuron degeneration, MPE did not prove,
genistein in Mucuna and its tempe were higher than in
capable of preventing either tyrosine hydroxylase
soybeans. Mucuna and its tempe contain higher Factor II
decrease induced by MPTP or astroglial or microglial
(6, 7, 4; trihydroxy isoflavone) and lower daidzin and
activation as assessed by means of glial fibrillary acidic
glycitein than that of soybeans27. Comparative analysis
protein (GFAP) and CD11b immunohistochemistry,
between traditional mucuna seed tempe and soybean
supporting the absence of neuroprotective effects by
tempe revealed the following results; mucuna tempe had
Mucuna pruriens. Characterization of MPE strongly
a higher dietary fibre level, but lower vitamin E content.
supports its antiparkinson’s activity. Also one another
The mucuna tempe contains 31.5% protein, 7.3% fat,
study proved the neuroprotective effects of M. pruriens in
3.0% ash, 58.1% carbohydrate and 9.1% fibre. It contains
which the neurorestorative effect of M. pruriens
0.551 mg/L isoflavone aglucone; daidzin is the highest,
cotyledon powder on the nigrostriatal tract of 6- hydroxyl
followed by Factor II (6, 7, 4 trihydroxy isoflavone) that is
dopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rats was evaluated30. The
much higher than that of soybeans tempe. These are
results revealed that M. pruriens cotyledon powder
much higher isoflavone aglucone contents than found in
significantly increased the brain mitochondrial complex-I
soybeans tempe28. From these studies it is evident that
activity but did not affect the total monoamine oxidase
Mucuna is a good nutritional supplement well
activity (in vitro) and unlike synthetic L-dopa treatment,
comparable to soybean.
M. pruriens cotyledon powder treatment significantly
PHARMACOLOGICAL EVIDENCE restored the endogenous L-dopa, dopamine,
norepinephrine and serotonin content in the substantia
Mucuna has been tested for its several pharmacological
nigra. Nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and
activities for the past decades. The pharmacological
coenzyme Q-10 that are shown to have a therapeutic
evidence reports that Mucuna is one of the major
benefit in Parkinson's disease were present in the M.
constituents in polyherbal extract formulations for
pruriens cotyledon powder. Earlier studies showed that
treating different ailments. Few recent evidences are
M. pruriens treatment controls the symptoms of
discussed below.
Parkinson's disease. The additional finding of a
Anti Parkinson’s effect neurorestorative benefit by M. pruriens cotyledon
powder on the degenerating dopaminergic neurons in the
The extract of Mucuna pruriens used for antiparkinson’s
substantia nigra may be due to increased complex-I
disease (MPE) is known to contain, among other
activity and the presence of NADH and coenzyme Q-10.
components, 12.5% L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa),
29
as compared to the equivalent doses of L-dopa . An Aphrodisiac effect
acute administration of MPE at a dose of 16 mg/kg
The second most potential effect proved for this Mucuna
(containing 2 mg/kg of L-dopa) consistently antagonized
is aphrodisiac. The Mucuna pruriens, ethanolic extract
the deficit in latency of step initiation and adjusting step
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administered in either sex rats significantly increased the Antitumour effect

mounting frequency, intromission frequency and
The antitumour effect and antioxidant role of methanolic
ejaculation latency, and decreased the mounting latency,
extract of Mucuna pruriens seed against Erlich Acites
intromission latency, post-ejaculatory interval and inter-
Carcinoma (EAC) bearing Swiss albino mice were studied.
intromission interval. The potency test significantly
The effect of methanolic extract of M. pruriens on tumor
increased erections, quick flips, long flips and total reflex.
growth and host’s survival time was studied by the
The ethanolic extracts of M. pruriens seed produced a
following parameters; tumor volume, packed cell volume
significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of
viable and non viable cell count and life span of the host.
normal male rats at a particular dose (200mg/kg), when
31 Extract was administered at 125 and 250 mg/kg body
compared to the control .
weight once daily for 14 days, starting after 24 h of tumor
Effect on Fertility inoculation. Decrease in tumor volume, packed cell
volume and viable cell count were observed in extract
Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on
treated animals when compared to EAC treated animals.
the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. A study on
Treatment with extract at a dose of 125 and 250 mg/kg
treatment with M. pruriens significantly improved serum
increased the mean survival time to 29.5± 0.55 and 34±
testosterone, luteinizing hormone, dopamine, adrenaline,
0.2 days respectively. The extract also decreased the body
and noradrenaline levels in infertile men and reduce the
weight of the EAC tumor bearing mice. There was a
levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactine
significant decrease in WBC count and increase in RBC
hormone (PRL). Sperm count and motility were
counts in extract treated animals when compared to EAC
significantly recovered in infertile men32. The quality of
treated animals. The study was also extended to estimate
seminal changes due to psychological stress was assessed
the liver biochemical parameters such as LPO, GSH and
after treating the case with M. pruriens seed powder @ 5
antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase etc. Treatment
g/ day orally. For carrying out morphological and
with extract decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and
biochemical analysis, semen samples were collected
increased the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase
twice, first before starting the treatment and second after
and catalase. The results suggest that the methanolic
3 months of treatment. The results demonstrated the
extract of M. pruriens seeds exhibits significant antitumor
decreased sperm count and motility in subjects who were
and antioxidant effects in EAC bearing mice 37.
under psychological stress. Moreover, serum cortisol and
seminal plasma lipid peroxide levels were also found Antidiabetic effect
elevated along with decreased seminal plasma
Many reports have been established relating to
glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid contents, reduced
antidiabetic property of Mucuna. The hypoglycemic
superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity.
activity of M. pruriens ethanolic extract in alloxan induced
Treatment with M. pruriens significantly ameliorated
rats and streptozotocin induced mice produced the
psychological stress and seminal plasma lipid peroxide
maximum activity at 6th week in 200mg/kg/day dose 38. A
levels along with improved sperm count and motility.
comparative study of the hypoglycemic effect of aqueous
Treatment also restored the levels of SOD, catalase, GSH
extract of the seeds of M. pruriens between normal,
and ascorbic acid in seminal plasma of infertile men. M.
glucose load conditions and streptozotocin induced
pruriens not only reactivates the antioxidant defense
diabetic rats were analyzed. The results showed that in
system of infertile men but also helps in the management
normal rats, the aqueous extract of the seeds of M.
of stress and improves semen quality33. The effects of M.
pruriens (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) significantly
urens on the gonads of male Guinea pigs were
(p<0.001) reduced the blood glucose levels after an oral
investigated and found to be the potential male
34 glucose load from 127.5 ± 3.2 to 75.6 ± 4.8 mg % 2 h after
antifertility agent even at a lower dosage of 70mg/kg .
oral administration of MPE seed extract. It also
Antioxidant effect significantly lowered the blood glucose in streptozotocin
induced diabetic rats from 240.5 ± 7.2 to 90.6 ± 5.6 mg %
The antioxidant activity on in vivo models of lipid
after 21 days of treatment (p<0.001). Thus, the study
peroxidation concluded that the seed ethanolic extract of
concludes that M. pruriens has an antihyperglycemic
Mucuna pruriens has an antilipid peroxidation property
action and it could be a source of hypoglycemic
which is mediated through the removal of super oxides
compounds39. Comparative evaluation of hypoglycemic
and hydroxyl radicals35. Experiment on in vitro lipid
activity of some ethanolic extracts of Indian medicinal
peroxidation of M. pruriens seeds revealed the inhibition
plants in alloxan induced diabetes condition was done
of ascorbate/FeSO4 induced peroxidation by methanolic
and the plants are positioned according to the significant
extract of M. pruriens which was monitored by the
blood glucose lowering activities in decreasing order in
changes in optical density of the prepared concentrations
the following 24 samples: Coccinia indica, Tragia
(10-320 µg/ml). The inhibition increased with increase in
36 involucrata, Gymema sylvestre, Pterocarpus marsupium,
concentration of the extract .
Trigonella foenum-graecum, Moringa oleifera, Eugenia
jambolana, Tinospora cordifolia, Swertia chirayita,
Momordica charantia, Ficus glomerata, Ficus

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benghalensis, Vinca rosea, Premna integrifolia, Mucuna Asiatic cobra (Naja) venoms, but were not very effective
prurita, Terminalia bellirica, Sesbenia aegyptiaca, against other venoms tested.
Azadirachta indica, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Zingiber
CONCLUSION
officinale, Aegle marmelos, Cinnamomum tamala,
40
Trichosanthes cucumerina and Ocimum sanctum . Mucuna pruriens is one of the major constituents in more
than 200 indigenous herbal preparations available.
Antibacterial effect
Nutritional value of M. pruriens is as good as soybeans
Antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of Mucuna and even better than any other legumes. Its medicinal
pruriens was evaluated and well documented the broad values in Parkinson’s disease, aphrodisiac, fertility,
spectrum activity against all strains used36. The impotency, snake bite and much more pharmacological
methanolic extract of Mucuna monosperma seeds were activities were investigated and proved as the best. Few
evaluated for its antibacterial activity. The result was properties and the activities reported for some species of
broad spectrum as it showed activity against Gram Mucuna were found to be one and the same. The
positive Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus and Gram phytoconstituents and the morphological differences
negative Proteus vulgaris41. were also reported. Considering these factors, it can be
predicted that the different species of the genus Mucuna
Antiprotozal effect
may contain same or different activity with diversified
Methanolic extract of leaves of Mucuna pruriens has the bioactive constituents. So exploration and exploitation of
potency to eradicate Lichthyophtirius multifilis infection diversity without affecting the biodiversity and the fragile
(90%) in gold fish after treatment in baths of plant ecosystem will improve this pharma potential herb to the
extracts at 200 mg/ liter and parasite induced fish optimum heights.
mortality was reduced significantly. The in vitro studies
The diversities in genus Mucuna needs further intensive
shows 100% mortality of parasite tested in 150 mg/liter
attention and exploration by the researchers for their
of M. pruriens extract42.
potency in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and
Study of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity cosmaceutical applications. Upon effective processing the
herb, it is possible to develop the extracts with acceptable
Mucuna pruriens was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory,
ratio of nutritional and the bioactive constituents for the
analgesic and antipyretic activity and found to produce
use in indigenous drug formulations. Many of the
significant effects43- 44.
bioactive constituents and their pharmacological
Anti Snake venom effect mechanisms of M. pruriens need to be established. It is
very well understood that the constituent of this herb
The protective effects of Mucuna pruriens seed extract
differs due to the geographical location, climatic
(MPE) against histopathological changes induced by
condition, harvest, processing technique and some other
intravenous injection of Naja sputatrix (Malayan cobra)
factors. So comparative analysis between the species
venom in rats pretreated with the MPE seed extract was
regarding bioactive principles and activities need to be
examined. Examination by light microscope revealed that
done. Fermentative applications can be developed for
the venom induced histopathological changes in heart
this genus, for improving its nutritional and
and blood vessels in liver, but no effect on brain, lung,
pharmaceutical efficacy.
kidney and spleen. The induced changes were prevented
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