Kapikachhu - Mucuna

🌿(Mucuna pruriens) or Velvet Bean

Also known as Atmagupta

📖 Overview

Mucuna pruriens, traditionally known as Kapikachhu, is a velvet bean native to tropical regions of India and Africa. It is well known for its nourishing effects on the nervous system, reproductive health, and as a natural source of L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine.

📜 Traditional Use in Ayurveda

Mucuna is considered a Rasayana, Vrishya (aphrodisiac), and Balya (strengthening). It is widely used to support mental clarity, reproductive vitality, and muscle tone, especially in Vata-related imbalances.

Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 1.3.39):
“Kapikacchu vrishya balya medhya rasayanam smrutam”
“Kapikacchu is aphrodisiac, strengthening, intellect-promoting, and rejuvenating.”

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Shukadi Varga, Verse 127):
“Kapikacchu madhura snigdha vrishya vatakaphapaha”
“Kapikacchu is sweet, nourishing, aphrodisiac, and pacifies Vata and Kapha.”

It is often used in classical formulations such as Ashwagandhadi Lehyam and Kapikacchu Churna.

🍵 Suggested Use

Mucuna is commonly used as:

• Powder (Churna): 1–3 grams daily with warm milk or honey

• Capsules/Tablets: Often standardized to L-DOPA content (usually 15–20%)

• Lehyam (herbal jam): Traditional formula for strength and reproductive health

🔬 Scientific Research & References

Modern science validates Mucuna’s neuroprotective and reproductive effects:

• Natural L-DOPA Source: Mucuna contains up to 5% L-DOPA, supporting dopamine levels in the brain [1]

• Mood & Motor Support: Shown to improve mood and motor coordination, especially in neurological conditions [2]

• Male Reproductive Health: May support testosterone, sperm count, and motility [3]

References:

1. Katzenschlager, R., et al. (2004). Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's disease: a double-blind clinical trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 75(12), 1672–1677.

2. Manyam, B. V., et al. (2004). An alternative medicine treatment for Parkinson's disease: Mucuna pruriens. J Altern Complement Med, 10(3), 569–571.

3. Shukla, K. K., et al. (2009). Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Fertil Steril, 92(6), 1934–1940.

⚠️ Cautions & Contraindications

• Not recommended for individuals with high dopamine sensitivity or on dopamine medications

• May cause nausea or headaches in high doses

• Avoid during pregnancy without professional guidance

• Always consult a healthcare provider if using for neurological conditions

🛍️ Shop by Interest

• Mood & Cognitive Support

• Nerves

• Women's & Men's Health

• Vitality

"Products Featuring Mucuna"

"These products feature Mucuna, traditionally used to support general wellness. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease."