Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Anti-Parkinson’s profile of Mucuna pruriens

Abstract

Mucuna pruriens is a recognized herbal drug which contains numerous pharmacological activities. Mucuna pruriens commonly known as cow-age or cowitch or velvet bean or Alkushi. Mucuna pruriens has been traditionally used as a food source in a number of countries. It belongs to the Mucuna genus of Fabaceae family and it is cultivated in Asia, America, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Mucuna pruriens is used in India since 1500 B.C. it contains various important phytoconstituents which are for medicinal purposes. Pods of Mucuna pruriens are used as a vegetable for human consumption. Its fresh leaves are used as animal fodder. Mucuna contains various species, 130 species of Mucuna are metioned in this review. The present review is an attempt to provide all the reported details of information regarding to the Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Anti-Parkinson’s Profile of Mucuna pruriens.