Mucuna is a medicinal herb used by ancient ayurvedic physicians, originated in Southern China and Eastern India, but is now found extensively all over the world. It is a vigorous climber, bears purple or white flowers and has turgid S-shaped pods, which are covered by numerous stinging hairs. The active constituents of Mucuna are alkaloids mucanine, pruridine, tannic acid, resin, lecithin and L-dopa. L-dopa is used to make dopamine, and important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and movement.
Mucuna herb has been reported to be a very effective nervine tonic and a mild aphrodisiac. Several studies have demonstrated that Mucuna is beneficial in maintaining optimum performance of the nervous system. It has been reported to assist in normal nerve cell function. The seed powder of a Mucuna is a natural source of levodopa, which may have advantages in the long-term management of Parkinson's disease.
References:
http://www.medindia.net/alternativemedicine/mucuna/mucuna_pruiens.htm
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/494984
http://www.herbal-provider.com/mucuna.html
