Mucuna pruriens

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Mucuna pruriens (syn. Dolichos pruriens) is a tropical legume known by a multitude of common names, including velvet bean, cowitch, cowhage, kapikachu, nescafe, sea bean, kratzbohnen, konch, yerepe (Yoruba) and atmagupta. The plant is an annual, climbing shrub with long vines that can reach over 15 m.

It bears white, lavender, or purple flowers and pods that are covered in loose orange hairs which cause a severe itch if they come in contact with skin. The beans are shiny black or brown. It is found in tropical Africa, India and the Caribbean.

Mucuna can be beneficial, since it is high in the amino acid L-Dopa which helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Another benefit of Mucuna is that it can increase the production of HGH.

Mucuna has also been shown to have diuretic effects. It increases tissue resiliency and improves coordination. Mucuna can also support healthy testosterone levels, which in turn can lead to increased muscle mass and strength.

In history, Mucuna has been used as an aphrodisiac. It is still used to increase libido in both men and women. ^{[[Citing sources citation needed]]}

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