Basonym of Drug
Kapikacchu
Main Synonym
- Atmagupta
- Rushyaprokta
- Kandura
- Markati
- Sukashimbi
- Rushabhi
- Guptaphala
- Vyanga
- Pravrushayani
- Duhsparsha
Regional Name
- Bengali: Aalkushi
- Gujarati: Kavach, Kauncha
- Hindi: Kevanch, Kaunch
- Kannada: Nasugunni
- Tamil: Punaik Kali
- Telugu: Pillo Adugu
- English: Cowhage
Botanical Name
Mucuna pruriens
Family
Fabaceae
Classification (Gana)
- Aacharya Charaka: Balya, Purishaviranjaniya Mahakashaya, Madhura Skandha
- Aacharya Sushruta: Vidarigandhadi, Vatasamsamana
- Aacharya Vagbhatta: Durvadi, Vidaryadi Gana
External Morphology
Annual herbaceous twinner
Useful Parts
- Seed
- Root
- Pod
Important Phytoconstituent
- L-dopa
- Mucunine
- Prurienine
- Stearic Acid
- Palmitic Acid
- Oleic Acid
- Linoleic Acid
Rasa Panchak
- Rasa: Tikta, Madhura
- Guna: Guru, Snigdha
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Madhura
Action
Vatapittahara
Therapeutic Indication
- Balya (stamina booster)
- Sukrala (aphrodisiac)
- Brumhana (bulk promoting)
- Vatvyadhihara (useful in disorders of vata humor)
Therapeutic Uses
- Sandhivata - Decoction of seed is beneficial in pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis.
- Vajikara - Kapikacchu seed boiled in milk is beneficial as an aphrodisiac.
- Krimi - Pod hair powder with Navanita or Guda is beneficial in worms.
Dose
- Seed Powder - 3-5 gm
- Decoction - 40-80 ml
- Pod Hair Powder - 125 mg
Formulations
- Vanari Vati
- Kaunchapaka
- Mashabaladi Taila
Adverse Effect
Causes irritation and itching over the skin if taken with bare hands. Use with proper hand gloves and care.
Remedial Measure
Symptomatic treatment
Purification
Not required