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Mucuna

Mucuna · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

, scientifically known as Mucuna, is a versatile medicinal plant celebrated for its potent neuroprotective properties. Rich in L-dopa, it is widely used in traditional medicine to support dopamine levels, potentially aiding Parkinson's management. This botanical powerhouse offers significant therapeutic potential for enhancing cognitive function and overall neurological health.

Family
Not available
Native range
Africa
Parts used
Seed · Flower
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Mucuna

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions. Within the Macaronesia archipelago, its presence is noted in Cape Verde. Moving to the mainland, it is widely distributed throughout West Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territories of Benin and Burkina. Additionally, its range extends through the coastal nations of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau.

Region Area
Macaronesia Cape Verde
West Tropical Africa Benin
West Tropical Africa Burkina
West Tropical Africa Ghana
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau
West Tropical Africa Guinea
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast
West Tropical Africa Liberia
West Tropical Africa Mali
West Tropical Africa Nigeria

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Mucuna has 2 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed, flower.

Plant parts reported in Mucuna
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Seed 3 supporting sources ★★☆☆☆
Flower 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Seed

  1. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences
  2. Protoplasma
  3. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flower

  1. Protoplasma

Preparations

Mucuna has 4 reported preparations identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include heat-stable extract, mucuna gum, mucuna gums, powdered mucuna seed.

Preparations reported for Mucuna
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Heat-stable extract 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Mucuna gum 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Mucuna gums 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Powdered mucuna seed 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Heat-stable extract

  1. Nutrition and cancer

Mucuna gum

  1. Bollettino chimico farmaceutico

Mucuna gums

  1. Bollettino chimico farmaceutico

Powdered mucuna seed

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology