Kaunch Beej: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions and More!

Introduction

Kaunch Beej is also referred as Cowhage or Cowitch. The scientific name of the plant is Mucuna pruriens and it belongs to the family Fabaceae of legumes. The seeds are generally called Magic Velvet Beans for their application on hair. They are also a good source of protein and can act as an immunity booster. They are known for their medicinal properties such as antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, dewormer, and it is also used in Parkinson’s disease and in older adults to boost overall health¹.

Nutritional Value of Kaunch Beej

Kaunch beej consists of a wide range of phytochemical constituents like glycosides, reducing sugars, saponins, alkaloids and tannins, which may be responsible for its potential uses². Other nutritional components of kaunch beej are:

• Crude Protein: 24 – 31.44%
• Crude Carbohydrates: 42.79 – 64.88%
• Crude Fat: 4.1 – 14.39%
• Crude Fibre: 5.3 – 11.5%
• Ash: 2.9 – 5.5%
• Potassium: 0.806 – 2.790%
• Sodium: 4 – 70 mg
• Iron: 1.3 – 15 mg
• Zinc: 1 – 15 mg
• Phosphorus: 98 – 498 mg
• Magnesium: 85 – 477 mg
• Calcium: 104 – 900 mg
• Copper: 0.33 – 4.34 mg

Nutrients present in kaunch beej per 100g².

Owing to the multitude of nutrients present, kaunch beej may have several beneficial properties. These include anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-venom and antidiabetic activity^1,2.

Uses of Kaunch Beej

Some of the traditional uses of kaunch beej that are backed by scientific research include

1. Used for Parkinson’s Disease

Levodopa has been a widely used drug to treat Parkinson’s disease since 1960s³. However, due to its high cost, people were unable to use it and were in search of other drugs or herbs to replace the levodopa. Many studies² have been conducted on kaunch Beej, and its L-dopa component may have shown potential to help with Parkinson’s disease. According to one of the pilot trial, the 30 g formulation of Mucuna pruriens may be more beneficial for Parkinson’s disease than conventional L-dopa formulations. Without increasing dyskinesia or other dopaminergic side effects, it demonstrated an immediate and significantly longer duration of symptom alleviation. This may indicate the potential kaunch seeds hold in managing Parkinson’s disease⁴. However it is a severe condition and needs proper medical intervention. Please consult your doctor for suitable advice.

2. Used in Diabetes

In studies, Kaunch Beej extract is found to have a strong ability to reduce blood glucose levels along with reduction in the cholesterol levels. One of the studies⁵ on rats shows that kaunch beej increases the production of insulin levels in blood and reduces the blood sugar level. This may indicate some beneficial effects of kaunch beej in diabetics, but you must always consult a doctor before using.

3. Used for Deworming

Some studies have shown that kaunch beej is effective in killing parasitic worms. One study⁶ showed that worms were paralysed when kaunch beej oil sample was used. This may indicate that kaunch beej may help in controlling parasitic worms. However, scientific evidence to support this statement is currently inadequate.

4. Used in cases of Snake Bites

It is found that oral administration of kaunch seeds can protect against toxin effects of snake bites. This is because of protein present in the seeds that helps to block the protein digesting enzyme in snake venom⁷. In some countries like Nigeria, these seeds are used as a safety measure against snakebites⁸. However, snakebite is a very dangerous, it’s better to consult doctor immediately to avoid unnecessary situations.

5. Used in Infections

Studies have confirmed the antibacterial and antifungal effects of kaunch beej’s seed and root’s extract. They play a vital role by inhibiting the specific microbes thereby helping fight several infections². According to a study both methanolic and aqueous extracts of Mucuna pruriens seeds have antibacterial action against a range of bacterial strains, including those that are resistant to drugs, as well as some types of fungi⁹. But you always be in touch with your healthcare professional, before self-medicating.

6. Other Potential Uses of Kaunch Beej

• It may help in managing irritable bowel syndrome, as it is rich in fibre and niacin.
• It may help in fighting anaemia, as it is rich in ferrous content.
• It also helps in strengthening the bone density by its calcium content.
• It may help to deal with bloating, heartburn, indigestion, acidity related problems as it is rich in vitamin C and vitamin E¹.
• Cancer-protective: There is a study among rats with cancer, which when treated using kaunch beej, showed showed increase in survival rate when compared with untreated cancer affected rats. They also protected the cells from oxidative damage by its antioxidant property¹⁰. This shows that kaunch beej hold anticancer potential which needs to be explored further.

Though there are studies showing the benefits of kaunch beej in various conditions, these are insufficient. There is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of kaunch beej on human health. Furthermore, every person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using kaunch beej for any medical condition.

Kaunch beej is a geriatric tonic, as mentioned in Ayurvedic literature. Along with Parkinsonism, Kaunch beej might also be useful to manage constipation, oedema, tuberculosis, fever and menstrual disorders.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Kaunch Beej?

Kaunch beej can be used as:

• Seed Extract
• Cooked seeds
• Seed concoction.

One should always take the advice of an Ayurvedic physician before having kaunch beej. They will guide you with the best form and dosage in which the herb can be used per your health condition. In addition, we recommend you do not replace or discontinue your ongoing medications with any ayurvedic or herbal preparations without seeking the medical advice of a qualified doctor.

Side Effects of Kaunch Beej

The most common side effects of kaunch beej are due to presence of L-Dopa components, they include¹¹:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness

Some of the other possible side effects may be:

• Hallucination
• Agitation
• Delusion
• Pschosis

However, if you experience such side effects, immediately seek medical attention from your physician who has prescribed it to you. They will prescribe you a better treatment possible to overcome the side effects.

Also Read: Khadirarishta: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Precautions to Take with Kaunch Beej

• The hair on the pods of kaunch Beej is considered extremely unsafe as they cause itching on your skin when comes into contact¹².
• Extra precautions are needed in cardiovascular patients and they should not take levodopa or similar compounds without a doctor’s prescription¹³. Therefore, they should consult a doctor before consuming kaunch seeds.
• Avoid kaunch beej during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is no sufficient data on its usage during pregnancy and breastfeeding safely.
• There is not enough information on the usage of kaunch beej in children and elderly. Therefore, it is advisable to be cautious about giving kaunch beej to children or the elderly.
• Do not use any herb for self-medication without consulting an Ayurvedic physician

Interactions with Other Drugs

The following drugs may interact with the active components of Kaunch Beej: 

• Kaunch seeds may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) used for depression as it action is similar to levodopa¹³.
• Kaunch beej is also known for lowering the blood pressure propertity¹⁴. Its better to avoid taking it along with antihypertensive drugs and as together they may lower the blood pressure to a critically low level.
• Kaunch beej also known for lowering the blood sugar levels². Its better to avoid taking it along with antidiabetic drugs, as the two medicines together may lower the blood sugar to a critically low level

Therefore, always discuss your ongoing medications with your doctor and they will further give you a suitable prescription for you as per your conditions

Also Read: Ashokarishta – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Conclusion

Kaunch beej is well known for its high protein content and is used traditionally for various medicinal purposes. They are mainly used as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, as many patients are unable to afford to buy levodopa. Still, there are many ongoing about the potential health benefits of kaunch beej. It is always better to consult a healthcare professional before self-medicating any herbs to avoid unnecessary side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Pal AK, Devi S, Mukherjee A, Shubha K. Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) seeds: Dual benefits as a nutritional source and their medicinal values. Food & Scientific Reports. 2025 Jan;6(1):1-5.Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388566303_Velvet_bean_Mucuna_pruriens_seeds_Dual_benefits_as_a_nutritional_source_and_their_medicinal_values
2. Pathania R, Chawla P, Khan H, Kaushik R, Khan MA. An assessment of potential nutritive and medicinal properties of Mucuna pruriens: a natural food legume. 3 Biotech. 2020 Jun;10(6):261. doi: 10.1007/s13205-020-02253-x. Epub 2020 May 20. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7239958/
3. Katzenschlager R, Lees AJ. Treatment of Parkinson’s disease: levodopa as the first choice. J Neurol. 2002 Sep;249 Suppl 2:II19-24. doi: 10.1007/s00415-002-1204-4.Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375059/
4. Katzenschlager R, Evans A, Manson A, Patsalos PN, Ratnaraj N, Watt H, Timmermann L, Van der Giessen R, Lees AJ. Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson’s disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2004 Dec;75(12):1672-7. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2003.028761. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1738871/
5. Bhaskar A, Vidhya VG, Ramya M. Hypoglycemic effect of Mucuna pruriens seed extract on normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Fitoterapia. 2008 Dec;79(7-8):539-43. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2008.05.008. Epub 2008 Jul 10. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18672037/
6. Jalalpure SS, Alagawadi KR, Mahajanashetti CS, Shah BN, Singh V, Patil JK. In vitro anthelmintic property of various seed oils against Pheritima posthuma. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2007;69:158–160. Available from: https://scispace.com/pdf/in-vitro-anthelmintic-property-of-various-seed-oils-against-2fh7mxf75s.pdf
7. Kumar A, Gupta C, Nair DT, Salunke DM. MP-4 Contributes to Snake Venom Neutralization by Mucuna pruriens Seeds through an Indirect Antibody-mediated Mechanism. J Biol Chem. 2016 May 20;291(21):11373-84. doi:10.1074/jbc.M115.699173. Epub 2016 Mar 17. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4900281
8. Tan NH, Fung SY, Sim SM, Marinello E, Guerranti R, Aguiyi JC. The protective effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds against snake venom poisoning. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jun 22;123(2):356-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.025. Epub 2009 Mar 26. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19429384/
9. Rao AS, Shobha KL, Concessao PL, Rao SG, Pai KS. In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of methanolic and aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens seed. Res J Pharm Technol. 2021;14(8):4212-4. doi:10.52711/0974-360X.2021.00730. Available from: https://rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2021-14-8-36
10. Rajeshwar Y, Gupta M, Mazumder UK. Antitumor activity and in vivo antioxidant status of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) seeds against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice. Int J Pharmacol Ther. 2005;5(2):91-95. Available from: https://ijpt.iums.ac.ir/article-1-39-fa.html
11. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. Clinical Review Report: Levodopa/Carbidopa (Duodopa): (AbbVie Corporation): Indication: For the treatment of patients with advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): CADTH; 2018 Sep [cited year month day]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539559/
12. Lampariello LR, Cortelazzo A, Guerranti R, Sticozzi C, Valacchi G. The Magic Velvet Bean of Mucuna pruriens. J Tradit Complement Med. 2012 Oct;2(4):331-9. doi: 10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30119-5.Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3942911/
13. Gandhi KR, Saadabadi A. Levodopa (L-Dopa). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Updated 2023 Apr 17. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482140/
14. yeleye IS, Ogunsuyi OB, Oluokun OO, Oboh G. Seeds of moringa (Moringa oleifera) and mucuna (Mucuna pruriens L.) modulate biochemical indices of L-NAME-induced hypertension in rats: A comparative study. J Agric Food Res. 2023 May;12:100624. DOI:10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100624.Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370529059_Seeds_of_moringa_Moringa_oleifera_and_mucuna_Mucuna_pruriens_L_modulate_biochemical_indices_of_L-NAME-induced_hypertension_in_rats_A_comparative_study

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

15

3