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

Introduction:

Kaunch Beej is the Hindi name of Cowhage or Cowitch. The scientific name of the plant is Mucuna pruriens. It belongs to the family Fabaceae of legumes and is a good source of protein. The seeds are generally called Magic Velvet Beans and are an important herb that may be used to help with nervous disorders and potential to help with Parkinson’s disease. ^1-3 

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 uses. ² Other nutritional components of kaunch beej are:

• Crude Protein: 24 – 31.44% (Percentage Composition (%)
• 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 (Calculated per 100 g serving size)
• 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

Properties of Kaunch Beej:

Kaunch Beej may be used in a variety of ailments due to its beneficial properties.

• It may show anti-parasitic property
• It may have anti-microbial property
• It may have antioxidant property
• It may have anti-inflammatory property² 
• It may show some anti-venom activity⁴
• It may show ant-debility (physical weakness) activity⁵
• It may show blood sugar lowering property6

In Ayurveda, Kaunch beej might be useful for managing male infertility due to its aphrodisiac properties.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Kaunch Beej:

Some of the other potential uses of kaunch beej are: 

1. Potential Uses of Kaunch Beej for Parkinson’s Disease

Levodopa is a widely used drug to treat Parkinson’s disease, since 1960s. However, low-income countries are at a disadvantage to make use of it due to its cost. Recently, Kaunch Beej with its L-dopa component may have shown potential to help with Parkinson’s disease. It may also exhibit fewer adverse effects than levodopa in studies. This may indicate the potential kaunch beej in Parkinson’s disease1,3 However it is a severe condition and needs proper medical intervention. Please consult your doctor for better advice.

2. Potential Uses of Kaunch Beej for Diabetes

In studies, the Kaunch Beej extract is found to have a strong ability to reduce blood glucose levels. Additionally, their may be weight loss in persons with diabetes due to muscle wasting. Kaunch Beej, research and observations demonstrated that the amount of weight loss due to diabetes was reduced due to kaunch beej.6,7 This may indicate some beneficial effects of kaunch beej in a diabetic person, but you must always consult a doctor for conditions like diabetes.

Other Uses of Kaunch Beej

• The Kaunch Beej may have some effect against snake bite venom. It is used as a safety measure against snakebites in tropical regions of Asia and Africa.⁴
• Kaunch Beej may lead to reversing the effect of obesity on liver and adipose tissues when used as dietary supplement.^8,9

Though there are studies showing the benefits of kaunch beej in various conditions, these are insufficient. And 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.

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

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.³

One should always take the advice of an Ayurvedic physician before having kaunch beej. 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. They will guide you with the best form and dosage in which the herb can be used per your health condition.

Side Effects of Kaunch Beej:

The most common side effects of kaunch beej include: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal bloating¹⁰ 

Some of the other possible side effects may be:

• Hallucination 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Abnormal body movement
• Insomnia¹⁰ 

However, if you experience such side effects, immediately take 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: Nagkesar – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Precautions to Take with Kaunch Beej:

• The hair on the pods of kaunch Beej is considered extremely unsafe. As the hair have a stinging effect on our skin causing harsh itching, stabbing sensation and inflammation.¹
• Cardiovascular patients must not take kaunch Beej without a doctor’s prescription due to the presence of the component, levodopa.^3,7,11 
• In addition to this, Levodopa may also interfere with the following disease conditions and worsen them – Gastrointestinal bleeding, mental illness, and skin cancer (melanoma).¹¹ 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid kaunch beej during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is no sufficient data on its usage during pregnancy and breastfeeding safely.
• Children and elderly: 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: 

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression
• Methyldopa for blood pressure and Kaunch Beej should not be taken together
• Hypertension medicine as the two medicines together may lower the blood pressure to a critically low level. 
• Diabetes medicine as the two medicines together may lower the blood sugar to a critically low level.¹⁰

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: Nutmeg – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

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

References:

1. Duangnin N, Phitak T, Pothacharoen P, Kongtawelert P. In vitro and in vivo investigation of natural compounds from seed extract of Mucuna pruriens lacking l-DOPA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 2017;10:238–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APJTM.2017.03.001

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