Properties /Uses : Mucuna pruriens, of the Leguminosae family , is one of the popular medicinal plants of India and is an important ingredient of several indigenous drug formulations It is widespread over most of the subcontinent and is found in bushes and low forests throughout the plains of India. The plant is an annual twinning plant characteristic by dark purple flower and comprise of black seeds that form the main ingredient for extraction.

This extract derived form the seed of Mucuna pruriens commonly known as Kawach. This widely available Indian herb is historically been used as an anti-parkinsons. Mucuna pruriens is documented to contain the highest amounts of L-DOPA and was used by physicians of yore, due to its ready availability in the forests and the better results it yielded when used for the treatment of diseases of the nervous system.The seeds that have the main source of L-DOPA a neurotransmitter precursor is in great demand today.

Ancient ayurvedic literature also describes Mucuna's unsurpassed health benefits such as its use as a potent aphrodisiac, geriatric tonic and vermifuge, among a host of others. However, it still remains popular on its singular use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease..