Vol. 12, Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
D Sowdhanya

Abstract:
The diverse applications of Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) in various fields, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industry. Mucuna pruriens is a highly esteemed medicinal plant that has been extensively used in traditional medicine systems across different countries. It exhibits a wide range of therapeutic properties, including sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and anti-Parkinson's activities, making it a promising candidate for further exploration in modern medicine. In agricultural applications, Mucuna pruriens stands out for its nitrogen-fixing capacity, vigorous growth, and adaptability to dry farming practices and low soil fertility conditions. It offers high protein content, substantial seed yield, and resistance to diseases, making it a potential candidate for cultivation in soil affected by salinity. Intercropping systems involving Mucuna pruriens and other crops have shown potential in enhancing crop production and soil fertility. Pharmaceutically, Mucuna pruriens seeds are rich in bioactive compounds such as L-Dopa, ursolic acid, and betulinic acid, which have demonstrated neuroprotective effects and potential therapeutic benefits in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. The plant extracts have also shown antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-lipase activities, suggesting their potential in the treatment of various diseases and disorders. In industrial applications, Mucuna pruriens seed extract has been utilized for the synthesis of nanoparticles with antibacterial and dye degradation properties. The plant material has been explored for the production of activated carbon for the removal of textile dyes from wastewater. Additionally, Mucuna pruriens offers starch with potential applications in food systems and industries. Overall, the review highlights the ethnobotanical significance and diverse medicinal, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications of Mucuna pruriens. Further research and exploration of this plant's potential can contribute to its utilization in various fields, offering sustainable and cost-effective solutions