Atmagupta (Atmagupta (Kapikacchu, Vrisha, Markati))
Atmagupta, scientifically known as Mucuna pruriens, is a tropical legume widely recognized in Ayurveda for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in nervous and reproductive health. It is a rich source of L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, making it valuable in managing neurological conditions.
Botanical name: Mucuna pruriens. Also known as: Atmagupta, Kapikacchu, Ajada, Markati, Kulakshaya, Kaunch, Aalukusi, Konch Beej, Cowhage, Cow-itch, Velvet Bean, Magic Velvet Bean, Poonaikali Vidai, Naikkuruna, Alkushi, Khajkujhali.
Properties
Dopaminergic activity (due to L-DOPA), Antioxidant activity, Neuroprotective effects, Anti-inflammatory action
Dosage
Seed powder: 3-6g per day, or up to 6-10 grams per day for adults. Some sources suggest ¼ to ½ teaspoon once or twice daily. Root decoction: 50-100ml or 5-15 ml, once or twice a day in divided doses. Pod hair powder: 125mg Seed Extract: 250 – 500 mg, once or twice a day after food Tablets: 2 tablets twice daily or as directed by the physician General: 1-3 grams daily with warm milk or honey.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Madhura, Tikta
- Virya: ["Ushna"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura"]
Benefits
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Balya (tonic)
- Snayu-balya (nervine tonic)
Traditional uses
- Kampa (tremors)
- Parkinson's disease
- Klaibya (impotence)
- Shukra Kshaya (sperm deficiency)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder: The powder can be taken with warm water, milk, ghee, or honey. It can also be encapsulated.
- Decoction: Used as a decoction of the seed.
- Herbal Jam (Lehyam): Traditional formulas exist for strength and reproductive health.
- As a food ingredient: Mucuna can be added to chai mixes or apple-cranberry chutney.
- Other preparations: Atmagupta is also available in the form of tablets.
Contraindications
- Avoid in cases of high ama (toxicity), congestion, or acute conditions.
- Avoid if there are known allergies to mucuna, its constituents, or other members of the Fabaceae (pea) family.
- Avoid in patients with psychosis, schizophrenia, glaucoma, heart arrhythmias, chronic nerve pain, and stomach ulcers.
- Use with care during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or avoid altogether due to limited safety evidence.
- Use caution in patients taking antidepressants, MAOIs, antidiabetic drugs, or anesthesia due to the potential for additive effects or interactions.
- Do not use in conjunction with medications containing L-DOPA.
- Some antipsychotics (D2 antagonists) can reduce the effects of Mucuna.
- Direct contact with Mucuna pruriens pods can cause severe itching and rashes.
- Consuming raw beans and seeds may cause poisoning and toxicity.
- In excess, mucuna can cause headaches, movement disorders, fatigue, tremors, fainting, and thirst.
- RIVM advises not to use these herbal preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or in case of liver or kidney problems.
Side effects
- Considered safe for most people when taken as directed.
- Nausea and abdominal bloating.
- Vomiting, abnormal body movements, and insomnia.
- High doses may produce headaches, hallucinations, and vomiting.
- The pod hair can cause severe itching, burning, and rashes on the skin.
- Headache, pounding heartbeat, and symptoms of psychosis including confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and delusions.
Interactions
- MAOIs: Cowhage contains chemicals that stimulate the body, and taking it with MAOIs (medications for depression) might cause serious side effects, including fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, seizures and nervousness.
- Methyldopa: Cowhage can lower blood pressure. Taking it with methyldopa, which also lowers blood pressure, is not advised.
- Guanethidine: Taking cowhage and guanethidine together might cause blood pressure to go too low.
- Antidiabetes drugs: Cowhage might decrease blood sugar, so monitor blood sugar closely if taking it with diabetes medications, as the dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
- Antipsychotic drugs: Cowhage increases a chemical in the brain called dopamine. Taking cowhage along with some medications for mental conditions might decrease the effectiveness of those medications.
- Medications used for surgery: Taking L-dopa along with medications used for surgery can cause heart problems. It is recommended to stop taking cowhage at least two weeks before surgery.
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 5 RCTs and databases tracking 15+ RCTs show that Mucuna pruriens is effective in managing Parkinson's disease symptoms due to its L-DOPA content. Studies suggest faster onset of action and longer duration compared to standard levodopa/carbidopa treatments. Some trials indicate potential benefits in male infertility, nervous disorders, and as an aphrodisiac, and other activities. However, some patients experienced gastrointestinal side effects.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Balya (tonic)
- Snayu-balya (nervine tonic)
Classical clinical indications
- Kampa (tremors)
- Parkinson's disease
- Klaibya (impotence)
- Shukra Kshaya (sperm deficiency)