Capala (Chapala (Rajamasha, Mahamasha, Chabala, Kapitaela, Kapinamaka))
Capala, known botanically as Vigna unguiculata, is an Ayurvedic herb with potential therapeutic benefits. It is a strategic crop for nutritional security, providing high nutrient content and adaptability to various climates.
Botanical name: Vigna unguiculata. Also known as: Rajamasha, Mahamasha, Chapala, Bala, Cowpea, Black-eyed Pea, Horse Gram, Asparagus Bean, Catjang, Catjang Cowpea, Chinese Long Bean, Southern Pea, Black-Eye Pea, Crowder Pea, Niebe, Ñebbe, Lubia, Caupi, Costeño, Frijol de Costa, Rabiza, Haricot Indigène, Niébé, Pois a Vaches, Lûbyâ' Baladî, Mâsh, Ghangra, Kulattha, Kalaya, Barbati, Halsandi, Alasandalu, Jhurango, Kollu, Kottapayar.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Regulation of hormonal indices
Dosage
Information on specific dosages for medicinal purposes is not available in the provided context. As a food, cowpeas are consumed in varying amounts depending on dietary needs and preferences.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]
Benefits
- Balya (Tonic)
- Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
Traditional uses
- Durbala (Weakness)
- Kshaya (Emaciation)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: increasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- General Cooking: Cowpeas are versatile and can be boiled, steamed, or fried.
- Traditional Dishes: They are used in soups, stews, cakes (akara balls), and steamed dishes (moin-moin), especially in African cuisine.
- Dehulling and Pressure Cooking: Dehulling and pressure cooking can reduce abdominal discomfort associated with cowpea consumption.
- Sprouting: Seeds can be sprouted before cooking.
- Leaves and Pods: Young leaves can be harvested 2-3 weeks after planting and cooked as vegetables. Green pods are harvested about 2 weeks after flowering and can be handpicked.
- Seed Treatment: For agricultural purposes, seeds are treated with fungicides like Carbendazim or Thiram before sowing. They can also be treated with biofertilizers.
Contraindications
- Vata Dosha: Should be used with care by individuals with Vata-dominant constitutions or those experiencing Vata imbalances.
- Low Agni (Digestive Fire): Large portions may cause bloating.
- Kidney Disease: Individuals with kidney disease should monitor their potassium intake.
- Sodium Intake: Rinse canned cowpeas to lower sodium content.
- Western Medicines: Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with allopathic medicines.
Side effects
- Cowpea consumption can lead to flatulence, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort in some individuals. Dehulling and pressure cooking can mitigate these effects.
- Cowpea is an emerging allergen, and individuals with legume allergies (especially to peanut, pea, and lentil) may be sensitized to it.
- Cowpeas contain phytic acid and protease inhibitors, which can reduce the nutritional value of the crop.
- High concentrations of lead can be toxic to cowpea plants, inhibiting their growth.
Interactions
- Studies have examined the interactions of cowpea with various viruses, but no strong synergistic interactions were found in double virus mixtures.
- Cowpeas are susceptible to various pests and diseases, which can significantly reduce yields.
- Certain compounds like lupeol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol can inhibit cowpea germination and growth.
- Cowpeas can be intercropped with other plants like buckwheat or sorghum-sudangrass for weed suppression and soil improvement. They also fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting subsequent crops.
- Iron deficiency can occur in certain soil conditions, requiring the application of iron fertilizers.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials are available for Vigna unguiculata. However, in-vivo studies suggest potential antioxidant and pro-fertility properties. Further clinical research is needed to determine its clinical utility.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Balya (Tonic)
- Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
Classical clinical indications
- Durbala (Weakness)
- Kshaya (Emaciation)