Kapikacchu (Velvet beans): benefits, uses and side effects

Traditionally, kapikacchu is known to be an effective tonic for men and is used for the treatment of infertility and as an aphrodisiac. Clinical studies demonstrate that taking 5g of kapikachu seed powder per day reduces antioxidant stress and improves infertility within 3 months (1). It has also been found to improve sperm count and motility in infertile men, however, it doesn’t exhibit any significant impact on asthenozoospermia, which is a condition marked by a lower level of sperm motility in spite of normal sperm count. (2)

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, velvet seeds improve the semen quality by acting on the hypothalamus and pituitary regions of the brain. These regions are responsible for maintaining the levels of testosterone, dopamine and luteinizing hormone in men, which, in turn, manage sperm count and function of reproductive organs. (3)

(Read more: Men's sexual problems and solutions)

The tonic properties of kapikacchu seeds also extend to the nervous system and it is traditionally known to be a neuroprotective herb. This has been attributed to the presence of L-DOPA in velvet beans. L-DOPA is the precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, also known as the pleasure hormone. Studies indicate this compound reduces brain inflammation associated with Parkinson’s, thereby inhibiting the progress of this neurodegenerative disease. (4)

A double-blind study done in London indicates that administration of 30 g of kapikacchu seeds is more effective in increasing L-DOPA levels than the commercial supplements (5) and thus holds a better promise as an anti-Parkinson’s agent.

In a recent clinical study, Mucuna extracts were found to be as effective as levodopa, a drug used for the treatment of Parkinson’s. It was further suggested that kapikacchu extracts don’t show any side effects when used in the same dosage as levodopa and were better tolerated by all the subjects. (6)

Kapikacchu is one of the many herbs that are known to be effective in neutralising the toxic effects of snake venom. Tribal people in Nigeria believe that swallowing the intact seeds of kapikacchu plant makes one safe against any snake bite for a whole year. In Indian traditional medicine, aqueous extracts of velvet beans seeds are given orally two times a day to counter the effects of snakebite (7). Several studies have been done to find evidence for this use and it has been demonstrated that the antibodies formed against the extract of velvet beans seeds exhibit cross-reactivity with the venom of many snakes, especially cobra can thus be used in antiserum therapies for snake bites (8). The effects of mucuna injections have been found to be effective against snake venom from 24 hours to 1 month of administration.

It is further reported that these antibodies are formed against a specific protein, MP-4 protein, present in Mucuna seeds (9). It also competes with snake venom to bind with various cellular sites and neutralises the proteolytic effects of snake venom, which, in turn, prevents haemorrhage and muscle damage.

Natural anti-microbial substances have quickly risen to trend in recent years, no thanks to the development of drug-resistant strains of pathogenic microorganisms. And true to their fame, plant-based drugs have proven to be very useful against a number of microbes. Laboratory-based studies have found that the methanolic extract of kapikacchu seeds possesses strong antibacterial activity against a range of gram positive and gram negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Xanthomonas campestris. It is also effective against fungal pathogens like Fusarium and Ustilago. (10)

In another study, the ethanolic extracts of mucuna plant were shown to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi (causes typhoid) and Vibrio cholerae (causes cholera). (11)

Diabetes is yet another condition that is traditionally known to be treated using the seeds of kapikacchu plant. In vivo (animal-based) studies confirm this traditional claim by demonstrating the hypoglycemic (reducing blood sugar) effects of velvet bean extracts (12). It has been suggested that the dietary fibre present in velvet beans may be responsible for this anti-diabetic action.

Furthermore, kapikacchu seeds also contain ample amounts of squalene, a compound that helps reduce cholesterol levels, which is one of the major risk factors of diabetes (13).

However, due to the absence of human-based studies, it is advisable to talk to an ayurvedic doctor to know more about the safety and usage of kapikacchu for diabetic people.

Kapikacchu seeds have been found to possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity which is effective in protecting your skin from conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Preliminary studies demonstrate that the methanolic extract of kapikacchu leaves reduces the levels of 4 HNE, a compound that is present as a marker in ageing skin cells. (14)

Antioxidants present in velvet beans seeds may reduce UV damage and prevent early signs of ageing including fine lines and wrinkles.

However, more studies are needed to find the exact mode of action, use and safety profile of kapikacchu seeds for human skin.

• Kapikacchu seeds improve anabolism and muscle mass development. However, there is no evidence to prove that they are effective as a sports supplement. (15)
• Being an anti-inflammatory agent, velvet beans might be useful in reducing arthritic inflammation and pain. (Read more: Arthritis treatment)
• The antioxidants present in kapikacchu seeds protect the body from free radical damage, thereby, improving organ function and delaying ageing process.