Pantropical climbing legume whose seeds are the richest known natural source of L-DOPA (typically 3–7% by dry weight). The seed-pod hairs (the "cowhage") cause intense skin itching from a serotonergic protein. Long-standing Ayurvedic use for Parkinsonian symptoms, libido, and convalescence.
ECOLOGY & HABITAT
Vigorous climbing annual or short-lived perennial of disturbed and cultivated land across the tropics. Often planted as a green-manure cover crop.
Distribution
India (native)Southeast AsiaAfricaCaribbeanCentral and South America (naturalised)
INDIGENOUS NAMES
The names this organism has been given by the cultures that have lived alongside it. Each carries an entire relationship — what is sacred is never simply translated.
- kapikachhuSanskrit
- atmaguptaSanskrit"self-protected"
TRADITIONAL USE
- Classical Ayurvedic remedy (kapikachhu) for Parkinsonian tremor and impotence
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: kidney-yang tonic
- Folk use in West Africa and the Caribbean for libido and male fertility
REFERENCES
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- Katzenschlager 2004
- Lampariello 2012
