Also known as: Bengal velvet bean, Florida velvet bean, Mauritius velvet bean, Yokohama velvet bean, cowage, cowitch, lacuna bean, and Lyon bean
Velvet Bean's Health Benefits
Macuna pruriens, commonly known as velvet bean, is a vine plant with phytochemicals that interact with the neuroendocrine system. This natural remedy has been used for ages in traditional Indian Medicine known as Ayurveda for its neuroprotective benefits. Today, pharmacological studies have demonstrated its medicinal properties. It contains a high concentration of levodopa, a dopamine precursor. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is linked to motivation and attention. Velvet bean extract is shown to decrease heart rate, as well as increase motivation and confidence [Hahn 2015; Lampariello et al. 2012].
