Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Papilionaceae) is used in male impotency, as aphrodisiac, in sexual
debility, and as nervine tonic. It also possesses anti-parkinson property, possibly due to the presence of
L-DOPA. Market samples of ‘Atmagupta’ (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC) an Indian Ayurvedic and Siddha drug
contain seeds of seven taxa. The dried powders of commercial and genuine samples were analysed for
L–DOPA content and CNS activity. Results showed high L-DOPA content in M. deeringiana and low L –
DOPA content in Canavalia ensiformis. C. virosa had more CNS depressant activity than other species
studied. The present findings also suggested that the commercial samples contain different
concentration of L-DOPA and CNS activity compared with genuine.
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