Abstract
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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