Abstract

Dr. Himani Purohit*, Dr. Omprakash Sharma and Dr. Pratibha

ABSTRACT

Humans are using natural products from thousands of years. Plant- based drugs have formed the basis of traditional medicine systems that have been used for centuries in many countries such as China and India.[1] Today herbal drugs continue to play an essential role in health care. It has been estimated by the World Health Organization that 80% of the population of the world rely mainly on traditional medicines for their primary health care.[2]Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens Linn.) is the most popular drug in Ayurvedic system of medicine. M. Pruriens are generally used to treat impotence. The aphrodisiac properties of the plant of the legume familyimprove the quality and quantity of the sperm.[3] and useful in diabetes mellitus [4] and cancer [5] whereas the seeds have muti-diversefied functions like several free radical mediated diseases management, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, nervous disorders, analgesic, antipyretic activity and in the management of Parkinsonism [6]. The most important of these bioactive compounds of plants are alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds [6]. Here the present review study is an attempt to provide reported detail information of this herb from various samhitas and its study in modern area like its phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities.