Family: Fabaceae
Synonym: Mucuna prurita (L.) Hook.
Bengali/Vernacular name: Alkushi, Bichchoti, Khamach, Bilaiachra,Soash guri.
Tribal name: Eng rhi noi (Marma), Kru-kuch (Murang).
English name: Common cowitch, Velvet bean plant, Cowhage.
Description of the plant: An annual or perennial, large climbing herb, glabrescent at maturity. Leaves pinnately 3-foliolate, membranous, ovate, rhomboid. Racemes pendulous, 10-25 cm long, with many flowers, purple. Pods 10-15 cm long, turgid, falcately curved on both ends, densely clothed with darkbrown, persistent, irritant bristles; seeds pinkish-brown, oblong-ellipsoids.
Plant parts used: Leaf, stem, root, seed.
Herbal uses: Paste prepared from the leaves and stems of the plant is applied to the affected part of the body until the rheumatism is cured.
Roots of the plant areused for paralysis and affections of the of nervous systemtreatment.
Infusion made with thepodsof the plant is used as remedy for dropsy.
Seeds of the plant are used internally as remedy for Parkinson’s disease, oedema, impotence, intestinal gas, and worms.
The leaves and stems of the plant are used for the treatment of gout and snake bite.
Infusion of root mixed with honey prescribed for choleratreatment.
The plant is used for the treatment of worms, dysentery, diarrhoea, sexual debility, tuberculosis, rheumatic disorders, diabetes, cancer, and gout.
Distribution: It is found throughout Bangladesh in village thickets and jungle.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
