''Mucuna monosperma,'' commonly known as negro beans in India, or deer-eye beans, donkey-eye beans, or ox-eye beans, is a large woody climber from the family
.
The plant has three layers; a brown pod covered in small hairs, curved petals usually colored purple and black round-shaped beans. Small hairs on the pod can irritate the skin.The petals of the ''Muncuna monnosperma'' flower opens at night and closes in the morning. It is found in India, including the eastern Himalayas, the northeastern states, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand.
It's natural habitat is evergreen forests, and it commonly grows near swamps or along streams.
It is discovered that ''M. monosperma'' contains
L-DOPA
-DOPA, also known as levodopa and -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, is an amino acid that is made and used as part of the normal biology of some plants and animals, including humans. Humans, as well as a portion of the other animals that utilize -DOPA ...
, which is a chemical compound commonly used against
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease (PD), or simply Parkinson's, is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. The symptoms usually emerge slowly, and as the disease worsens, non-motor symptoms becom ...
. The beans of the plant contains 5.48% L-DOPA, and the content increases 6.58% when beans are soaked in water. Another research showed that ''M. monosperma'' can accelerate melanin production that can be beneficial in cosmetics, agriculture and medicine.
Other than its possible medical uses, ''M. monosperma'' has already been consumed as food in areas where it is endemic to. According to Dr.
Sturtevants, it is a well-loved fruit among
Brahmins
Brahmin (; sa, ब्राह्मण, brāhmaṇa) is a varna as well as a caste within Hindu society. The Brahmins are designated as the priestly class as they serve as priests (purohit, pandit, or pujari) and religious teachers (guru o ...
.
References
External links
{{Taxonbar, from=Q15473097
monosperma
Fabales of Asia
Phaseoleae