Common Name:

General Information

Mucuna biplicata is a large climbing shrub with stems that can twine 10 - 15 metres tall into the surrounding vegetation.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

Mucuna species often possess irritant hairs on the seedpods and sometimes on the flowers and other parts. These hairs consist of 1-2 small basal cells and a large needle-like top cell. The top cell breaks off easily, piercing the skin and injecting chemical compounds that are present in the hairs. The proteolytic enzyme 'Mucunain' is said to be the active agent[].
The hairs can contaminate clothes or other objects, and remain active when dried, though they can be destroyed by heat[, , ]. Intense itching, with reddening of the skin and small papules or urticaria occur a few minutes after contact with the hairy parts of the plant. There is no serious danger, unless the hairs get into the eye, in which case, in extreme situations, they have caused blindness. To remove the hairs from the skin, adhesive tape and washing with water and soap are considered useful. Dermatitis can be treated with corticosteroid ointment. See a doctor immediately if hairs go into the eyes[].

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, western Indonesia

Habitat

Primary, secondary or disturbed forests, often along rivers, riverbanks, belukar; at elevations up to 600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Mucuna species generally grow best in a shady position in a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil[]. This species is found in the wild on limestone, red soil, yellow sandy clay, loam and sands[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A red xxudate from the plant is taken internally for the treatment of diarrhoea[].
Applied topically, the exudate is used for healing cuts and wounds[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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