Mucuna Pruriens Research Articles

In Silico Study on Anti-inflammatory Effect of Bioactive Compounds of Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) Leaves Against NF-kB Activation Pathway

Activation of nuclear factor-kB (NF-ĸB) receptors potently enhances pro-inflammatory cytokines production thereby promoting inflammatory reactions. NF-ĸB receptor inhibition is one of the targets in overcoming inflammatory reactions. One of the natural ingredients that have the potential as an anti-inflammatory is velvet bean leaf extract (Mucuna pruriens L. (DC.)) which is used by the local people of West Sumatra. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the bioactive compounds detected in velvet bean leaf extract against NF-ĸB (1U36) activation pathway using an in silico approach. The phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract of velvet bean leaves was performed using GC-MS. Subsequently, their potential bioactivities were explored using PASS online test, preparation of ligands, receptors, and molecular docking. The results showed that the 34 compounds contained in the miang bean leaf extract had anti-inflammatory bioactivity with a probability activity value of >0.7 based on PASS online. The docking results showed that the highest binding affinity value was found in artemin (-7.5 kcal/mol) which was higher than the standard anti-inflammatory drug ketoconazole (-7.2 kcal/mol). Therefore, one of the mechanisms of miang bean leaves as an anti-inflammatory is due to the inhibitory action of artemin on the NF-kB activation pathway.

Anti-inflammatory effects of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L. (DC.), Fabaceae) leaf ethanolic extract against carrageenan in male mice

Anti-inflammatory effects of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L. (DC.), Fabaceae) leaf ethanolic extract against carrageenan in male mice

ALLELOPATHIC EFFECT OF Chromolaena odorata FOLIAGE AS SOIL AMENDMENT ON THE GROWTH AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF Solanum lycopersicum, Mucuna pruriens, Abelmoschus esculentus and Citrullus lanatus.

This study investigated the allelopathic effect of Chromolaena odorata foliage used as soil amendments on the leaf area, plant height, number of leaves, plant biomass and total chlorophyll content of Solanum lycopersicum, Mucuna pruriens, Abelmuschus esculentus and Citrullus lanatus. Seeds of the test crops were planted in pots amended with 0%w/w, 1.9%w/w, 3.8%w/w, 5.7%w/w and 7.7%w/w of foliage of C. odorata and parameters as leaf area, plant height, number of leaves, plant biomass and total chlorophyll content were measured. The data collated were analysed using analysis of variance and the means separated using Tukey’s HSD. The leaf area, plant height, number of leaves and plant biomass showed a seemingly concentration-dependent, statistically significant increase in C. lanatus, S. lycopersicum and A. esculentus for all treatments, when compared to the 0%w/w treatment; and, although showing a visual and graphical increase for, M. pruriens, the increase in leaf area, plant height, number of leaves and plant biomass of M. pruriens were not statistically significant at 5% level of probability. The total chlorophyll content of all the plants studied showed concentration-dependent, statistically significant increments at 5% levels of probability, when compared to their respective 0%w/w treatments. The increase in the leaf area, plant height, number of leaves, plant biomass and total chlorophyll content of C. lanatus, S. lycopersicum, A. esculentus and M. pruriens due to the soil amendment with different amounts of C. odorata foliage is attributed to the possible effect of the allelochemicals in the leaves, which, although having a negative inhibitory effect on germination, had possibly undergone a bio-transformation to become stimulatory. Again, the foliar amendments increased the organic matter content of the soil, and thus, in synergy with the bio-transformed allelochemicals, serve as a bio-fertilizer to improve the growth of the test crops. Owing to the possible inhibitory effect of C. odorata foliage on the germination of these same test crops, it is therefore recommended that the foliage of C. odorata should only be used as organic manure or bio-fertilizer only at the post-germination stage of the test crops, not at the pre-germination stage.

Nicotine Free Herbal Composition for Smoking De-Addiction - A Placebo Controlled, Double Blind, Randomized, Multicentric Clinical Study.

Smoking is a major predisposing factor for many health problems including cancers, vascular disorders, etc., To quit smoking is the only solution to prevent them. Various medicinal and non-medicinal methods are used worldwide for the same. The present study evaluates the effect of a nicotine free herbal formulation containing ingredients like Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, etc., for cessation of smoking and its effects on other health parameters related to smoking. The present study was a placebo controlled, double blind, randomized, and multi-centric clinical study conducted at three clinical sites in India. After ethical approval and informed consent, all participants were given Smotect Tablets or Placebo tablets in a dose of 2 tablets twice daily for 90 days. A total of 103 participants (52 in trial group and 51 in placebo group) completed the study. Evaluation of cessation of smoking was done along with other parameters like measurement of lung capacity, clinical assessment, and laboratory investigations before and after the study. A significant reduction in smoking as well as in the alveolar Carbon monoxide (p < 0.05) and Carboxyhemoglobin levels (p < 0.05) were observed with the use of Smotect tablets as compared to placebo over a period of 90 days. Significant improvement was also observed in quality of life, energy and stamina levels, and reduction of stress level. Smotect tablets were found to be safe without causing any adverse effects. Smotect Tablets is an effective and safe remedy for cessation of smoking and reducing other effects related to smoking.

Rabbit Intensification Systems in Rwanda: Feeding Influence and Growth

A study was conducted in Northern Province of Rwanda, from the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Busogo Campus located in Musanze district to evaluate the effect of feed type on rabbit growth in rabbit intensification systems in Rwanda. The Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used and data were collected on rabbit growth weekly for a period of 12 weeks. The experiment was composed of three treatments replicated ten times. The treatments included three types of feeds namely; cabbage combined with Mucuna pruriens added to local forage (I), cabbages combined with Leucaena leucocephala added to local forage (II) and a control composed of other varieties of locally available forage, such as Bidens pilosa, Crassocephalum vitellium and Galinsoga parviflora (III) which was considered as the control (Farmers practice). The feeds were given to ten rabbits separated in individual cages, and each rabbit was considered a replicate. Water was given ad libitum. One month old rabbits (weaners) were used and data were collected after one week of adaptation for 12 weeks. The results showed that the mean of weight gain after 12 weeks was 783.3 g, 760.7 g and 705.7 g for feed type I, II and III respectively. The difference between means of feed types after 12 weeks was not significant (p > 0.5), which implied that rabbit growth did not depend on the feed type. The mean weight gain after 8 weeks was 707.5 g, 661.4 g and 577.1 g for feed type I, II and III respectively. At 8 weeks, the difference between means of feed types was significant (p Mucuna pruriens combined with cabbage and local forage were growing faster than rabbits from other treatments at 8 weeks. The researchers recommended that farmers should be facilitated with feeding materials by the concerned institutions. Training of rabbit farmers and further researches on locally available feeding materials were also given as recommendations at the end of this study.

Manejo da adubação verde e orgânica com composto fermentado no cultivo agroecológico de brócolis americano

ABSTRACT This work aimed to evaluate the phytotechnical performance of the succession involving pre-croppings of maize and Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) or the intercropping of these species in the agroecological cultivation of broccoli in the presence and absence of fermented compost fertilization. The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a factorial scheme 2 (maize monoculture or intercropped with velvet bean) x 2 (absence and presence of fermented compost fertilization) + 1 (velvet bean monoculture and without fertilization). After cutting the maize and velvet bean biomass, the broccoli seedlings were transplanted. In this stage, the design was in randomized blocks in a 3-factorial scheme (maize monoculture; maize intercropped with velvet bean; velvet bean monoculture) x 2 (presence and absence of fermented compost fertilization). The authors concluded that when the velvet bean was introduced into maize cultivation system no negatively interference was noticed concerning to phytotechnical components of baby corn, and it even allows an additional of 3.46 and 7.75 t/ha of fabaceous phytomass, respectively, in the first and second year. In the absence of fertilization, phytomasses of the intercroppings provided broccoli productivity of 12.87 t/ha, which represents an increase of 43.73% when compared to maize monoculture in the second year. An effect of fertilization with the fermented compost on broccoli cultivation under these study conditions was verified, providing a greater accumulation of N in the inflorescences in the first year and maximum productivity of 12.19 and 14.32 t/ha, respectively, first and second years.

Update on copper and selenium in Canadian cow-calf herds: regional differences and estimation of serum reference values.

Trace mineral supplementation of beef cattle is essential for efficient reproduction and herd health. Understanding regional differences in cow trace mineral status could inform decisions about risks of deficiencies and supplementation management. Cow-calf surveillance projects provided three opportunities to evaluate the trace mineral status of Canadian beef cow herds. Blood samples were collected at pregnancy testing in 2014 from 102 cow-calf herds and in 2016 from 86 cow-calf herds in Western Canada. In 2019, blood samples were collected at pregnancy testing from cows in 163 cow-calf herds from Eastern and Western Canada. Serum samples were analyzed for copper, selenium, and molybdenum concentrations using a plasma mass spectrometer. The prevalence of copper deficient cows sampled from the Western provinces ranged from 24% to 43% across the three periods, and was 20% from Eastern Canada in 2019. The prevalence of selenium deficient cows ranged from 0.2% to 0.4% across the three projects in Western Canada, but was higher in Eastern Canada at 4.6% in 2019. High serum molybdenum was identified in 9.4% to 14% of cows across the three periods in Western Canada and in 15% of cows sampled in Eastern Canada in 2019. Serum copper, selenium, and molybdenum concentrations varied by cow age and month of sample collection. Serum selenium and molybdenum concentrations, but not copper, varied by soil type associated with the location of the farm. A subsample of samples from cows from Western Canadian herds provided body condition score (BCS) data, pregnancy status, and calf survival data and were used to estimate updated serum reference values for adequate concentrations. Age-specific values were required for selenium and molybdenum. Reference intervals (80%) were estimated from 2,406 pregnant beef cows from 99 herds with each cow having a BCS ≥ 2.5/5 and a live calf at 3 wk with no retained placenta: copper for all cows (0.379 to 0.717 ppm), selenium for cows <4 yr (0.052 to 0.152 ppm), and selenium for cows ≥4 yr (0.064 to 0.184 ppm). Upper 90% reference limits were also estimated for serum molybdenum for cows <4 yr (>0.104 ppm) and cows ≥4 yr (>0.110 ppm). The lower limits for the reference intervals for adequate copper and selenium are below those previously reported; nevertheless, they represent a large sample that was specifically applicable to extensively managed beef animals in western Canada.

Detection of Brucellosis in dairy cows at Goshta and Mohmand Dara Districts of Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan

Background: Brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic diseases caused by a gram-negative, facultative, intracellular bacterial organism of the genus Brucella that is harmful to many animal and human species. The purpose of this study was to assess the detection of Brucellosis as well as potential risk variables linked with districts, breeds (Local, HF, and Jersey) and age (2-4, 5-7, and more than 7 years). Materials and Methods: In the current investigation, 150 blood and milk samples were obtained from the districts of Goshta and Mohmand Dara and analyzed for Brucella antibodies using the Milk Ring Test (MRT), the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), and the Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT). Findings: A total of 150 samples were evaluated for this investigation, and 30 (20%) of them tested positive for brucellosis. Among these 30 positive cases, 19 (63.33%) were positive in Goshta district and 11 (15.7%) were positive in Mohmand Dara district. Out of 30 positive samples, 19 (63.33%) were positive in local dairy cows, 5 (16.66%) in HF, and 6 (20.00%) in Jersey breeds. According to results of present study, a significant association was documented between brucellosis and age of the dairy cows as higher prevalence was recorded for 5-7 years old (X2=10.500, P=0.005). In a comparison of serum and milk antibody detection assays, it was found that serum had a greater antibody detection rate than milk. Conclusion: This study uses MRT, RBPT, and STAT as screening tools to add some information about the frequency of brucellosis in dairy cows breeds that are available in the Mohmand Dara and Goshta areas. The prevalence of brucellosis was higher in local dairy cows compared to other dairy breeds. Brucellosis' significance to the dairy sector and its possible effects on people's health such as zoonotic effects, antibiotics resistance, relapse of the diseases, prolonged treatment duration, side effects of antibiotics and limited treatment options during pregnancy.

Некоторые аспекты эпизоотологии и патогенеза субклинического и клинического мастита

Clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis are widespread in dairy cows and cause premature slaughter of animals due to lack of milk, agalactia, atrophy and hardening of the udder. The incidence of mastitis in dairy cows averages about 25 %, but the manifest form of mastitis occurs in 50 % of lactating cows. Culling large numbers of dairy cows can have a negative impact on production profits. The early slaughter of dairy cows is influenced by various factors, mainly violations of veterinary and zootechnical husbandry rules. It should be noted that veterinary measures for the prevention and treatment of mastitis are not always effective. Statistics from the veterinary department show that the average age of Russian dairy cows is 2,7 lactations. The decisive role in the etiology of mastitis depends on three interrelated factors (infectious agent, protective properties of the macroorganism and environmental influences). At the onset of the disease, a sterile inflammatory process occurs, which is then complicated by the microbial community. Opportunistic microorganisms accumulate in the tip of the nipple and the nipple canals, penetrate the nipple and suprapapillary cisterns and cause an infectious process. Inflammatory processes in the intestines, organs of the reproductive system, etc. can also lead to infection of the mammary glands. The part of the udder that produces the most milk is most often affected. Microorganisms penetrate the mammary gland in three ways (mammary, hematogenous and lymphatic). During the inflammatory process, under the influence of microorganisms, milk proteins are destroyed, the pH of the environment changes, and clots and flakes appear. Subsequent changes depend on the severity of the inflammatory process. If timely measures are taken, the physiological processes and structure of the breast tissue can be restored, otherwise atrophy of one lobe (quarter) of the mammary gland will occur. The clinical symptoms of subclinical mastitis are unknown. Serous-catarrhal exudate appears in the alveoli, the components of which are lymphocytes, plasma cells and multinucleated cells. The protein composition of milk undergoes significant changes, which are characterized by a decrease in the content of total protein and casein, an increase in the concentration of whey protein, an increase in the alkalinity of milk, and an increase in the number of somatic cells. If cows with subclinical mastitis are left untreated, they resolve spontaneously in 12–20 % of cases and develop clinical signs in 15–20 %.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Postpartum Anestrus in Dairy Cows of Sylhet District, Bangladesh

The objectives of current study were to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum anestrus in lactating dairy cows in Sylhet region, Bangladesh. A total of 420 postpartum cows of different breed and age were selected randomly from different dairy farms in studied area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from farm owner on prevalence and risk factors for postpartum anestrus. Observed heat within 60 days after parturition was considered as normal cyclic cows and others were considered as postpartum anestrus. The prevalence of postpartum anestrus was 36.20%. The study shows that older cows take relatively more time for ovarian resumption. Cow’s having first parity shows cyclicity within 60 days of parturition, and postpartum anestrus increases significantly with the advancement of parity. Postpartum anestrus was significantly higher (P&lt; 0.001) in cows with poor (≤1.0) and excessive (&gt;3) body condition scores (BCS), respectively, compared to those with moderate/optimal BCS (2–3). The postpartum cyclicity in cows within 60 days with a history of normal placental expulsion was significantly higher than in the cows with RFM. Ovarian cyclicity was highest (75.92%) among the cows that were maintained in adequate hygienic conditions and lowest (43.51%) in a poor environment. The highest percentage (88.10%) of cows showed postpartum cyclicity with a history of short lactation length (0-150 days) and resumption of postpartum estrous cycle increases significantly with lactation length. Resumption of postpartum estrus cycles in cows takes more time with a history of minimal (&lt;15 liters) daily milk production than the cow with medium (&gt;15-25 liters) daily milk production. Cows get an adequate feed supply (both concentrate and green grass), which shows a positive effect on postpartum cyclicity. Pre and postpartum complications have a significant (p&lt;0.001) effect on the postpartum cyclicity of cows. Endometritis (81.25%) followed by pyometra (75.76%) were recorded as major reproductive obstacles in ovarian resumption, whereas uterine prolapse (70.59%) followed by abortion (61.54%), milk fever (58.33%), stillbirth (58.33%) and dystocia (57.63%) were the major recorded complications in post-partum phase. The study also revealed that the non-restricted suckling period has a significant (p&lt;0.001) negative effect on ovarian resumption. The risk factors including parity, BCS, placental expulsion, hygienic condition, lactation length, daily milk production and management system were significantly (P&lt;0.01) influenced the postpartum cyclicity. Maintaining optimal BCS of cows, proper hygienic and good management practice, and farmer's training on management of cattle reproduction would improve the number of cows for breeding by 60 days postpartum.

Agricultural, pharmaceutical, and Industrial applications of the underutilized legume Mucuna pruriens

Agricultural, pharmaceutical, and Industrial applications of the underutilized legume Mucuna pruriens

Efeito protetor de Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. extrato de semente de pruriens, em células germinativas apoptóticas em ratos machos etanólicos

Abstract Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var pruriens (T-MP) seed containing levodopa (L-DOPA) and antioxidant capacity has been shown to improve sexual behavior and male reproductive parameters in rats treated with ethanol (Eth). However, its protective effect on testicular apoptotic germ cells has never been reported. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of T-MP seed extract on expressions of caspase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) proteins in Eth rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group), including control, Eth, T-MP150+Eth, and T-MP300+Eth, respectively. Control rats received distilled water, and Eth rats received Eth (3g/kg BW; 40%v/v). The T-MP groups were treated with T-MP seed extract at a dose of 150 or 300 mg/kg before Eth administration for 56 consecutive days. The results showed that the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial height were significantly increased in both T-MP treated groups compared to the Eth group. Additionally, the caspase-9 and -3, and PCNA expressions were decreased, but D2R expression was markedly increased in T-MP groups. It was concluded that T-MP seed extract could protect testicular apoptosis induced by Eth via changes in caspase, PCNA, and D2R protein expressions.

Mucuna pruriens Constituted Diet Ameliorates Manganese-Induced Behavioural Deficit and Histological Alterations in the Brains of Rats

Overexposure to manganese (Mn) has been clearly established to trigger neurotoxicity that may result in Parkinson-like symptoms. Mucuna pruriens have been reported to possess constituents that could be neuroprotective. The present study evaluated the effect of M. pruriens constituted diet in Mn-induced memory and motor deficits, as well as on histological changes in the brain. Twenty-four adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of six rats. Three groups of animals were subjected to Mn-administration and on standard feed, 10% or 20% M. pruriens constituted feeds for a 5-week duration. The remaining group served as control and received standard feed only. Following experimental treatments, rats were subjected to the Y-maze test and the open-field test. Furthermore, brains were excised and evaluated with routine haematoxylin and eosin histological protocol. Result of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test showed that Mn caused decreased memory performance and decreasing motor and explorative activities, but co-treatment with M. pruriens mitigated behavioural impairments. Additionally, Mn-administration resulted in noticeable neurodegenerative features in the cerebellum, hippocampus and striatum. However, concurrent use of M. pruriens diet slightly attenuated histological alterations. In conclusion, the present study suggests that treatment with M. pruriens may provide ameliorative benefits against Mn-induced neurotoxicity

"Effect of Growth Regulators on Direct Clonal Propagation and Analysis of Total Phenolic Content of Wild and Propagated Mucuna pruriens"

"Effect of Growth Regulators on Direct Clonal Propagation and Analysis of Total Phenolic Content of Wild and Propagated Mucuna pruriens"

"Effect of Growth Regulators on Direct Clonal Propagation and Analysis of Total Phenolic Content of Wild and Propagated Mucuna pruriens"

"Effect of Growth Regulators on Direct Clonal Propagation and Analysis of Total Phenolic Content of Wild and Propagated Mucuna pruriens"

Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens): A sustainable protein source for tomorrow

AbstractProtein is one of the essential major nutrients required for the cell functioning in human body. Complete proteins, which are usually found in animal‐based proteins, despite of having high biovailability also cause adverse effect on the environment and increased the risk of diet‐related chronic diseases. Recent years have witnessed enhanced awareness about the health benefits of substituting animal‐based proteins with plant‐based proteins, especially in developed countries. Nitrogen‐fixing grain legumes are considered important sources of protein in many developing countries as they are generally cheaper than meat or cereals. Extensive research has been conducted on several underutilized legumes with similar nutritional properties to soybean; one of these legumes is velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens). Though it is rich in protein (27%), complementary amino acid pattern to that of cereal grains exerts health beneficial properties, including antiparkinson, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, it is limited for human consumption due to the presence of antinutrients. This review provides insight into the potential use of this underutilized legume in resolving the global protein crisis and address food insecurity issues. Additionally, the review focuses on various processing conditions necessary to utilize velvet bean for the development of food products and by‐products like protein isolate, concentrate, flour and their functional properties, and toxicological viewpoint. This current might help in driving future research and applications in velvet bean as a sustainable, plant‐based protein source for human foods along with the critical research areas for their improvement.

Produksi Hidrolisat Protein Kacang Koro Benguk dengan Aktivitas Penghambat Kerja Enzim Pengkonversi Angiotensin melalui Kombinasi Fermentasi dan Hidrolisis Enzimatik

Mucuna bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) is a legume having high protein content which has the potential as a source of bioactive peptides. One of the bioactive peptides is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, thus, mucuna beans might be used as a potential source of antihypertensive compounds. This study aimed to increase the functionality of proteins from mucuna beans as ACE inhibitors using a combination of fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis followed by membrane filtration. The mucuna beans were fermented for 0, 24, 48, 96, and 144 h. The highest ACE inhibitory activity of 54.37%, was obtained by fermentation of the beans at 48 h, with a protein content of 20.82 mg/mL. The 48 h fermented mucuna beans were further hydrolyzed using alcalase or neutrase and subsequently filtered with UF membranes having 20,10 and 5 kDa cut-off. The enzymatic hydrolysis followed by membrane filtration increased the ACE inhibitory activity of mucuna beans. The neutrase hydrolysates resulting from 5 kDa membrane filtration showed the best ACE inhibitory activity (62.96% with a protein content of 10.39 mg/mL). A combination of fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis followed by filtration using UF-membrane was able to produce ACE inhibitory peptides from mucuna beans. The potential of mucuna beans peptides as ACE inhibitors was due to the presence of negatively charged amino acid residues such as Asp and Glu, positively charged amino acids such as Arg and Lys, and hydrophobic amino acids such as Val, Leu, Ala, and Ile.

Reverse Pharmacology: An Innovative Approach to the Study of Herbs

Despite significant advances in high throughput assays, the current state of drug discovery and development is facing an insurmountable challenge. For this reason, new methods for drug research are urgently needed. Ayurveda was used by almost 70% of Indians. The systematic and research-based search and investigation of native plants for beneficial and therapeutic effects should be modified. For this clarification, new scenarios and approaches were developed and developed Ayurvedic epidemiology, observational studies, and reverse pharmacological methods have produced remarkable achievements, indications, and components for a wide variety of diseases and conditions. The potential phytobase entity will appear in future scaffolds for medicinal chemists to increase potency while reducing toxicity. Many native medicinal herbs have been shown to be effective. Mucuna pruriens eggs are effective in treating Parkinson's disease, the Nycthanthes plant arbor-tritis is effective in treating malaria, and Phyllanthus amarus is used in treating hepatitis. Reverse pharmacology is used by several groups around the world for drug development of new formulations, chemicals, and baits.

Prevention of seminal vesicle damage by Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens seed extract in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice

Context Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) or T-MP seed extract has been shown to improve sexual performance and sperm quality. Objective This study investigates the preventive effects of T-MP against seminal vesicle damage, apoptotic and Nrf2 protein expression in mice under chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Materials and methods Forty-eight male ICR mice were divided into four groups: control, CUMS, T-MP300 + CUMS and T-MP600 + CUMS. Mice in control and CUMS groups received distilled water, while those in treated groups were pretreated with T-MP extract (300 or 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days. The CMUS and co-treated groups were exposed to one random stressor (of 12 total) each day for 43 days. Components and histopathology of the seminal vesicle were examined, along with localization of androgen receptor (AR) and caspase 3. Expression of seminal AR, tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (3 and 9) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins was investigated. Results T-MP extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW improved seminal epithelial damage and secretion of fluid containing essential substances and proteins in CUMS mice. It also increased the expression of AR and TyrPho proteins. Additionally, T-MP increased expression of Nrf2 and inhibited seminal vesicular apoptosis through the suppression of Hsp70 and caspase expression. Conclusion T-MP seeds have an antiapoptotic property in chronic stress seminal vesicle. It is possible to apply this extract for the enhancement of seminal plasma quality.

Growth performance and histological response of Clarias gariepinus raised on unprocessed dried leaves of Telfairia occidentalis and Mucuna utilis

Nutrient utilization is determined by absorbable and digestible nutrients in fish feeds. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effects of unprocessed dried leaves of Telfairia occidentalis (UDLTO) and Mucuna utilis (UDLMU) on histology and growth of C. gariepinus. Sixteen weeks feeding trial experiment was conducted using two hundred and twenty-five Clarias gariepinus with a mean weight 4.16±0.09g. Fish meal was replaced with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels of UDLMU and UDLTO. Growth parameters and histological examinations were carried out according to standard procedures. Mean Weight Gain (MWG) of 0% (15.8g) was significantly higher P0.05 compared to other treatments. Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of 0% (0.64) varied significantly P0.05 than other levels of inclusions. Kidneys of fish fed 25 and 50% graded levels showed patchy vacuolar degeneration of the renal tubules. Gills of fish fed 75 and 100% graded levels showed diffuse capillaries and moderate congestion of lamellar in the gills. Tissue examinations of fish fed 50, 75 and 100% graded levels exhibited clinical signs of moderate atrophy and vacuolation of hepatocytes and diffuse hepatocellular swelling and degeneration in the liver. Histological investigations revealed fragmentation and atrophy of muscle fibre in fish fed 75% graded level. There was moderate atrophy of villi of the intestine of fish fed 100% graded level. It is apparent that the increased levels of UDLMU and UDLTO could not support good growth as presumed due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors in the leaves.Keywords: Nutrient utilization, Fish meal, Inclusions, standard procedures, Clinical signs