Horse Eye Bean Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Nigerians Towards Herbal Contraception: A Questionnaire- Based Study

Aims: With a population of about 222 million, which is expected to rise to 377 million making Nigeria the 3rd largest country in the world by 2050, a well-planned family will improve the quality of life of mother and child.
 Methodology: A non-probability online survey was conducted (October 2021 and November 2021), recruiting 1113 participants across Nigeria. Socio-demographic data and information on contraceptives were obtained, and Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed using R 4.2.1.
 Results: Significant associations (P < .001) were found between age, marital status, education, and profession of respondents. About 44.65% were 15-29 years, while 41.2% were 30-34 years. No significant association was observed between the age group, gender, and the need for population control. Females (50.04%), 15-29 years old (66.48%) are more likely to approve of the need for population control. Likewise, females (22.01%), with tertiary education (18.78%) are well-informed about contraceptive use (P < .001). Only 19.38% (n = 184; P < .001) of participants used herbal contraceptives, in the form of liquid mixtures (55.98%), teas (17.93%), pills (12.50%), and powders (10.87%), with 26.63% > 7.61% > 6.52% > 5.98% = 5.98% = 5.98% > 4.89% > 3.80% who took Moringa, Alligator Pepper, Neem Plant, Castor Beans, African Star apple Momordica, Rosary Pea, and Horse-eye Bean respectively as contraceptives. Aged parents (32.07%), friends (31.52%), doctors (15.76%), herbalists (5.98%), pharmacists (5.43%), and nurses (3.80%) played a significant (P < .001) role in recommending these herbs. Furthermore, 76.37% recommended the development of indigenous herbal contraceptives in Nigeria, while 23.63% did not.
 Conclusion: Although participants have expressed a preference for herbal contraceptives, knowledge of them is lacking, which calls for more awareness campaigns and policy formulations for their promotion, development, and adoption in Nigeria.

Determination of the pasting properties of horse-eye bean flour (Mucuna sloanei) varieties relevant to its processing

Horse-Eye Bean seeds are edible rich source of several essential nutrients which can be processed into flour for several purposes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pasting properties of flour processed from species of Horse-Eye Bean seed using Rapid Visco-analytical machine. The results obtained showed that peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity were 294.84 RVU, 219.50RVU, 75.34 RVU, 838.96 RVU, and 619.46 RVU for the Big-Sized sample flour and 271.30 RVU, 207.92 RVU,67.37 RVU, 723.46 RVU, and 576.83 RVU for the Small-Sized sample flour respectively. It showed that Horse-Eye Bean flours can be used to improve food quality and their suitability for various foodformulations. Hence they can find useful application for making of pastries like cakes and other snacks.
 Keywords: Horse-Eye Bean flour, Pasting properties, Rapi Visco Analyzer, viscosity.

Uticaj sadržaja vlage na termičke parametre zrna Konjskog oka relevantnog za proces prerade

The specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the Horse-Eye bean (Mucuna sloanei) were determined as a function of moisture content using the method reported by A.O.A.C (2000). The sample varieties used were the Big Sized and the Small Sized Horse-Eye bean. The specific heat and the thermal conductivity were measured using a Bomb Calorimeter. The thermal diffusivity was calculated from the measured specific heat, thermal conductivity and bulk density of the samples. Within the moisture range of 10.5% to 16.87% (b.b), the specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity varied with the moisture content. Results showed that the specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the Horse-Eye bean seeds ranged from 116.76 to 203.29 kJ/kgK; 21.07 to 32.23 W/moC; and 3.12 x 10-7 to 9.19 x 10-7 m 2 /s, for the Big Sized varieties, and 112.06 to 194.61 kJ/kgK; 19.85 to 24.08 W/moC; and 3.05 x 10-7 to 6.71 x 10-7 m 2 /s, for the Small Sized varieties as the moisture content increases from 10.5% to 16.87%. Regression analysis were also carried out on the thermal properties of the Horse-Eye bean varieties and moisture content, and there was positive relationship between the parameters. There were significant effects of moisture content (p < 0.05) on all the parameters conducted. The findings and the data generated will create an impact in the food processing industries for Horse-Eye bean.

Investigative Study of the Structure and Mechanical Behaviour of Horse Eye Bean Seed Shell Ash Reinforced Aluminium Alloy Matrix Composite

Investigative Study of the Structure and Mechanical Behaviour of Horse Eye Bean Seed Shell Ash Reinforced Aluminium Alloy Matrix Composite

Feeding value of processed horse eye bean (<i>Mucuna urens</i>) meal as alternative protein source in pullet chicks’ diets

The study was designed to evaluate the performance of pullet chicks fed graded levels of processed horse eye bean meal (HEBM) as partial replacement for soybean meal. The cracked beans were subjected to three processing methods viz: soaking in plain water for 48 hours, cooking for 90 minutes, and toasting on open fire at 100 o C after sundrying for seven (7) days. The processed beans were milled to pass through a four(4) mm mesh and used for diet formulation. Six experimental diets were formulated each at brooding and rearing phases, with diet 1 as control, while soybean meal in the control diets were replaced with the horse eye bean meal (HEBM) at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75% in diets 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Three hundred and sixty (360) one day-old Lohman black pullet chicks were used at brooding phase, while two hundred and seventy (270), 56 days old chicks were used during the rearing phase of the experiment. Chicks were divided into six (6) groups on weight equalization bases and groups randomly placed on one of the six diets. The feeding trials lasted for eight weeks at brooding stage and twelve weeks during rearing period. Data generated were statistically analysed using analyses of variance procedures. The results revealed that level of HEBM in the diet did not significantly influence the average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Cost of feed consumed and cost per kg weight gain were significantly reduced with the inclusion of HEBM in pullet chicks’ diets. It was concluded that 45 per cent of the soybean meal could be replaced by the HEBM in diets of pullets at the chick phase while HEBM can replace 60% of the soybean meal in the pullets’ diet at rearing phase. KEYWORDS : Horse eye bean, anti-nutrients, processing techniques, pullet chicks, brooding and rearing phases.

Feeding value of processed horse eye bean meal as alternative protein source in pullet chicks diets

The study was designed to evaluate the performance of pullet chicks fed graded levels of processed horse eye bean meal (HEBM) as partial replacement for soybean meal. The cracked beans were subjected to three processing methods viz: soaking in plain water for 48 hours, cooking for 90 minutes, and toasting on open fire at 100oC after sundrying. The processed beans were milled to pass through a four mm mesh and used for diet formulation. Six experimental diets were formulated each at brooding and rearing phase, with diet 1 as control, while soybean meal in the control diets were replaced with the horse eye bean meal (HEBM) at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75% in diets 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Three hundred and sixty (360) day-old Lohman black pullet chicks were used at brooding phase, while two hundred and seventy (270), 56 day – old chicks were used during the rearing phase of the experiment. Chicks were divided into six (6) groups on weight equalization bases and groups randomly placed on one of the six diets. The feeding trials lasted for eight weeks at brooding stage and twelve weeks during rearing period. Data generated were statistically analysed using analyses of variance procedures. The results revealed that level of HEBM in the diet did not significantly influenced the average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Cost of feed consumed and cost per kg weight gain were significantly reduced with the inclusion of HEBM in pullet chicks’ diets. It was concluded that 45 per cent of the soybean meal could be replaced by the HEBM in diets of pullets at the chick phase while HEBM can replace 60% of the soybean meal in the pullets’ diet at rearing phase.KEYWORDS: Horse eye bean, anti-nutrients, processing techniques, pullet chicks, brooding and rearing phase.

Production and Quality Evaluation of Ogi Produced from Fermented Maize and Horse Eye Bean (Mucuna urens)

Production and Quality Evaluation of Ogi Produced from Fermented Maize and Horse Eye Bean (Mucuna urens)

Optimum replacement level of the soybean meal for processed horse eye bean meal (<i>Mucuna urens</i>) in the broiler finisher diet

The high cost of broiler production in Nigeria has been attributed to overdependence on the most expensive conventional protein sources. Hence the need to source for alternative but promising feedstuffs. A 28- day feeding trial was therefore conducted to determine the feeding processed horse eye bean meal (HEBM) in finisher broiler ration.Six experimental diets were formulated. Diet 1 was the control, while various quantities of HEBM was used to replace soy bean meal (SBM) in the control diet at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75% for diets 2,3,4,5, and 6, respectively. Two hundred and sixteen, 28 days old broilers used for the experiment were distributed on weight equalization basis into threereplicates of 36 birds per treatment in a completely randomized design. Data generated were statistically analysed and the significant means separated. The result showed that increased level of HEBM in the diet did not significantly (P>0.05) influence the final body weight, average weekly weight gain, average weekly feed intake and the feed conversion ratio. Equally, the weight of cut parts and internal organs were not statistically (P>0.05) affected. The cost/kg of feed, cost of feed consumed and cost/kg weight gain reduced significantly (P<0.05) with increase in thelevel of HEBM in the diet. It was concluded that up to 60% of the SBM in the broilers finisher diet could be replaced by processed HEBM for higher economics returns.

Changes in Nutritional Characteristics of the Horse-Eye Bean [Mucuna Urens (L.) Medik] Subjected to Different Processing Methods

The effect of processing methods (autoclaving, cooking, roasting, and germination) on the nutritional characteristics of seeds of Mucuna urens are evaluated. Results indicate that processing methods significantly (p < 0.05) affect the crude protein content of Mucuna beans. Thermal processing results in low levels of methionine, cystine, lysine, and antinutritional factors (HCN, oxalate, phytate, and tannins), but increases the levels of copper and zinc. Proximate compositions differ significantly (p < 0.05) among processing treatments. The benefits of the processing methods in terms of the food value, and/or properties, of the horse-eye bean are discussed.

Effect of Mucuna urens (horse eye bean) on the gonads of male guinea-pigs.

The effect of Mucuna urens (seeds) on the gonads and sex accessory glands of male guinea-pigs was investigated. Sexually mature guinea-pigs of proven fertility were administered orally with 70 mg/kg and 140 mg/kg body weight of crude extract daily for 8 weeks respectively. Phytochemical screening of the seeds revealed the presence of alkaloids. No death or weight loss were observed during the duration of treatment. No pregnancy occurred in females mated with the treated males. Histological observations at high dose (140 mg/kg) showed complete degeneration of sperm in the testicular tubules. In some tubules, the acrosomal cap of the sperm cells was separated from the nuclei which underwent colour changes. In some tubules only the tails were left in the lumen. The spermatids, primary and secondary spermatocytes showed pycnosis while the morphology of spermatogonia and germinal epithelium appeared normal. Some epididymides were devoid of sperm while others contained degenerated spermatozoa and cell debris. In the prostate gland there was collapse of the villi and reduction of secretion in both the prostate and seminal vesicles. At low doses (70 mg/kg), there was spermatogenic arrest at spermatid stage. These observations have shown that M. urens is a potential male antifertility agent.

Applications of oils extracted from African star apple ( Chrysophyllum africanum), horse eye bean ( Mucuna sloanei) and African pear ( Dacryodes edulis) seeds

Oils were extracted from dried seeds of African star apple, horse eye bean and African pear by soxhlet. The yields of the oils were 25·00 ± 0·5%, 23·00 ± 0·65% and 27·28 ± 0·82%, respectively. The star apple oil was deep red; horse eye bean and African pear had similar light yellow colours. The saponification value of the African star apple was low, that of African pear was medium while that of horse eye bean was high. Iodine values of both horse eye bean and African pear were high, while that of the African star apple was very low. The free fatty acid and acid values of the star apple suggested that fatty acids could be prepared from it. The acid and free fatty acid contents of African pear showed that the oil would not need purification, while the horse eye bean would need little purification. The iodine values of the oils suggested the African star apple be used for the preparation of solid soap; African pear and horse eye bean used for the preparation of resin, paint, polish, wood varnish and skin cream. The horse eye bean was also a constituent of liquid soap while the African pear was used in grease.

The Gulf Stream

NOTWITHSTANDING the mistakes in the botanic names in Mr. Groom's letter, forwarded to you by Mr. Gray, there is no difficulty in identifying the leguminous seeds alluded to. There are several different kinds which are certainly brought by the Gulf Stream from the West Indian Islands, and the countries round the Gulf of Mexico, as the plants producing them are common in Jamaica, Honduras, Guiana, &c. They comprise the horse-eye bean (Mucuna urens), the sword-bean (Entada gigalobium), the Mimosa scandens, Linn., E. Pursætha (M. scandens, Roxb.), and the antidote cacoon (Feuillea scandens). They are sometimes drifted on shore in the seed-pod, but usually the seed alone.