Pruriens Seeds Research Articles

Mucuna pruriens attenuates haloperidol-induced orofacial dyskinesia in rats

Neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a motor disorder of the orofacial region resulting from chronic neuroleptic treatment. The agents improving dopaminergic transmission improve TD. Mucuna pruriens seed contains levodopa and amino acids. The effect of methanolic extract of M. pruriens seeds (MEMP) was studied on haloperidol-induced TD, alongside the changes in lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels. The effect of MEMP was also evaluated in terms of the generation of hydroxyl and 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. MEMP (100 and 200 mg kg−1) inhibited haloperidol-induced vacuous chewing movements, orofacial bursts and biochemical changes. MEMP also inhibited hydroxyl radical generation and DPPH. The results of the present study suggest that MEMP by virtue of its free radical scavenging activity prevents neuroleptic-induced TD.

Protective Effect of Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract on Tissue Antioxidants in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Protective Effect of Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract on Tissue Antioxidants in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Cowitch seed agar medium - a simple new medium for identification and melanin production of Cryptococcus neoformans

A simple medium for identification and melanin production of Cryptococcus neoformans was developed using cowitch (Mucuna pruriens) seeds.

The Effects of Raw and Processed Mucuna pruriens Seed Based Diets on the Growth Parameters and Meat Characteristics of Benin Local Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris, L)

The aim of the present study was to compare the growth characteristics of guinea fowl fed on Mucuna pruriens (pica-pica, cow-hitch plant, cowhage, velvet bean, devil bean) seed with a control group at both starting and growing phases in extensive production in tropical Africa country (Benin). It was also attempt at determining meat traits and ascertains meat eventual contamination by L-Dopa for safely human consumption. To measure these effects, 20 % raw or processed (cooked or toasted) Mucuna seed were incorporated in guinea fowl diets. Mucuna seed processing reveals changes in ash, NNE, CP, Crude fibre and EE contents. Cooking markedly reduced L-Dopa level by 52 %. Roasting was also effective but at a lower extent, i.e., 36%. Feed intake showed that raw Mucuna seed significantly impaired feed intake but processing improved the condition. Mucuna depressing effect on growth parameters were less affective on adult birds than on keets. Lowest eviscerated carcass weights, dressing percentage and cut parts were recorded in group fed on ra w Mucuna seed. The thigh-drumsticks, heads and legs of the male were found to b e significantly heavier than those of the female. Differences between sexes were also noticed in liver, heart and gizzard. The liver and heart weights were significantly reduced in birds fed on raw seeds while the gizzard weights were increased significantly in processed seeds diets. Mucuna seed intakes did not change meat quality (pH24 and water holding capacity). Analyses of muscle, liver and kidney did not reveal the presence of L-Dopa in meat. The conclusions are that processed Mucuna seed can replace soybeans up to 20% for extensive guinea fowl production and contribute to diminish dependence to conventional protein for small holders.

Effect of Mucuna pruriens on some haematological and biochemical parameters

Mucuna pruriens (MP) has been pharmacologically studied for various activities like aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and anti-epileptics activities. The present study aims at investigating the effects of shade-dried seeds of M. prurienson some haematological and bio-chemical parameters. Wistar strain albino rats of both sexes with weights ranging from 220 to 300 g were fed with shade-dried pul-verized seeds of M. pruriens in a 10-days experiment. The result shows that the Nigerian M. pruriens seeds improve the haematological and serum biochemical parameters determined in a dose-dependent manner. The study shows that shade-dried, pulverized seeds of M. pruriens lowers blood cholesterol, blood urea and serum creatinine. It also reduces bleeding time; increases platelet count and these were statistically significant (p<0.05). However, the effect on packed cell volume (PCV) was not statistically significant when compared with the control (p<0.05). Hence, shade-dried seeds of MP seeds are not poisonous when compared with the raw seeds. Key words: Mucuna pruriens, arteriosclerosis, uremia, haemostatic ability, platelet count, creatinine, hyperchol-esterolaemia, hematological parameters.

Assessment of Symptomatic and Neuroprotective Efficacy of Mucuna Pruriens Seed Extract in Rodent Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Mucuna pruriens (MP) has long been used in Indian traditional medicine as support in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, no systematic preclinical studies that aimed at evaluating the efficacy of this substance are available to date. This study undertook an extensive evaluation of the antiparkinsonian effects of an extract of MP seeds known to contain, among other components, 12.5% L: -dihydroxyphenylalanine (L: -DOPA), as compared to equivalent doses of L: -DOPA. Moreover, the neuroprotective efficacy of MP and its potential rewarding effects were evaluated. The results obtained reveal how an acute administration of MP extract at a dose of 16 mg/kg (containing 2 mg/kg of L: -DOPA) consistently antagonized the deficit in latency of step initiation and adjusting step induced by a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion, whereas L: -DOPA was equally effective only at the doses of 6 mg/kg. At the same dosage, MP significantly improved the placement of the forelimb in vibrissae-evoked forelimb placing, suggesting a significant antagonistic activity on both motor and sensory-motor deficits. The effects of MP extract were moreover investigated by means of the turning behavior test and in the induction of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) after either acute or subchronic administration. MP extract acutely induced a significantly higher contralateral turning behavior than L: -DOPA (6 mg/kg) when administered at a dose of 48 mg/kg containing 6 mg/kg of L: -DOPA. On subchronic administration, both MP extract (48 mg/kg) and L: -DOPA (6 mg/kg) induced sensitization of contralateral turning behavior; however, L: -DOPA alone induced a concomitant sensitization in AIMs suggesting that the dyskinetic potential of MP is lower than that of L: -DOPA. MP (48 mg/kg) was also effective in antagonizing tremulous jaw movements induced by tacrine, a validated test reproducing parkinsonian tremor. Furthermore, MP induced no compartment preference in the place preference test, indicating the lack of components characterized by rewarding effects in the extract. Finally, in a subchronic mice model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP)-induced dopamine neuron degeneration, MP extract did not prove capable of preventing either tyrosine hydroxylase decrease induced by MPTP or astroglial or microglial activation as assessed by means of GFAP and CD11b immunohistochemistry, supporting the absence of neuroprotective effects by MP. Characterization MP extract strongly supports its antiparkinsonian activity.

Nutritional characterization of Mucuna pruriens: 4. Does replacing soybean meal with Mucuna pruriens in lamb diets affect ruminal, blood and tissue l-dopa concentrations?

The harmful effects of the 3,4-dihydroxy- l-phenylalanine ( l-dopa) in Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) seeds have limited its use as a protein supplement for monogastrics and humans. Little is known about the extent of metabolism of Mucuna l-dopa in ruminants or its accumulation in ruminant tissues consumed as food by humans. This study aimed to determine if replacing soybean meal (SB) with Mucuna increases concentrations of l-dopa in rumen fluid, blood and muscle tissue of lambs. Twenty-seven RM lambs (RM; initial body weight, BW = 33.8 ± 5.44 kg) and 12 Florida Native (FN; initial BW = 24.9 ± 8.63 kg) lambs were assigned to four treatments and fed a basal diet of coastal bermudagrass hay, corn grain, and liquid molasses for 42 (FN) or 49 days (RM) and then slaughtered. Dietary supplements were formulated by substituting 0 (SB), 330 (Lo), 670 (Med) or at least 1000 (Hi) g/kg of SB with rolled Mucuna seeds ( l-dopa, 24 g/kg dry matter, DM). Body weight was measured weekly and carcass characteristics and concentrations of l-dopa in rumen fluid, blood and the sterno-mandibularis muscle were measured at slaughter when concentrations of blood urea N, glucose, haptoglobin and cerruloplasmin were also measured. Lambs fed SB had higher (P<0.05) average daily gain than those fed Mucuna (0.20 versus 0.15 kg/day for RM; 0.21 versus 0.14 kg/day for FN). However, concentrate protein source did not affect dressing and concentrations of blood urea N, or blood glucose. Feeding the Hi diet versus the SB diet did not increase concentrations of blood cerruloplasmin, or l-dopa or concentrations of l-dopa metabolites in blood. No l-dopa was found in the ruminal fluid of the lambs and l-dopa concentrations in the sterno-mandibularis muscle were low ( i.e., <5 ng l-dopa/g), and unaffected (P>0.05) by diet. Ingested Mucuna l-dopa was extensively metabolized in lambs, and did not accumulate to toxic levels in muscle tissues.

Nutritional characterization of Mucuna pruriens: 3. Effect of replacing soybean meal with Mucuna on intake, digestibility, N balance and microbial protein synthesis in sheep

Mucuna pruriens seeds have relatively high crude protein (CP) concentrations, but little is known about their potential to replace commonly used CP supplements in ruminant rations. The aim of this experiment was to determine effects of replacing soybean meal (SB) with Mucuna on the performance of lambs. Forty Rambouillet lambs (33.2 ± 5.73 kg) fed a basal diet of maize grain, cottonseed hulls and urea were randomly assigned to one of four supplements formulated by substituting 0 (SB), 330 (Lo), 670 (Med) or 1000 g/kg (Hi) of soybean meal with rolled Mucuna seeds. Lambs were housed individually in metabolic crates and allowed ad libitum access to isocaloric (metabolizable energy=11.7 MJ/kg dry matter, DM) and isonitrogenous (CP = 146 g/kg, DM) diets for 14 d of adaptation and 7 d of total fecal collection. Fecal egg counts and coccidian oocyst scores were determined on d 14. Dry matter intake (1.7 kg/d versus 1.5 kg/d; P<0.05), CP digestibility (774 g/kg versus 714 g/kg DM; P<0.05) and N retention (28.0 g/d versus 20.4 g/d; P<0.01) were higher and amylase-pretreated neutral detergent fiber digestibility (617 g/kg versus 686 g/kg DM) was lower (P<0.05) in sheep fed SB versus Mucuna diets. However, supplementary protein source did not affect rumen pH, blood urea N or glucose concentration, or fecal egg counts. Increasing the level of Mucuna supplementation increased (P<0.05) level and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, ruminal fluid acidity, total volatile fatty acid concentration, decreased (P<0.05) coccidian oocyst scores, and tended (P<0.10) to increase N retention. Therefore, SB is a better supplement than Mucuna to support performance of lambs. Nevertheless, Mucuna seeds are a promising CP supplement for situations where cost or availability precludes use of SB in ruminant rations.

Nutritional quality evaluation of velvet bean seeds (Mucuna pruriens) exposed to gamma irradiation

Effects of gamma irradiation on Mucuna pruriens seeds at various doses (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 30 kGy) on the proximate composition, mineral constituents, amino acids, fatty acids and functional properties were investigated. Gamma irradiation resulted in a significant increase of crude protein at all doses, while the crude lipid, crude fibre and ash showed a dose-dependent decrease. Raw Mucuna seeds were rich in minerals (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and selenium). Sodium, copper and manganese were significantly decreased on irradiation at all the doses, while magnesium and iron showed a significant decrease only above 10 kGy. The essential amino acids of raw and gamma-irradiated Mucuna seeds were comparable with the FAO/WHO recommended pattern. A significant increase of in vitro protein digestibility was seen in seeds irradiated at 30 kGy. High amounts of unsaturated fatty acids in Mucuna seeds decreased significantly after irradiation. However, linoleic acid was not present in raw seeds but detected after irradiation and it was elevated to high level at 30 kGy. Behenic acid, a major anti-nutritional factor, was reduced significantly on irradiation, indicating the positive effect of gamma irradiation on Mucuna seeds. Significant enhancement in the water absorption and oil absorption capacities, protein solubility, emulsion activity and improvement in the gelation capacity was recorded after irradiation. Results of the present investigation reveal that application of gamma irradiation does not affect the overall nutritional composition and can be used as an effective method of preservation of Mucuna seed and their products.

Detection of Free Radicals in Electron Beam-Irradiated Mucuna pruriens (L. DC.) Seeds by Electron Spin Resonance

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy was employed to detect free radicals in raw Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) seeds after electron beam irradiation (Microtron source: 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 30 kGy) and conventional processing (roasting, powdering and cooking). The ESR signal of irradiated seeds (g=2.0055±0.0001) was more prominent in the seed coat than cotyledon. Seed coat of irradiated samples showed dose-dependent linear increase of this signal (g = 2.0055) accompanied by a weak triplet (satellite peak; aH = 3 mT) produced exclusively by radiolysis and could be used as an indication of successful irradiation. Irradiated cotyledon portion devoid of satellite peak (triplet) showed a linear increase in signal intensity up to 10 kGy with a sharp decline at higher doses (15 and 30kGy). Stability of radiation-induced ESR signals after 6 months of storage (25 ± 1°C) revealed the presence of a weak triplet with a substantial loss of signal intensity. Thermal effects such as roasting and powdering of seeds increased the signal intensity (g = 2.0055) similar to or in greater proportion than irradiation. Phenolics in seeds, which contribute significantly to detect free radicals in vegetative parts of a plant showed a waning trend in seed coat, while it was vice versa in cotyledon. Textural studies revealed significant loss in firmness after irradiation (p&lt;0.05), which might favour in minimising the cooking time. Results of the present study might help to divulge the beneficial effects of application of electron beam irradiation technology as a better alternative to fumigants in seed preservation for safety and quarantine purposes.

Structural characterization of the N-glycans of gpMuc from Mucuna pruriens seeds

Mucuna pruriens seeds are used in some countries as a human prophylactic oral anti-snake remedy. Aqueous extracts of M. pruriens seeds possess in vivo activity against cobra and viper venoms, and protect mice against Echis carinatus venom. It was recently demonstrated that the seed immunogen generating the antibody that cross-reacts with the venom proteins is a multiform glycoprotein (gpMuc), and the immunogenic properties of gpMuc seemed to mainly reside in its glycan chains. In the present study, gpMuc was found to contain only N-glycans. Part of the N-glycans could be released with peptide-(N (4)-(N-acetyl-beta -glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase F (PNGase F-sensitive N-glycans); the PNGase F-resistant N-glycans were PNGase A-sensitive. The oligosaccharides released were analyzed by a combination of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, HPLC profiling of 2-aminobenzamide-labelled derivatives and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The PNGase F-sensitive N-glycans comprised a mixture of oligomannose-type structures ranging from Man(5)GlcNAc(2) to Man(9)GlcNAc(2), and two xylosylated structures, Xyl(1)Man(3)GlcNAc(2) and Xyl(1)Man(4)GlcNAc(2). The PNGase A-sensitive N-glycans, containing (alpha 1-3)-linked fucose, were identified as Fuc(1)Xyl(1)Man(2)GlcNAc(2) and Fuc(1)Xyl(1)Man(3)GlcNAc(2). In view of the determined N-glycan ensemble, the immunoreactivity of gpMuc was ascribed to the presence of core (beta 1-2)-linked xylose- and core alpha (1-3)-linked fucose-modified N-glycan chains.

Evaluation of Different Heat Processing Methods on the Nutritive Value of Mucuna pruriens (Velvet Bean) Seed Meals for Broilers

Mucuna pruriens like most tropical legumes contain anti-nutritional factors, which limit its use as livestock feed ingredient. Proximate analysis and two performance studies using finisher broilers were carried out to determine the nutritive value of raw, toasted, cooked and, soak and cooked Mucuna (SACM). M pruriens seeds were ground raw, ground and toasted, and cooked prior to drying and midling in Experiment 1 and soaked in water for 48 hours prior to cooking for one hour before drying and milling in Experiment 2. Toasting increased the crude protein of the raw seed by 6.5% but decreased the ether extract by 22.9%. Cooking and soaking prior to cooking decreased the values for crude protein and ether extract by 5.3 and 6.5%, and 13.7 and 20.6%, respectively. In Experiment 1, 100gkg raw, toasted, cooked and 200gkg -1 -1 SACM were substituted into nutritionally balanced rations fed 28 to 56d of age. Mucuna seed meals caused progressive reductions in growth; at 56d of age broilers fed 100gkg raw, toasted, cooked and 200gkg -1 -1 cooked Mucuna grew 61.8, 67.2, 80.4 and 63.7% of control, respectively. Feed intake declined significantly with 100gkg toasted and 200gkg cooked MSM respectively. Feed to gain ratio decreased significantly -1 -1 (P<0.05) with 100gkg raw, toasted and 200gkg cooked Mucuna, respectively. The heart, liver, kidney and -1 -1 gizzard weights relative to body weights were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the diets. In Experiment 2, 200gkg and 300gkg dietary levels of Nigerian and Brazilian SACM were fed 28 to 56d respectively. With -1 -1 300gkg broilers grew significantly (P<0.05) slower than the control and 200gkg diet groups but feed -1 -1

Alkaloidal Constituents of Mucuna pruriens Seeds.

The seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. after chemical analysis afforded four tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids which have been isolated for the first time from M. pruriens. Out of them, two are new whose structures have been elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Antidiabetic oligocyclitols in seeds ofMucuna pruriens

Using a combination of chromatographic and NMR techniques, the presence of D-chiro-inositol and its two galacto-derivatives is demonstrated in Mucuna pruriens seeds. The quantities detected explain the well-established antiglycaemic effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds.

Protection of Mucuna pruriens seeds against Echis carinatus venom is exerted through a multiform glycoprotein whose oligosaccharide chains are functional in this role

In a previous paper we demonstrated that extracts of Mucuna pruriens seeds (MPE) protect mice against Echis carinatus venom (EV) by an immunological mechanism. In this paper we demonstrate that the MPE immunogen generating the antibody that cross-reacts with the venom proteins is a multiform glycoprotein (gpMuc) whose immunogenic properties mainly reside in its glycan-chains. The glycoprotein was purified from the protein extract of M. pruriens seeds using Concanavalin A affinity chromatography. Using 2-D gel electrophoresis it separated into seven isoforms having MWs in the range from 20.3 to 28.7kDa and pIs from 4.8 to 6.5. N-terminal sequencing of these spots revealed close similarity since all of them contained the consensus sequence DDREPV-DT found in soybean Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor. We suggest that gpMuc contains both N- and O-glycans. Mild alkaline treatment but not PNGase F led to loss of reactivity, indicating that O-glycans are probably involved in the antigenicity of gpMuc.

Observations on the Pathophysiology of Weaner Pigs Fed Raw and Preheated Nigerian Mucuna pruriens (Velvet Bean) Seeds

Aspects of the pathophysiological responses of weaner pigs fed raw and cracked-soaked and cooked Nigerian M. pruriens seed meals were investigated using twenty-five large white x land race weaner pigs with weights ranging from 17 to 22 kg in a 56 days (8 weeks) experiment. Raw Mucuna meal (RMM) and cracked soaked and cooked meal (CSCM) were incorporated into weaner pigs diets at 15% and 20, 30 and 40%levels respectively and tested against a control diet with 0% Mucuna meal. The results revealed that raw Nigerian Mucuna seeds is poisonous to pigs at 15% dietary inclusion level and significantly (P<0.5) affected the hematological and serum biochemical indices of the pigs. It resulted in 40% mortality among this group with dead animals manifesting lung collapse, emaciation serous atrophy of fat and enlarged urinary bladder at post-mortem. Preheated Mucuna seed meal, however proved safe for pigs at different dietary inclusion levels but did not improve most of the hematological and serum biochemical parameters measured. Pigs fed Mucuna bean diets had significantly (P<0.05) elevated levels of serum albumin, cholesterol, creatinine and polymorphs but decreased levels of eosinophils and monocytes when compared with the control group. At 15% dietary level of raw seed, the pigs had statistically similar total serum protein, serum calcium, K , + HCO , total white blood cell and lymphocytes but significantly (P<0.05) increased hemoglobin concentration 3 - when compared with the control. Increasing the dietary levels of the preheated seeds also resulted in reduced weight gains among the pigs. This study therefore suggests that raw Mucuna bean is poisonous to weaner pigs but relatively safe after preheats treatment. However, changes in hematological and serum biochemical parameters indicated poor nutrient utilization and muscle damage among pigs receiving higher levels of preheated seeds.

Epidemiology and treatment of Parkinson's disease in India

Parkinson's disease (PD) has a low prevalence in India except in the small Parsi community where Bharucha et al. found a high prevalence. Although early onset PD and familial cases have been described from India, no genetic mutations have as yet been identified. PD has been known in India since ancient days and the powder of Mucuna Pruriens seeds was used for its treatment. The present day management of PD in India is similar to that in the other countries. Unfortunately, lack of awareness, limitation of human resources and cost factors deny the benefits of therapy to many patients.

Proteins from Mucuna pruriens and Enzymes fromEchis carinatus Venom: CHARACTERIZATION AND CROSS-REACTIONS

Mucuna pruriens seeds have been widely used against snakebite in traditional medicine. The antivenin property of a water extract of seeds was assessed in vivo in mice. The serum of mice treated with extract was tested for its immunological properties. Two proteins of Echis carinatus venom with apparent molecular masses of 25 and 16 kDa were detected by Western blot analysis carried out using IgG of mice immunized with extract or its partially purified protein fractions. By enzymatic in-gel digestion and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis of immunoreactive venom proteins, phospholipase A(2,) the most toxic enzyme of snake venom, was identified. These results demonstrate that the observed antivenin activity has an immune mechanism. Antibodies of mice treated with non-lethal doses of venom reacted against some proteins of M. pruriens extract. Proteins of E. carinatus venom and M. pruriens extract have at least one epitope in common as confirmed by immunodiffusion assay.

BrazilianMucuna pruriensSeeds (Velvet Bean) Lack Hemagglutinating Activity

The mature dry seeds of Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) from Brazil were analyzed for two major antinutritional factors, antitryptic and hemagglunating activities, to determine their potential as human food or animal feed. The raw seeds contained 321.5 g kg-1 crude proteins and 11864.8 trypsin inhibitor units (TIU) (g of seed)-1, but the protein extract failed to agglutinate any of the three types of human erythrocytes (A, B, and O) or rabbit or pig erythrocytes. Ordinary cooking (boiling) of the seeds for an hour at 96 °C, pressure cooking for 20 min, or ordinary cooking for 30 min after soaking in water for 48 h completely inactivated the antitryptic activities. Keywords: Brazilian Mucuna pruriens seeds; hemagglutinating and antitryptic activities

Effect of temperature on aflatoxin production in Mucuna pruriens seeds.

This paper describes the effect of temperature on the level of aflatoxin production in Mucuna pruriens seeds. The highest level of aflatoxin B1 (1.75 micrograms/g) was detected in the samples incubated at 25 degrees C for three weeks. At 20, 30, and 35 degrees C, aflatoxin levels were 0.30 to 0.56, 0.37 to 1.20, and 0.26 to 0.65 micrograms/g, respectively. The lowest concentration of aflatoxin B1 (0.10 to 0.29 microgram/g) was produced at 15 degrees C.