Phytochemical and toxicological studies of <i>Mucuna pruriens</i> leaves

Abstract

The study assessed the phytochemical, acute toxicity, sub-acute toxicity and blood chemistry of the aqueous leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens. Powdered leaf of Mucuna pruriens was extracted by maceration. 24 albino mice used for acute toxicity were administered between 1-8 g/kg body weight of the extract while the control group received distilled water. 12 Wistar albino rats were given oral single dose of 6 and 8g/kg of extract and water as control. For sub-acute toxicity, 20 Wistar albino rats were given 0.5, 2, 6 and 8g/kg body weight/day of the extract for 30 days. The biochemical parameters examined were Na⁺, K⁺, CO₃ ^2-, Cl^- , urea, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase enzymes, total and conjugated bilirubin. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrate, glycosides, saponins, anthraquinone, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids in the plant. The extract at doses of 0.5, 2 and 8g/kg decreased creatinine and increased Na⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ levels. No significant differences in other parameters were found. No signs of toxicity or behavioural changes were observed at all doses. Mucuna pruriens leaf extract is considered safe at these doses in the short term.

Keywords: Phytochemical; Toxicity; Blood chemistry; Mucuna pruriens