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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Indigenous mucuna tempe as functional food.

The aim of the present study was to obtain the nutritive and bioactive compounds of mucuna tempe and the consumer preference of its formulated snack. The tempe was made traditionally from mucuna prurience seeds using 'ragi tempe' as inoculants. Proximate, vitamin, mineral and dietary fibre analysis was done using the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, isoflavone was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an RP-18 column and a UV detector. The preference test was done using scoring methods by trained panelists. The study demonstrates that compared with soybean tempe, mucuna tempe had a higher dietary fibre level, but lower vitamin E content. The mucuna tempe contains 31.5% protein, 7.3% fat, 3.0% ash, 58.1% carbohydrate and 9.1% fibre. It contains 0.551 mg/L isoflavone aglucone; daidzin is the highest, followed by Factor II (6,7,4 trihydroxy isoflavone) that is much higher than that of soybeans tempe. These are much higher isoflavone aglucone contents than found in soybeans tempe. The preference score for a 20% mucuna tempe-based snack was not significantly different compared with control or with the preference score for a 10% soybean tempe-based snack. This preliminary study needs to be followed by both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Biological Availability↗

PubMed1981

Some emulsifying and suspending properties of a polysaccharide gum derived from Mucuna flagillepes, Papilionaceae.

The emulsifying and suspending properties of a new polysaccharide gum derived from an edible bean, Mucuna flagillepes have been investigated. The stability of the emulsion prepared with the gum was compared with that of emulsions prepared with acacia or tragacanth. Sherman's equations for concentrated emulsions were applied to determine the rate of coalescence k, and changes in mean cube globule diameter. Suspensions of sulphdimidine or zinc oxide prepared with tragacanth gum were compared with those prepared with mucuna gum. The final sedimentation height, Hu for each suspension was predicted using a biexponential relationship in the sedimentation pattern. The indication is that mucuna gum can be usefully employed as both an emulsifying and a suspending agent.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

PubMed2003

Allelopathy in the natural and agricultural ecosystems and isolation of potent allelochemicals from Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) and Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa).

We have studied on allelopathy of plants and developed methods to identify the effective substances in root exudates, leaf leacheate, and volatile chemicals emitted from plants. We found traditional cover plants that show allelopathic activity are useful for weed control. It could eliminate the use of synthetic chemicals for this purpose. Allelopathy is a natural power of plants to protect themselves by producing natural organic chemicals. Some endemic plants in Asia, already known by farmers in the region, as either cover crops used in intercropping, hedgerow, or agroforestry, were found to possess strong allelopathic abilities. Our group identified several allelochemicals from these plants. These allelopathic cover crops, mostly leguminous plants, provide protein rich food, and grow easily without artificial fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. In this regards, these allelopathic cover crops could save food shortage in rural area, and are useful for environmental conservation. Screenings of allelopathic plants by specific bioassays and field tests have been conducted. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) and Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) are two promising species for the practical application of allelopathy. An amino acid, L-DOPA, unusual in plants, plays an important role as allelochemical in Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens). Hairy vetch is the most promising cover plant for the weed control in orchard, vegetable and rice production and even for landscape amendment in abandoned field in Japan. We have isolated "cyanamide", a well known nitrogen fertilizer, from Hairy vetch. This is the first finding of naturally produced cyanamide in the world.

Crops, Agricultural↗

PubMed1994

Isolation and characterization of a Forssman antigen-binding lectin from velvet bean (Mucuna derringiana) seeds.

A Forssman antigen (GalNAc alpha 1-3GalNAc beta 1-3Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer)-binding lectin has been purified from velvet bean (Mucuna derringiana) seeds by a combination of affinity chromatography and reversed phase HPLC. This lectin agglutinates both native and trypsin-treated sheep erythrocytes as well as trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes, but neither native rabbit nor human erythrocytes, irrespective of blood group type. SDS-PAGE and gel filtration chromatography reveal the lectin to be a homodimer consisting of two 54 kDa subunits linked by non-covalent bonds. The results obtained by quantitative precipitation, haemagglutination inhibition and TLC overlay assays indicate that the Mucuna lectin specifically recognizes Forssman antigen and Forssman disaccharide (GalNAc alpha 1-3GalNAc)-related structures.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Effects of Mucuna pruriens extract on activation of prothrombin by Echis carinatus venom.

Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC has long been used as a medicinal plant by traditional healers. The validity of the claims made for this plant has also been tested scientifically. Some of its properties are probably linked to high concentrations of dopa since it is useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The antisnake properties of an extract of Mucuna pruriens' seeds (MP101UJ) in vivo were recently demonstrated and one is now investigating its biochemical mechanism. Echis carinatus venom (EV) contains a mixture of proteins that affect the coagulative cascade, causing severe bleeding and haemorrhage. Here the effect of an extract of MP101UJ in prothrombin activation by EV in vitro by clotting and chromogenic assay is studied. An increase in procoagulant activity was found. This could explain the protective effect in vivo.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Properties of films prepared from prosopis and mucuna gums.

Various properties of the films prepared from mucuna and prosopis gums have been evaluated. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose was used for comparison. When studied for elongation at break point, the most elastic of the gums was prosopis gum, followed by sodium carboxymethylcellulose, while mucuna gum was the least elastic. On microscopy, prosopis and sodium carboxymethylcellulose formed films of equal consistency without pores.

Biological Factors↗

PubMed2002

The effect of Momordica charantia and Mucuna pruriens in experimental diabetes and their effect on key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.

The Indian traditional system of medicine prescribed traditional plant therapies. Two such plants, i.e. Momordica charantia (MC) and Mucuna pruriens (MP), earlier shown to reduce hyperglycaemia, were assessed for their anti hyperglycaemic effect on varying degrees of hyperglycaemia and diabetic complications. Alcohol and aqueous extracts of MC (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) and only an alcohol extract of MP (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day) were evaluated in a pilot study (plasma glucose >180 mg/dL, 21 days), a chronic study in alloxanized rats (plasma glucose >280mg/dL, 120 days) and streptozotocin (STZ) mice (plasma glucose >400 mg/dL, 60 days). In the pilot study, the maximum antihyperglycaemic effect occurred with an aqueous extract of MC at week 3 and an alcohol extract of MP at week 6 at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day. In chronic alloxanized rats, the selected dose of MC led to a significant fall of 64.33%, 66.96%, 69.7% and 70.53% in plasma glucose levels at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months, respectively. MP showed a decrease of 40.71%, 45.63%, 50.33% and 51.01% at the same time period. In chronic STZ diabetic mice, MC led to a mean reduction of 15.37%, 18.68% and 22.86% in plasma glucose levels on days 40, 50 and 60 of sampling while MP had no significant effect. The alteration in hepatic and skeletal muscle glycogen content and hepatic glucokinase, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate and phosphofructokinase levels in diabetic mice were partially restored by MC but not by MP. The mechanism of action of MC and MP is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Reduced allelopathic inhibition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth caused by velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) under 3D-clinorotation.

Allelopathy between Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) and Lactuca sativa (lettuce) was studied under 3D-clinorotation. Growth of both roots and shoots of lettuce seedlings was suppressed by the presence of velvet bean. The degree of suppression was less on the clinostat compared to the normal static earth gravity. L-DOPA (L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is known to be a major substance in allelopathy of velvet bean. Amount of L-DOPA diffused out from a sintered filter paper into agar medium was compared between clinorotation and control group, and found no significant difference. It was concluded that some factors related to release, transport, and sensing phenomena of allelopathic substances may be responsible to the new findings in this study.

Biological Transport↗

PubMed2001

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.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Blood chemistry of rats pretreated with Mucuna pruriens seed aqueous extract MP101UJ after Echis carinatus venom challenge.

The effect of a lethal Echis carinatus venom on serum enzyme levels and blood plasma coagulation parameters in rats pretreated with Mucuna pruriens seed aqueous extract MP101UJ (21 mg/kg body wt) 24 h and 3 wk before i.p venom injection (0.50 mg/kg rat) and rats injected with venom alone (0.50 mg/kg body wt) was investigated. The enzyme levels and coagulation parameter levels were measured 4 h after venom administration. The results showed that the increased enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), creatinine kinase (CK) and changed coagulation parameters D-Dimer and Quick levels due to the venom effect were inhibited by M. pruriens seed aqueous extract MP101UJ in pretreated rats. Rats pretreated with a single dose (21 mg/kg and multiple doses 21 mg/kg rat) of extract MP101UJ maintained the normal enzyme levels and showed an anticoagulant effect as evidenced by the high PTT level which was also observed in venom treated animals. D-Dimer and Quick values were normal. However, the extract MP101UJ appeared to significantly inhibit the lethal venom induced myotoxic, cytotoxic and coagulation activities in experimental animals.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Effect of the alcohol extract of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens on free radicals and oxidative stress in albino rats.

In vitro and in vivo studies were made with an alcohol extract of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) to investigate its antioxidant property. In vitro studies were carried out in rat liver homogenate to investigate the chemical interaction of various phytochemicals with different species of free radicals. The effect was also checked on iron-induced lipid peroxidation, oxidation of GSH content, and its interaction with hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. There was no change on the rate of aerial oxidation of GSH content but it significantly inhibited FeSO(4) induced lipid peroxidation. It also inhibited the specific chemical reactions induced by superoxides and hydroxyl radicals. The removal of these species was through direct chemical interaction. An in vivo study on albino rats for 30 days showed no toxic effect up to a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight, on oral administration. There was no change in the level of TBA-reactive substances, reduced glutathione content and SOD activity in the liver. The activity of serum GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase was also unchanged. Thus it could be concluded that the alcohol extract of the seeds of M. pruriens has an antilipid peroxidation property, which is mediated through the removal of superoxides and hydroxyl radicals.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1995

Certain functional properties of gums derived from some lesser known tropical legumes (Afzelia africana, Detarium microcarpum and Mucuna flagellipes).

Gum was extracted from some lesser known tropical legumes--Afzelia africana, Detarium microcarpum and Mucuna flagellipes. The extracts were evaluated for some functional properties. At a constant shear rate the apparent viscosity of the gums was directly proportional to the gum concentration. At 2% concentration, the gum dispersions showed an apparent viscosity of 41.24, 115.05 and 145.14 cps for A. africana, D. microcarpum and M. flagellipes gums respectively, measured at 174/sec and 25 +/- 1 degree C with the NV sensor of Haaké rotovisko viscometer. All the gums were found to contain D-galactose as a major monosaccharide. In addition, the presence of D-mannose, and D-glucose were indicated in both D. microcarpum and M. flagellipes while L-rhamnose, was indicated only in A. africana. A. africana showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower water absorption capacity and gelation properties than D. microcarpum and M. flagellipes. All the gums showed good emulsion properties. Emulsions of M. flagellipes gum showed little response to pH changes while A. africana and D. microcarpum gum showed better emulsion properties at acid pH than at alkaline pH.

Absorption↗

PubMed1993

Mucuna pruriens: improvement of the biotechnological production of the anti-Parkinson drug L-dopa by plant cell selection.

Routinely grown cell suspension cultures of Mucuna pruriens L. (Fabaceae) were able to endogenously accumulate the anti-Parkinson drug L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) in the range between 0.2 and 2% on a dry weight (DW) basis. The green colour that developed in light-exposed cultures, appeared to be a suitable marker to select cells with an increased L-dopa biosynthesis and/or phenoloxidase activity. For this purpose, saccharose concentrations from 0 to 4% (w/v), and light intensities of 1,000 and 2,000 lux, were involved in the selection procedure. After 6 months, photomixotrophic callus cultures with a rapid growth and a high L-dopa content of 0.9% (DW) were obtained on 2% saccharose and under 1,000 lux. The cell suspensions, derived from these calli, accumulated up to 6% (DW) L-dopa, which was the highest stable content ever measured in cultures of M. pruriens. An L-dopa yield of approximately 1.2 g/l was calculated after 6 days of growth. In contrast, compared wtih the standard-grown parent cell line, the phenoloxidase activity, and consequently the bioconversion capacity as measured after entrapment in calcium alginate, of these high-producing cultures was approximately threefold lower.

Alginates↗

PubMed1992

The biochemical composition and nutritional potential of the tribal pulse, Mucuna monosperma DC. ex Wight.

Two germplasms of the tribal pulse, Mucuna monosperma Dc. ex Wight, viz., Thirunelly Reserve Forest, Wynaad District (Kerala) and Siruvani Reserve Forest, Coimbatore District (Tamilnadu), were analysed for proximate composition, total (true) seed proteins, seed protein fractionation, amino acid composition, fatty acids, minerals and anti-nutritional factors. Crude proteins, crude lipids, ash and nitrogen free extractives constituted 23.10%, 4.36%, 3.80%, 61.74%, respectively, in Tamilnadu germplasm; whereas, in Kerala germplasm they constituted 20.13%, 8.99%, 3.60% and 61.69%, respectively. The calorific values of 100 g dry matter of seed material are 408.19 KCal (Kerala) and 378.60 KCal (Tamilnadu) germplasms. Essential amino acids like methionine, cystine, threonine and valine were found to be limiting in the seed proteins of both the germplasms. The fatty acids like lauric acid and palmitic acid are found to be common in both the germplasm seed samples, while linoleic and oleic acids in Kerala germplasm and stearic acid in Tamilnadu germplasm are present. The Tamilnadu germplasm seems to be a rich source of sodium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron; whereas the Kerala germplasm seems to be a rich source of phosphorus. Antinutritional substances like total free phenols, tannins, L-DOPA, trypsin inhibitor activity and phytohaemagglutinating activity also were investigated.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed1991

The biochemical composition and nutritional potential of the tribal pulse, Mucuna gigantea (Willd) DC.

Seeds of the tribal pulse, Mucuna gigantea, were analysed for proximate composition, total (true) seed proteins, seed protein fractionation, amino acid composition, minerals and antinutritional factors. Crude proteins, crude lipids, ash and nitrogen free extractives constituted 30.62%, 9.03%, 5.99% and 42.79%, respectively. The calorific values of 100 g dry matter of seed material is 374.91 kCal. The essential amino acids, leucine + isoleucine, are present in relatively large quantities. The seeds are rich in minerals like K, Ca, Mg and Fe. Antinutritional substances like total free phenols and tannins, trypsin inhibitor activity and haemagglutinating activity also were investigated.

Albumins↗

PubMed1990

Cyclodextrin-facilitated bioconversion of 17 beta-estradiol by a phenoloxidase from Mucuna pruriens cell cultures.

After complexation with beta-cyclodextrin, the phenolic steroid 17 beta-estradiol could be ortho-hydroxylated into a catechol, mainly 4-hydroxyestradiol, by a phenoloxidase from in vitro grown cells of Mucuna pruriens. By complexation with beta-cyclodextrin the solubility of the steroid increased from almost insoluble to 660 microM. The bioconversion efficiency after 72 hr increased in the following order: freely suspended cells (0%), immobilized cells (1%), cell homogenate (6%), phenoloxidase preparation (40%). Mushroom tyrosinase converted 17 beta-estradiol, as a complex with beta-cyclodextrin, solely into 2-hydroxyestradiol, with a maximal yield of 30% after 6-8 hr. Uncomplexed 17 beta-estradiol was not converted at all in any of these systems.

Biotransformation↗

PubMed1991

Triterpenes from Mucuna birdwoodiana.

Methanolic extracts of the stalks of Mucuna birdwoodiana on acid hydrolysis and subsequent methylation with diazomethane provided four triterpene sapogenols. On the other hand, investigation of glycosides after methylation of the same extract led to the isolation of four triterpene glycosides. On the basis of chemical and spectral evidence, their structures were characterized as methyl asiatate, methyl maslinate, two new sapogenols, methyl 1 beta,2 alpha,3 beta,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en 28-oate (mucunagenin a), its urs-12-en isomer (mucunagenin b), 3-O-(6-O-methyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl) methyl asiatate 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1----2)]-6-O-methyl-beta-D-glucur onopyranosyl methyl maslinate, 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1----2)]-6-O-methyl-beta-D-glucur onopyranosyl methyl asiatate and 3-O-(6-O-methyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl) asiatic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Studies on the nutritional composition and antinutritional factors of three different germplasm seed materials of an under-utilized tropical legume, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis.

Two different germplasms of a white variety and one germplasm of a black variety of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis were evaluated for their physicochemical properties as well as their nutritional and antinutritional characteristics. All germplasms had higher grain weight, density, hydration, and swelling capacity than other common legumes. The dehulled samples contained 303.2-335.5 g(-1) protein and 46.1-53.5 g x kg(-1) lipid, and these values were higher than the respective whole seeds. The levels of macro- and microelements in both whole and dehulled seeds were comparable to those in common pulses. All germplasms had a high dietary fiber content (18-19.5%), made up of mainly insoluble dietary fiber (DF). Seed lipids were high in unsaturated fatty acids (64.7-66.9%), specifically linoleic acid (48-49%). Whole and dehulled seeds of the white variety from Salem were particularly rich in sulfur-containing amino acids with significantly higher levels of in vitro protein digestibility than the other two germplasms. All germplasms had high levels of total phenols and phytate, trypsin, and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities, but were low in tannins, saponins, and alpha-amylase inhibitor activity. Only weak hemagglutinating activity against cow erythrocytes and no hemagglutinating activity against human erythrocytes (O) was observed in all the samples. Dehulled seeds were higher in total starch, including resistant starch and oligosaccharides (with verbascose as the major fraction) than the respective whole seeds. Both whole and dehulled samples of the white variety of Salem germplasm showed significantly lower concentrations of L-dopa, nonmethylated, and methylated tetrahydroisoquinolines than the respective whole and dehulled samples of other germplasms. In general, dehulling didn't affect the overall nutritional status in any of the presently investigated samples.

Amino Acids↗