Antineoplastic Effects of Mucuna pruriens Against Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma.

Mucuna pruriens (MP) which is commonly known as "Velvet Bean" is an underutilized legume traditionally used to treat Parkinson's disease and male fertility issues. Extracts of MP have also been identified for their antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antineoplastic effects. Commonly, the antioxidant and anticancer properties of a drug are linked together as antioxidants scavenge free radicals and prevent the cellular DNA damage which could result in cancer development. In this investigation, comparative assessment of the anticancer and antioxidant potentials of methanolic seed extracts from two common varieties of MP, Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens (MPP) and Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (MPU) against human colorectal cancer adenocarcinoma cells COLO-205, was carried out. The highest antioxidant potential was recorded with MPP with an IC50 of 45.71 µg/ml. The in vitro antiproliferative effects of MPP and MPU on COLO-205 showed an IC50 of 131.1 µg/ml and 246.9 µg/ml respectively. Our results revealed intervention of the MPP and MPU extracts in growth kinetics of the COLO-205 cells in concomitance with apoptosis induction up to 8.73- and 5.58-folds respectively. The AO/EtBr dual staining and the flow cytometry results also confirmed the better apoptotic efficacy of MPP over MPU. MPP at a concentration of 160 µg/ml exhibited highest apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, effect of the seed extracts on p53 expression was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR and a maximum upregulation of 1.12-fold was recorded with MPP.

[Survey on the Current Advertising and Sales of Mucuna pruriens in Consumer-to-consumer Internet Trading in Japan].

Mucuna pruriens (MP) is leguminous plant which contains 5% of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (levodopa) in its seeds. It may have a potential to be used as an alternative therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Meanwhile, there is a concern in terms of public health that MP products can be overused by patients with PD. As an entry for patients with PD to acquire MP products in Japan, they are often purchased via internet auctions or free markets. MP products are not reagrded as 'pharmatheutical' by Japanese law as long as the specific legal requirements on advertisements are met, so that the MP products can be advertised or sold without any permission from the authorities. In this study, we aimed to conduct internet survey as to the complianse status of these legal requirements. Several major internet auction or free market websites in Japan were surveyed in May-June 2023 by the authors, and 1157 MP product pages were examined. We found approximately 30-40% of the MP products were suspected to have potential legal risks in terms of their advertisements in their website descriptions, such as claiming pharmatheutical efficacy or describing pharmatheutical-like dosages. In addition, approximately 30-40% of the MP products also did not refer to cautions not to take MP products excessively because of the levodopa ingredients. Current study suggested the need of careful description of the MP products in the auction or free market websites for the MP products exhibitors or sellers, in order to fullfill legal requirements as well as to prevent MP abuse.

Recovery of motor function is associated with rescue of glutamate biomarkers in the striatum and motor cortex following treatment with Mucuna pruriens in a murine model of Parkinsons disease.

There is growing interest in the use of natural products for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mucuna pruriens has been used in the treatment of humans with PD. The goal of this study was to determine if daily oral treatment with an extract of Mucuna pruriens, starting after the MPTP-induced loss of nigrostriatal dopamine in male mice, would result in recovery/restoration of motor function, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression in the nigrostriatal pathway, or glutamate biomarkers in both the striatum and motor cortex. Following MPTP administration, resulting in an 80 % loss of striatal TH, treatment with Mucuna pruriens failed to rescue either striatal TH or the dopamine transporter back to the control levels, but there was restoration of gait/motor function. There was an MPTP-induced loss of TH-labeled neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and in the number of striatal dendritic spines, both of which failed to be recovered following treatment with Mucuna pruriens. This Mucuna pruriens-induced locomotor recovery following MPTP was associated with restoration of two striatal glutamate transporter proteins, GLAST (EAAT1) and EAAC1 (EAAT3), and the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) within the motor cortex. Post-MPTP treatment with Mucuna pruriens, results in locomotor improvement that is associated with recovery of striatal and motor cortex glutamate transporters but is independent of nigrostriatal TH restoration.

Preparation of Paclitaxel-Encapsulated Bio-Functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Efficacy against Cervical Cancer.

The potentiality of nanomedicine in the cancer treatment being widely recognized in the recent years. In the present investigation, the synergistic effects of chitosan-modified selenium nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX-chit-SeNPs) were studied. These selenium nanoparticles were tested for drug release analysis at a pH of 7.4 and 5.5, and further characterized using FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, and TEM to confirm their morphology, and the encapsulation of the drug was carried out using UPLC analysis. Quantitative evaluation of anti-cancer properties was performed via MTT analysis, apoptosis, gene expression analysis, cell cycle arrest, and over-production of ROS. The unique combination of phytochemicals from the seed extract, chitosan, paclitaxel, and selenium nanoparticles can be effectively utilized to combat cancerous cells. The production of the nanosystem has been demonstrated to be cost-effective and have unique characteristics, and can be utilized for improving future diagnostic approaches.

Therapeutic potential of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on high-fat diet-induced testicular and sperm damage in rats.

Objective: Mucuna pruriens Linn., a leguminous plant, is identified as a herbal medicine for improving fertility-related disorders in the alternative and complementary systems of medicine. The study was focused on evaluating the therapeutic potential of M. pruriens on testis and sperm parameters in a high-fat-induced hypercholesterolemia model. Materials and Methods: Male rats were divided as normal-control rats (NCR); normal-control rats + M.pruriens (200 mg/kg b.w. of ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed) treated (NCRD); hypercholesterolemic rats (HCR) and hypercholesterolemic rats + M. pruriens (HCRD). Groups were further divided into three post-exposure periods (subgroups) of 9, 18, and 36 days, and the progressive changes in testis histology and sperm were analyzed. Results: The study showed a significant impairment in testicular histoarchitecture, depletion of antioxidant enzyme levels, increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the HCR group. The study indicated severe structural and functional damage in sperm parameters and diminished chromatin integrity in the HCR group. In the HCR rats, the follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were significantly reduced. There was a significant improvement in sperm parameters and testis histology in the HCRD group. Conclusion: The study reveals the potential efficacy of M. pruriens to improve spermatogenesis, sperm parameters and hormone levels in hypercholesterolemic rats.

The Hepatoprotective and Anti-Nephrotoxic Potential of Methanolic Extract of a Polyherbal Preparation in CCl4-Induced Liver Injury Model of Wistar Rats.

The liver and kidneys are the vital organs of the body and perform important life-sustaining functions in the body. Synthetic drugs used in the treatment of liver and kidney diseases are sometimes inadequate and can lead to serious side effects. Medicinal herbs and plants were used to combat diseases for a long time and combination therapy is preferred over single plant therapy. In the current study, the Asparagus racemosus, Mucuna pruriens, Anacyclus pyrethrum, and Tribulus terrestris polyherbal preparation (PHP) was selected to evaluate its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-nephrotoxic potential. The methanolic extract of PHP was prepared following standard protocols. Fifty-six albino rats were divided into 7 groups (n = 8). The negative control (NC) having the healthy rats and the remaining 6 groups were induced liver toxicity by intraperitoneally injecting 0.5 mL/kg of 50% CCl4 in olive oil. Group 2 was positive control and group 3 and 4 received silymarin standard drug at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Groups 5, 6, and 7 (PHP-1, PHP-2, PHP-3) were the liver-damaged rats receiving the PHP at a dose of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected at 21 of the trial, to evaluate oxidative stress, hepatoprotective and anti-nephrotoxic potential. Results of liver function tests revealed significant (P < .05) hepatoprotective activities of PHP after intoxication with CCl4 of albino rats as compared to standard groups. Moreover, results of renal functions also showed that PHP has a significant (P < .05) restoring the capacity of blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid in intoxicated rats as compared with the control group. The PHP also reduced the oxidative stress in the treatment groups by increasing the total antioxidant capacity and reducing the total oxidative status. It can be concluded that selected medicinal plants have a potential role in the management of liver and kidney disorders. So, by running the clinical trial on a large scale and by isolating the phytochemical constituents responsible for hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities, locally prepared drugs could be developed to manage liver and renal disorders.

Chromosomal-level genome of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) provides resources for L-DOPA synthetic research and development.

Mucuna pruriens, commonly called velvet bean, is the main natural source of levodopa (L-DOPA), which has been marketed as a psychoactive drug for the clinical management of Parkinson's disease and dopamine-responsive dystonia. Although velvet bean is a very important plant species for food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, the lack of genetic and genomic information about this species severely hinders further molecular research thereon and biotechnological development. Here, we reported the first velvet bean genome, with a size of 500.49 Mb and 11 chromosomes encoding 28,010 proteins. Genomic comparison among legume species indicated that velvet bean speciated ∼29 Ma from soybean clade, without specific genome duplication. Importantly, we identified 21 polyphenol oxidase coding genes that catalyse l-tyrosine to L-DOPA in velvet bean, and two subfamilies showing tandem expansion on Chr3 and Chr7 after speciation. Interestingly, disease-resistant and anti-pathogen gene families were found contracted in velvet bean, which might be related to the expansion of polyphenol oxidase. Our study generated a high-quality genomic reference for velvet bean, an economically important agricultural and medicinal plant, and the newly reported L-DOPA biosynthetic genes could provide indispensable information for the biotechnological and sustainable development of an environment-friendly L-DOPA biosynthesis processing method.

Mucuna pruriens seeds extract boosts growth, immunity, testicular histology, and expression of immune-related genes of mono-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus).

Nutraceuticals have received increased attention in sustainable aquaculture. Consequently, the present study aimed to evaluate the dietary effects of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seed extract on growth performance, immune status, hepatic function, biochemical profiles, gonadal histology, and expression of immune-related genes in mono-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were allocated into four groups and received MP at rates of 0 (control), 2, 4, and 6 g/kg diet, respectively, for 90 days. The results revealed that MP significantly (P<0.05) modulated growth performance (specific growth rate, final length, and length gain rate, body mass gain, and feed conversion ratio), lysozyme activity, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT). However, a non-significant effect on nitric oxide (NO) or immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels was detected, whereas the dietary inclusion of MP had a hypoglycemic effect. In terms of plasma globulin, albumin, globulin/albumin ratio, and cortisol, the MP receiving groups showed insignificant difference (P<0.05) when compared to controls, except for the 2 g MP-supplemented group. The lower inclusion concentration of MP (2 g/kg diet) demonstrated the best result (P < 0.05) for gonadosomatic index (GSI) and plasma testosterone level that was consistent with the histological findings reflecting an improvement in the testicular development compared with the control group. Expressions of complement component (C5) and interleukin 1-ß (IL-1ß) genes were significantly up-regulated in MP receiving groups. In conclusion, M. pruriens can be used as a safe natural economic feed additive and a low inclusion level of 2 g/kg diet is recommended to improve growth, enhance immunity, maintain liver functioning, improve testicular development, and to modulate immune-related genes in the mono-sex O. niloticus.

Mucuna pruriens seed protects the hippocampal neurons and abrogates seizure indices in chemically-convulsed mice: Evidence of the Nrf2 expression defense pathway.

The anti-convulsant mechanisms and neuroprotective effects of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seed in male BALB/c mice were evaluated. Ninety mice were kindled with picrotoxin, strychnine, or pilocarpine hydrochloride at the 30th minute of intraperitoneal injection (i.p) of normal saline (0.2 ml), MP (200, 100, 50 mg/kg), diazepam (7.5 mg/kg), or haloperidol (5 mg/kg). The onset of convulsion and percentage mortality was recorded. The histoarchitectural and immunohistochemical profiles of the brains were determined. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), while p < 0.05 was considered significant. There was a significant prolongation of the latency to first seizure across the treatment groups following picrotoxin, and pilocarpine-induced convulsion; a decrease in percentage mortality in the MP (50 mg/kg) treatment group, and an increase in the hippocampal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 count, and Neu-N expression in the MP (200 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) treated mice. Treatment with MP seed may abolish seizure occurrence and consequential mortality; mechanisms traceable to its GABAergic expression and hippocampal NRF 2 and Neu N expression.

Mucuna pruriens Seed Aqueous Extract Improved Neuroprotective and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Effects Compared with Synthetic L-Dopa.

L-dopa, a dopaminergic agonist, is the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, due to the long-term toxicity and adverse effects of using L-dopa as the first-line therapy for Parkinson's disease, a search for alternative medications is an important current challenge. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has suggested the use of Mucuna pruriens Linn. (Fabaceae) as an anti-Parkinson's agent. The present study aimed to quantify the amount of L-dopa in M. pruriens seed extract by HPLC analysis. The cytotoxicity and neuroprotective properties of M. pruriens aqueous extract were investigated by two in vitro models including the serum deprivation method and co-administration of hydrogen peroxide assay. The results showed the significant neuroprotective activities of M. pruriens seed extracts at a concentration of 10 ng/mL. In addition, the effects of L-dopa and M. pruriens seed extract on in vitro acetylcholinesterase activities were studied. M. pruriens seed extract demonstrated acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, while synthetic L-dopa enhanced the activity of the enzyme. It can be concluded that the administration of M. pruriens seed might be effective in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. M. prurience seed extract containing L-dopa has shown less acetylcholinesterase activity stimulation compared with L-dopa, suggesting that the extract might have a superior benefit for use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Neuroprotection by Mucuna pruriens in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The medicinal plant Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) is widely known for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a well-established drug in Ayurveda and has been widely used for the treatment of neurological disorders and male infertility for ages. The seeds of the plant have potent medicinal value and its extract has been tested in different models of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's disease (PD). Apart from PD, Mucuna pruriens is now being studied in models of other nervous systems disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and stroke because of its neuroprotective importance. This review briefly discusses the pathogenesis of PD, AD, ALS and stroke. It aims to summarize the medicinal importance of Mucuna pruriens in treatment of these diseases, and put forward the potential targets where Mucuna pruriens can act for therapeutic interventions. In this review, the effect of Mucuna pruriens on ameliorating the neurodegeneration evident in PD, AD, ALS and stroke is briefly discussed. The potential targets for neuroprotection by the plant are delineated, which can be studied further to validate the hypothesis regarding the use of Mucuna pruriens for the treatment of these diseases.

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens enhances sexual performance and improves male reproductive damages in ethanol-induced rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (T-MP) has been traditionally used in treating depressive disorders, dysuria and enhancing male sexual desire. Although T-MP seed is demonstrated to have antioxidant capacity, its aphrodisiac and protective tissue damage properties have never been documented. Recently, ethanol (Eth) is known to cause sexual behavior dysfunction and damage reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of T-MP seed extract on sexual behavior dysfunction and reproductive damages in male rats admisted with Eth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T-MP possessing antioxidant activity was determined for L-DOPA content using NMR analysis. Thirty-six male rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group). Control rats received DW and the ethanol (Eth) group was given with Eth (3 g/kgBW; 40%v/v). In preventive groups (T-MP150 + Eth and MP300 + Eth groups), animals were treated with T-MP extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kgBW before Eth administration for consecutive 56 days. Sexual behaviors including mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), and ejaculation frequency (EF) were evaluated. Epididymal sperm quality and daily sperm production (DSP) were examined. Testicular histology was observed using Masson's trichrome staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and expressions of androgen receptor (AR), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in testis were also determined. RESULTS: T-MP extract contained L-DOPA and improved sexual behaviors including increased MF and IF and decreased ML and IL in Eth treated rats. Significantly, sperm quality, DSP, and testicular histopathology observed in Eth group were improved after T-MP treatment. T-MP also decreased the testicular MDA levels. Additionally, T-MP could correct testicular functional proteins of AR and StAR except HSP70 expression in Eth group. Expressions of TyrPho proteins in testicular and sperm lysates were improved in co-administered groups. CONCLUSIONS: T-MP seed extract possessing L-DOPA could enhance the sexual behaviors and protect reproductive damages via improvement of testicular functional proteins.

Ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves ameliorates carbon tetrachloride and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in wistar albino rat.

BACKGROUND: Mucuna pruriens (L.) has been used for the treatment of several ailments in folkloric medicine. The present study therefore investigates the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potentials of its leaves extract with a view to providing a potent alternative in the management of liver and kidney diseases. METHODOLOGY: Forty male albino rats were randomly placed into eight groups comprising five animals each. Animals in group I were administered with the distilled water, while groups II and VI were exposed to CCl4 and rifampicin respectively. Animals in groups III and IV were initially exposed CCl4 and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Similarly, groups VII and VIII animals were exposed to rifampicin and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Animals in group V were treated with 100 mg/kg bw silymarin by oral gavage after an initial exposure to CCl4. Selected biomarkers of liver and kidney damage were determined in the serum and organs homogenate. Liver and kidney slices of experimental animals were also stained for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Exposure to CCl4 and rifampicin respectively resulted in marked distortion in lipid profile, inhibition of antioxidant enzymes and a surge in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid, bilirubin and creatine kinase. Treatment with M. pruriens extract reversed all deranged biochemical and histopathological parameters in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Extract of M. pruriens leaves restored deranged biochemical and histopathological parameters in the liver and kidney with similar potency to silymarin. Hence, leaf extract of M. pruriens is a potential hepatoprotective and nephroprotective agent that can be exploited in the management of liver and kidney diseases.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Mucuna prurien and its phylogenetic position.

Mucuna pruriens is traditional medicinal plant originated in South Africa. We characterize the complete plastid genome of M. pruriens, which is a circular-mapping molecule 152,119 bp in length. The genome has a large single-copy region (LSC) of 78,258 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,735 bp, respectively. Additionally, the overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was 35.37%. The genome contains 138 genes, including 96 protein-coding, 38 tRNA, and four rRNA genes. The gene content and structure are conserved compared to other species in the genus Glycine. The chloroplast genome and existing data were used to infer its phylogenetic position. The results showed that M. pruriens clustered together with Glycine max and G. soja. These findings provide potential genetic markers that can aid in understanding the genetic diversity of M. pruriens.

Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. seed extract inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 microglial cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Inflammation caused by activated microglia is known to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibiting the inflammatory process can be considered a potential strategy for the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases. Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Leguminosae) has long been used in Thailand, India, China and other tropical countries to treat several diseases including PD. M. pruriens seeds have been found to possess a variety of pharmacological properties including antioxidant and anti-Parkinsonism effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of M. pruriens seeds during microglial activation have yet to be reported. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of M. pruriens seed extract and elucidate its underlying mechanism using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BV2 microglial cells were pretreated with various concentrations of M. pruriens seed extract before being stimulated with LPS. The levels of inflammatory mediators were analyzed by Griess assay and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). The protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined by Western blot analysis. The translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: M. pruriens seed extract significantly inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO), IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. The extract also decreased the protein expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, M. pruriens seed extract inhibited the translocation of NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS: M. pruriens seed extract could suppress inflammatory responses in LPS-activated BV2 microglial cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings support the use of M. pruriens seeds in traditional and alternative medicine for the treatment of PD and other inflammation-associated diseases.

In vitro assessment of the anti-sickling properties of Buchholzia coriacea and Mucuna pruriens seed extracts.

Sickle cell disease is a group of diseases inherited through the gene and it affects the haemoglobin in the red blood cell. This study investigated the methanol seed extract of Buchholzia coriacea for possible in vitro anti-sickling effects and also determined the effect of Mucuna pruriens seed extract on the solubility and oxygen-binding rate of sickle cell haemoglobin. Sickle cell blood was collected from sickle cell disease patients with subsequent addition of 2% sodium metabisulphite to cause more sickling. Varying concentrations of the seed extracts (50%, 25%, 12.5% and 6.25%) were added to the pre-treated blood for these in vitro assays. The results showed that the extract of Buchholzia coriacea significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited sickling at all concentrations with the highest percentage inhibition of 73.3 ± 5.8, reversed sickled erythrocytes at all concentrations with the highest percentage reversal of 83.3 ± 5.8 and significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited polymerisation at all concentrations used in comparison to the parallel control. The extract of Mucuna pruriens seed significantly (P < 0.05) increased the solubility of sickle haemoglobin at 50%, 25%, 12.5% and 6.25% concentrations, increased Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio from 1.7 (control) to 12.2 (50% concentration) and reduced osmotic fragility (at 12.5% and 6.25% concentrations) when compared with parallel control. The results indicate the feasibility of the seed extracts as promising agents in the management of sickle cell disease.

Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and reproductive toxicity of aqueous extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens seeds.

OBJECTIVE: In traditional medicine, the seeds of Thai Mucuna pruriens (T-MP) are used to treat male dysuria and are believed to enhance fertility. However, information pertaining to the toxicity of T-MP and its interaction with other properties is limited. This study was thus conducted to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and subacute toxicity of T-MP in the reproductive system. METHODS: Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of T-MP seed extract were determined using total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. Male and female adult rats were treated orally with T-MP at a dosage of 150 or 300 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Sex hormones and functional parameters in the liver and kidney were evaluated. Histopathology of all tissue was conducted using Masson's trichrome staining. Sperm parameters, including concentration, morphology, acrosome reaction status and DNA damage, were also examined. Expression of tyrosine phosphorylated protein (TyrPho), androgen receptor and A-kinase-anchoring protein 4 (AKAP4) were investigated using the Western blot technique. RESULTS: T-MP seed extract contained phenolic compounds and exhibited high antioxidant capacity with no toxicity at the tested doses. It did not affect liver or kidney function parameters in the male rats, but increased estradiol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels in the females. Additionally, it decreased serum progesterone and alkaline phosphatase levels in female rats. Serum and intratesticular testosterone levels were significantly lower in male rats that received a high dosage of T-MP. Histopathological changes were not observed in any tissue treated with T-MP. T-MP also significantly increased sperm concentration (but did not affect sperm parameters), and enhanced testicular TyrPho protein and androgen receptor and expression of AKAP4 in sperms. CONCLUSION: T-MP seed extract exhibited antioxidant capacity and was not harmful to reproductive tissues. It also had a phytoestrogenic effect on females and increased the expression of testicular and sperm markers of male fertility.

Could Mucuna pruriens be the answer to Parkinson's disease management in sub-Saharan Africa and other low-income countries worldwide?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, disabling, neurodegenerative disease that requires long term care and pharmaceutical treatment. Levodopa remains the gold standard treatment for PD globally, although it is largely unavailable and unaffordable for the majority of patients in many sub-Saharan African and other low-income countries (LICs). We suggest the potential for Mucuna pruriens (MP), a leguminous plant, to replace or supplement levodopa-based medicines in countries where levodopa is unaffordable and inaccessible due to its low costs of preparation and high natural availability. MP has been shown to induce a great improvement of motor symptoms with few adverse events in recent studies. However, caution is important until more robust data on the long-term safety of MP are available. We believe that MP could potentially be part of the answer to affordable, symptomatic treatment of PD in LICs worldwide.

The structure of MP-4 from Mucuna pruriens at 2.22†Šresolution.

The structure of the MP-4 protein was previously determined at a resolution of 2.8 Å. Owing to the unavailability of gene-sequence information at the time, the side-chain assignment was carried out on the basis of a partial sequence available through Edman degradation, sequence homology to orthologs and electron density. The structure of MP-4 has now been determined at a higher resolution (2.22 Å) in another space group and all of the structural inferences that were presented in the previous report of the structure were validated. In addition, the present data allowed an improved assignment of side chains and enabled further analysis of the MP-4 structure, and the accuracy of the assignment was confirmed by the recently available gene sequence. The study reinforces the traditional concept that conservative interpretations of relatively low-resolution structures remain correct even with the availability of high-resolution data.

Detoxifying Action of Aqueous Extracts of Mucuna pruriens Seed and Mimosa pudica Root Against Venoms of Naja nigricollis and Bitis arietans.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization included snakebite envenomation among Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2017. The importance of natural products from plants is enormous, given that most prescribed drugs originate from plants. Among this is Mucuna pruriens and Mimosa pudica, with many registered patents asserting their health benefits. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the in vitro neutralizing effects of Mucuna pruriens seed and Mimosa pudica root extracts on venoms of Naja nigricollis and Bitis arietans. METHODS: In mice, the LD50 and phytochemical analysis of M. pruriens and M. pudica plant extracts were carried out prior to the evaluation of their haemolytic and fibrinolytic effect. Their effects on the activities of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were also assessed. RESULTS: At a concentration of 50 mg/ml, both plant extracts were found to neutralize the fibrinolytic activity of N. nigricollis, but 400 mg/ml was required to neutralize the fibrinolytic activity of B. arietans. In haemolytic studies, 50 mg/ml concentration of M. pruriens extract suppressed haemolysis caused by N. nigricollis venom by 70% but at the same concentration, M. pudica extract reduced haemolysis by 49.4%. M. pruriens, at 50 mg/ml concentration, only inhibited phospholipase A2 activity by 7.7% but higher concentrations up to 400mg/ml had no effect against the venom of N. nigricollis; at 200 mg/ml. M. pudica extract inhibited PLA2 activity by 23%. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that M. pruriens and M. pudica may be considered as promising antivenom agents for people living in a snake-bite prone environment.