Evaluation of the anti-diabetic properties of Mucuna pruriens seed extract

Objective:To explore the antidiabetic properties of Mucuna pruriens(M.pruriens).Methods: Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by single intravenous injection of 120 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate and different doses of the extract were administered to diabetic rats.The blood glucose level was determined using a glucometer and results were compared with normal and untreated diabetic rats.The acute toxicity was also determined in albino mice.Results:Results showed that the administration of 5,10,20,30,40,50,and 100 mg/kg of the crude ethanolic extract of M.pruriens seeds to alloxan-induced diabetic rats(plasma glucose 】 450 mg/dL) resulted in 18.6%,24.9%,30.8%,41.4%,49.7%,53.1%and 55.4%reduction,respectively in blood glucose level of the diabetic rats after 8h of treatment while the administration of glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day) resulted in 59.7%reduction.Chronic administration of the extract resulted in a significant dose dependent reduction in the blood glucose level(P【0.001).It also showed that the antidiabetic activity of M.pruriens seeds resides in the methanolic and ethanolic fractions of the extract.Acute toxicity studies indicated that the extract was relatively safe at low doses,although some adverse reactions were observed at higher doses(8-32 mg/kg body weight),no death was recorded.Furthermore,oral administration of M.pruriens seed extract also significandy reduced the weight loss associated with diabetes.Conclusions:The study clearly supports the traditional use of M.pruriens for the treatment of diabetes and indicates that the plant could be a good source of potent antidiabetic drug.

Phenolic composition and inhibitory activity of Mangifera indica and Mucuna urens seeds extracts against key enzymes linked to the pathology and complications of type 2 diabetes

Objective:To investigate the phenolic compounds composition and the inhibitory activity of Mangifera indica(M.indica) and Mucuna urens(M.urens) seeds extracts against some key enzymes(-amylase,-glucosidasc and aldose reductase) implicated in the pathology and complications of type 2 diabetes in vitro.Methods:Reverse phase chromatographic quantification of the major flavonoids and phenolic acids in the seeds extracts was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection.The inhibitory activities of the seeds extracts against-amylase and-glucosidase were estimated using soluble starch and p-nitrophenylglucopyranosidc as their respective substrates.Inhibition of aldose reductase activity by the extracts was assayed using partially purified lens homogenate of normal male rat as source of enzyme;inhibition of Fe^(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation by extracts was tested in rat pancreas homogenate.Results:The chromatography result revealed that extracts of both seeds had appreciable levels of some major flavonoids and phenolic acids of pharmacological importance,including gallic acid,chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,ellagic acid,catechin,rutin,quercitrin.quercetin and kaempferol.Extracts of both seeds effectively inhibited-amylase,-glucosidase and aldose reductase activities in a dose-dependent manner,having inhibitory preference for these enzymes in the order of aldose reductase>-glucosidase>-amylase.With lower half-maximal inhibitory concentrations(IC50)against-amylase,-glucosidase,and aldose reductase,M.indica had stronger inhibitory potency against these enzymes than M.urens.Extracts of both seeds also inhibited Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent pattern,with M.indica being more potent than M.urens.Conclusions:The results obtained provide support for a possible use of M.indica and M.urens seeds in managing hyperglycemia and preventing the complications associated with it in type 2diabetes.

In vitro and in vivo investigation of natural compounds from seed extract of Mucuna pruriens lacking L-DOPA for treatment of erectile dysfunction

Objective:To investigate the biological effects of the Mucuna pruriens(M.pruriens)seed extracts that lacked of L-DOPA,which was formerly reported as the active ingredient,on erectile dysfunction(ED)both in vitro and in vivo.Methods:Seed of M.pruriens plant that cultivated in Mae Taeng District,Chiang Mai Province,Thailand,was collected.Component of its seeds were extracted and isolated into 2 fractions using methanol,polar and nonpolar.Each fraction was investigated for phytochemicals using GC/MS and was screened for biological activity In vitro using three different cell lines.The most biological active fraction was used to treat to both steptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus-erectile dysfunction(DM-ED)male wistar rats and normal rats(n=6 per groups)to compare the effect on sexual behaviour parameters,including number of intromission,mounting and ejaculation,with that of rats given Sildenafil by individually pairing with their female counterparts.Penile tissues and serums were collected to determine histological structure,related gene expression and biomolecules.Results:The phytochemicals of the polar fraction were possibly catechol and its derivatives plus polyphenols,whereas the nonpolar fraction consisted of lipid derivatives.L-DOPA was not detected in either of the extracts.The polar fraction was able to up-regulate the expression of ED-related genes including e NOS and n NOS in vitro which subsequently promotes NO production and maintains intracellular cG MP levels.When administrated to DM-ED rats,the polar extract significantly improved all sexual behaviour parameters in DM-ED rats compare to untreated group(18.3±1.8 to 10.8±2.9 for intromission,9.8±2.2 to 5.7±1.3 for mounting,and 1.8±0.6 to 0.2±0.4 for ejaculation).That effect might due to the ability of the extract to stimulate the expression of eN OS and nN OS which results in NO production and subsequently maintains cG MP levels in penile tissue.Moreover,this extract may also prevent penile tissue deterioration due to diabetes.Conclusions:The polar extract of M.pruriens seed can be used for ED therapy,especially in patients with metabolic diseases including diabetes.The action of the extract might be due to catechol and its derivatives and polyphenols.

Storage Proteins and Trypsin Inhibitors of an Underutilized Legume, <i>Mucuna</i>: Variability and Their Stability during Germination

The proteins and trypsin inhibitors were isolated from the seeds of different varieties/accessions of an underutilized legume, Mucuna. The crude protein content of all the germplasms of Mucuna is varied from 15% - 26%, showed little variation and contain higher crude protein when compared with other Mucuna species reported earlier and the pulse crops commonly consumed in India. The seeds of all the varieties of Mucuna exhibited trypsin inhibitor activity. The trypsin inhibitor activity varied from 11 - 14 TIA/mg of protein. Not much variation was observed in trypsin inhibitory activities in soaked seeds compared to dry seeds. Germination of Mucuna pruriens has been carried out and the change in the protein content and trypsin inhibitors were monitored. The protein content of the endosperm increased up to 72 hrs of germination and then decreased. The trypsin inhibitory activity decreased with increase in germination time. The trypsin inhibitor activity was decreased from 14.81 TIA/mg to 2.62 TIA/mg (82% reduction in the trypsin inhibitor activity) after 144 hrs germination.

ACE-I inhibitory peptide fractions from enzymatic hydrolysates of velvet bean (<i>Mucuna pruriens</i>)

The hydrolysis of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) protein in the presence of Alcalase?-Flavourzyme? and Pepsin-Pancreatin was investigated. The results showed that Alcalase?-Flavourzyme? (29.08%) sequential system catalyzed the hydrolysis most efficiently that Pepsin-Pancreatin (24.78%). In addition, the higher ACE-I inhibitory activity was achieved with the sequential system Alcalase?-Flavourzyme? (33.13%). Furthermore, the concentration of peptides employing an ultrafiltration (UF) system or their purification by gel filtration chromatography showed that the oligomeric peptides with lower molecular weight registered the highest ACE-I inhibitory activity. It has been demonstrated that Mucuna pruriens protein hydrolysates could serve as a source of peptides with ACE inhibitory activity and this activity can be attributed mainly to the mixture of short peptides in the hydrolysate.

Phytoremediation of Soil Contaminated with Crude Oil Using Mucuna Bracteata

This study examines the ability of Mucuna bracteata DC. to remediate soil contaminated with increasing levels of crude oil up to 20%. It also investigates the effect of fertilizer application on crude oil degradation. Changes in crude oil concentrations, pH and moisture of the soil in eight experimental pots were tracked over a period of 9 weeks. The crude oil levels in soil were analysed as Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The study revealed the capacity of Mucuna bracteata to phytoremediate soil contaminated with crude oil in all experimental pots though the plant died at 20% contamination towards the end of the experiment. The plant survived up to 15% contamination with that in the fertilized pot showing better physiological conditions. In all instances, fertilized pots showed higher rates of crude oil reduction. The amounts of crude oil degraded in fertilized pots were also higher except at 20% contamination. The soil pH varied over a narrow range throughout the experimental period. Moisture of soil contaminated with 15% and 20% crude oil was higher than that contaminated with 5% and 10% crude oil. Mucuna bracteata showed signs of phytoextraction which can be subject to further study. This study contributed a new candidate of phytoremediation for soil contaminated with high level of crude oil.

The extract of Mucuna pruriens possesses histamine activity

Objective:To investigate the activity of the active principle in the spines of the seed pods of Mucuna pruriens using contraction of guinea pig ileum as index of pharmacological activity. Methods:The active principle was extracted with 0.0015 M NaCl.Muscle strips of guinea pig ileum were prepared and contractile responses were measured using a Kymograph.Two sets of experiment were conducted:（1）.The contraction of the ileum in presence of different concentrations of histamine,2-methylhistamine and the extract of Mucuna pruriens.（2）.The contractile response of the ileum in presence of different concentrations of the extract and antagonists including diphenhydramine,atropine and methysergide.Results:（1） The extract of Mucuna pruriens hair, 2- methylhistamine and histamine produced dose dependent contraction of guinea pig ileum (Extract ED50 = 13.0μg/mL,2-methylhistamine ED50=8.5μg/mL and histamine ED50=10.0μg/ mL).（2） Diphenhydramine,an H,antagonist competitively blocked the contractile response of the Mucuna pruriens extract（3） Coadminstration of the Mucuna pruriens extract either with different doses of antimuscarinic agent atropine or 5-hydroxytryptamine blocking agent methysergide did not alter the extract induced contractile response of the guinea pig ileum.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that the spines of Mucuna pruriens possess histamine activity which may contribute to its itching and painful irritation effects.

Perikinetics and sludge study for the decontamination of petroleum produced water(PW) using novel mucuna seed extract

In this study, Mucuna flagellipes seed extract was applied in the coagulation-flocculation of produced water （PW）. Process parameters such as pH, dosage, and settling time were investigated. Process kinetics was also studied. Instrumental characterization of mucuna seed （MS）, mucuna seed coagulant （MSC）, and post effluent treatment settled sludge （PTSS） were carried out. The optimum decontamination efficiency of 95 % was obtained at 1 g/L MSC dosage, PW pH of 2, and rate constant of 0.0001 （L/g/s）. Characterization results indicated that MS, MSC, and PTSS were of network structure, primitive lat- tice, and thermally stable. It could be concluded that MSC would be potential biomass for the treatment of produced water under the experimental conditions.

Evaluation of L-dopa,proximate composition with in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Mucuna macrocarpa beans:A future drug for Parkinson treatment

Objective: To investigate L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine(L-dopa, anti-Parkinson drug),anti-inflammatory activity, proximate nutritional composition and antioxidant potential of Mucuna macrocarpa(M. macrocarpa) beans.Methods: L-dopa content was determined and quantified by high performance thin layer chromatography and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography(RPHPLC) methods. Anti-inflammatory activity was performed by in vitro protein denaturation inhibition and human red blood cell membrane stabilisation activity. Proximate composition and elemental analysis were also investigated. The antioxidant potential(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, N-N-dimethyl-phenylenediamine and ferric-reducing antioxidant power) of M. macrocarpa beans were evaluated by using different extraction solvents. The RP-HPLC analysis also quantified significant phenolics such as gallic acid, tannic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid.Results: RP-HPLC quantification revealed that M. macrocarpa beans contain a high level of L-dopa [(115.41 ± 0.985) mg/g] which was the highest among the Mucuna species from Indian sub-continent. Water extract of seed powder showed strong antiinflammatory and antioxidant potential. Proximate composition of M. macrocarpa beans revealed numerous nutritional and anti-nutritional components. RP-HPLC analysis of major phenolics such as tannic acid(43.795 mg/g), gallic acid(0.864 mg/g), p-coumaric acid(0.364 mg/g) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid(0.036 mg/g) quantified successfully from M. macrocarpa beans respectively.Conclusions: This study suggests that M. macrocarpa is a potential source of L-dopa with promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and nutritional benefits.

Effect of aqueous seed extract of Mucuna pruriens on arsenic-induced testicular toxicity in mice

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of Mucuna(M.)pruriens against arsenic-induced testicular impairment in albino mice.Methods:Thirty-six male albino mice were divided into six groups,with 6 mice in each group.Group 1 received drinking water as the normal control.Groups 2 to 6 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)in drinking water.Group 3 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)and 300 mg/kg body weight(b.w.)of N-acetylcysteine.Group 4 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)and 500 mg/kg b.w.of M.pruriens.Group 5 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)and 1000 mg/kg b.w.of M.pruriens.Group 6 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)and 2000 mg/kg b.w.of M.pruriens.N-acetylcysteine and M.pruriens were administered orally once a day.Animals were subjected to the above treatments for 45 days.Animals were sacrificed with overdose of ketamine 24 h following drug administration.The testis was used for biochemical estimations(lipid peroxidation and glutathione),and the epididymis was used to determine the sperm count and morphology.Results:Sodium arsenite significantly decreased(P<0.01)the sperm count and glutathione levels of the testis.It significantly increased(P<0.01)the abnormal architecture of the spermatozoa and lipid peroxidation levels.Treatment with M.pruriens significantly increased the sperm count and the glutathione levels[500 mg/kg b.w.and 1000 mg/kg b.w.(P<0.01)].A significant decrease in sperm abnormality and lipid peroxidation levels[500 mg/kg b.w.and 1000 mg/kg b.w.(P<0.01)]was also observed.Conclusions:The perturbed sperm parameters and antioxidant levels of the arsenic insulted testis are attenuated by 500 mg/kg b.w.and 1000 mg/kg b.w.M.pruriens.

Integrated Soil Fertility Management: Impact of <i>Mucuna</i>and <i>Tithonia</i>Biomass on Tomato (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i>L.) Performance in Smallholder Farming Systems

Many views, paradigms and concepts have been advocated in recent decades on soil fertility and soil conservation across the globe in order to provide sustainable solutions to the rising food and nutrition insecurity while preserving the natural resource base. Meanwhile, food and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is mainly achieved through smallholder farming systems that are characterized by poor and declining soil fertility, which often leads to low crop yields and low income. Hence, a field trial was established to evaluate the impact of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices on tomato yield and the farm-scale income in smallholder farming systems. The ISFM trial comprised a control with no input, mineral fertilizer, and organic treatments comprising sole Mucuna and Tithonia biomasses as well as their combination (Mucuna + Tithonia). Generally, tomato performance was better with organic plant biomass amendments, with significantly higher (P Mucuna + Tithonia and sole Tithonia, followed by sole Mucuna and mineral fertilizer compared to the control. Meanwhile in comparison to the control, Mucuna + Tithonia and sole Tithonia recorded 3.5 and 3.4 t ha-1 more yield, respectively, which was about twice the additional yield for sole Mucuna and mineral fertilizer with 1.8 and 1.5 t ha-1, respectively (Tukey’s HSD, P Mucuna + Tithonia and sole Tithonia, followed by sole Mucuna and mineral fertilizer, as compared to the control (Tukey’s HSD, P P P Mucuna + Tithonia biomass materials or their sole applications as basal mulch to improve tomato production. Thus, these organic amendments could be an alternative and sustainable integrated soil fertility management strategy to boost tomato production and farm-scale income without jeopardizing the sustainability of the environment. However, this requires more efforts to adapt the different ISFM techniques to the specific needs of smallholder farmers, coupled with effective dissemination strategies that facilitate knowledge transfer and technology adoption.

Innovative use of intact seeds of Mucuna monosperma Wight for improved yield of L-DOPA

The drug L-DOPA has been widely used against Parkinson's disease and is extracted from plants.Due to the increasing demand of this drug,new plant sources need to be discovered in addition to the existing sources.The paper embodies results on Mucuna monosperma,which can be a promising candidate for L-DOPA.The seed powder of this plant contains 5.48%of(dry weight)the drug and when the seeds were soaked in distilled water,content was increased to 6.58%.Different elicitors when added,enhanced the drug level in seed up to 11.8%.The possible rationale behind this increase was confirmed by increase in tyrosinase activity in the seeds.Presence of L-DOPA was confirmed using various analytical techniques as HPLC,HPTLC and NMR.The work demonstrates a potential candidate plant as a source for L-DOPA when a novel method was adopted as described here.

Physicochemical and Functional Characterization of <i>Mucuna pruries</i>Depigmented Starch for Potential Industrial Applications

Starch is a very important biopolymer in the food industry. The velvet bean (M. pruriens) is an excellent potential starch source containing approximately 520 g starch per kg. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of velvet bean depigmented starch. The starch granules appear oval and spherical shaped. The colour registered L*, a*, b* values of 44.9, 0.324 and 0.341 respectively. The chemical composition registered values of moisture, ash, fat, protein, fibre and NFE of 110.5, 5.8, 5.7, 0.0, 34 and 954.5 g/kg respectively, as well as amylose levels of 215.3 g/kg. Gelatinization onset (To), peak (Tp) and final (Tf) temperatures were of 74.23°C, 80.57°C and 86.39°C. The solubility (3.1% - 16.2%), swelling power (SP) (2.86% - 16.17%) and water absorption capacity (WAC) (2.67 - 15.95 g water/g starch) were directly correlated to temperature (60°C - 90°C). The enthalpy values (4.10 - 13.47 j/g) were directly correlated to the time (1 - 21 days). The retrogradation increased as time increased. The viscosity of M. pruriens depigmented starch decreased slightly during the heating stages and then increased during cooling and the refrigeration and freezing stability registered syneresis ranges from 17.65 to 23.18 mL/50mL and from 16.4 to 22.6 mL/50mL respectively, indicating that the depigmented starch was unstable in heating-cooling processes.

Synergistic effect of Mucuna pruriens and Withania somnifera in a paraquat induced Parkinsonian mouse model

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the development of rigidity, resting tremors and postural instability. Recently, the focus of PD’s treatment has shifted towards herbal medicines. Mucuna pruriens (Mp) and Withania somnifera (Ws) are traditional herbal medicines known to have neuro-protective effects due to the L-DOPA present in Mp seed powder and withanoloides present in Ws root extract. Here, the synergistic effect of Mp and Ws in Parkinsonian mice induced by chronic exposure to paraquat was evaluated. Co-treatment with Mp and Ws for 9 weeks, significantly decreased the elevated nitrite levels and lipid peroxidation found in Parkinsonian mice. In behavioural tests, Mp and Ws treated mice showed a significant decrease in the time taken to cross a narrow beam, an increase in the time of stay on drum in rotarod test and an improvement in the hanging time. Furthermore, it was found that the use of Mp and Ws considerably improved the tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantianigra region of the brain. The results suggest that Mp and Ws may provide a platform for future drug discoveries and novel treatment strategies for PD.

Coag-Flocculation Kinetics of <i>Mucuna sloanei</i>Seed for Phosphorus Removal from Waste Water

Mucuna sloanei (MS) an environmentally friendly biomass was used as a coagulant for treatment of phosphorus containing waste water. The study evaluates the coag-flocculation efficiency of MS and its functional kinetic parameter response to varying pH and dosage of the waste water effluent. Coag-flocculation reaction order α, coag-flocculation rate constant K, and coagulation period τ1/2 were determined. The maximum coag-flocculation performance (97.4%) is recorded at rate constant, K of 1.24 × 10-4 l/mg·min, dosage of 400 mg/l, pH of 8 and coagulation period τ1/2 of 0.100 min while the minimum (61%) is recorded at K of 3 × 10-5 l/gm·min, dosage 100 mg/l, pH of 2 and τ1/2 of 8.900 mins. The results confirm that MS coagulant is an effective coagulant obeying the theory of fast coagulation in the conditions of the experiments.

Poverty and Agroforestry Adoption： The Cases of Mucuna pruriens and Acacia auriculiformis in Godohou Village （Southern Benin）

The decomposition of the environmental degradation cost in Benin Republic revealed that the agricultural activities are responsible of the greatest amount of this cost （76.1%）. This situation is strengthened by the fallow periods shortening （and even suppression） in the southern Benin in general, because of demographic pressure. The promotion of some improved fallow technologies （IFT） was then launched some decades ago. This study focused on two IFT of high agro-ecological value, Mucuna pruriens and Acacia auriculiformis, in order to determine the influence of the farmers＇ wellbeing state on their farming systems in general, and on the adoption level of these two technologies in Godohou village （southern Benin）. The data analysis revealed that： There was no significant difference between the farmers＇ amount knowing the agronomic and ecological value of Mucuna pruriens and Acacia auriculiformis from a level of prosperity to another; Three wealth levels were distinguished： The poor class （Ayatonon class）, the less poor class （Metchivo-Houedeka class） and the non poor class （Hotonon class） which represented respectively 35.4%, 55.9% and 8.7%;The adoption rate of Mucuna and Acacia fallow was globally low in Godohou village （25.7%）, but this adoption rate was lesser in the poorest class than in all other classes. This trend was confirmed if we integrate a global agro-ecological analysis of the farming systems practiced by the farmers.

Effect of Mucuna Defatted Bran Extracted with Supercritical CO2 on Soybean Seed Germination

In the present work, we investigated the effect of Mucuna deeringiana defatted bran on seed germination of soybean （Glycine max L. Merrill）. For this, the defatted bran was obtained from different operational conditions using CO2 under pressurized conditions as solvent. Oil extractions were carried out in a laboratorial scale unit at temperatures ranging from 310 to 330 K, pressure from 15 to 25 MPa and solvent flow set in 3 mL min^-1. The experiment was conducted in a germination chamber （25℃, 12：12 h light：dark photoperiod）, and the germination rate and germination speed index （GSI） were evaluated for seven days. The results showed that the oil extraction with supercritical CO2 concentrates the allelochemical L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine （L-DOPA） in bran with levels from 1.86% to 4.65%. Subsequent experiments revealed that the rate of soybean seed germination was not affected by defatted bran whereas the GSI increased significantly after treatment. In brief, we concluded that the extraction process with supercritical CO2 is efficient to obtain L-DOPA of Mucuna, which influences the soybean seed germination.

Adsorptive Treatment of Textile Wastewater Using Activated Carbon Produced from Mucuna pruriens Seed Shells

Mucuna pruriens seed shells (abundantly available agricultural waste) were processed, treated and activated using 60% orthophosphoric acid for removal of congo red and malachite green from an aqueous solution. Its physicochemical properties and its removal efficiencies on the textile dyes were determined. The effect of particle size, adsorbent dose, initial pH of solution, adsorbate concentration and contact time on the process of adsorption was investigated. The equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the dyes removal were also investigated. The experi-mental data were modeled using linear regression method of analysis. The correlation coefficient was used as a criterion for model adequacy and acceptance. Sum of squares error was used to val-idate the isotherm models. The pseudo second-order kinetic model was found to best correlate the experimental data. The intraparticle diffusion is not the only rate controlling step in the process. The experimental data were found to follow the Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin isotherm models. The negative free energy indicated that the adsorption processes were spontaneously feasible. The process of adsorption has been found to be endothermic in nature. The removal of malachite green was found to be more spontaneous and feasible than the removal of congo red on the adsorbent. From the study it was deduced that the Mucuna pruriens seed shells activated with phosphoric acid were found to be a good adsorbent for the treatment of textile wastewater con-taining congo red and malachite green.

Biochemical and Oxidative Stress Parameters of Broilers Fed Meal and Protein Isolate of <i>Mucuna pruriens</i>Seeds

Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) represents an interesting source of protein poorly studied. The effect of dietary inclusion of meal and protein isolate of Mucuna seeds on biochemical and oxidative stress parameter of broilers (135-one-day Cobb500 chickens) was investigated. Three isonitrogenous diets were formulated from soya bean meal (Control group: RTS), Mucuna meal (coded RFM) and Mucuna protein isolate (coded RIM). Each of the dietary treatments was triplicated with 15 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. The birds were offered feed and water ad libitum. The results revealed significant (p < 0.05) effect of N source on the organ total proteins with treatment RFM and RIM exhibiting lower but comparable levels in the Liver (2.01 and 1.98 g/dL), Heart (1.95 and 1.89 g/dL) and Kidney (1.92 and 1.91 g/dL). Triglycerides contents were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the liver of broilers fed RIM and RFM (2.49 and 2.36 mg/dL), in the Kidney of chicks fed RIM and RTS (2.27 and 2.34 mg/dL) and in the Heart of birds fed RTS and RFM (1.90 and 1.87 mg/dL). Broilers fed RFM presented the highest (p < 0.05) Liver total cholesterol (1.61 mg/dL) and ALAT contents but with similar values with birds fed RTS (36.43 and 35.50 UI/L respectively). ASAT level was significantly high (p < 0.05) in the Liver and Plasma (265.50 and 264.50 UI/L respectively) of broilers of RFM diet. In all the organs, MDA content was highest (p < 0.05) in chicks of RIM batch. In the Heart and Plasma, chicks of RFM (3.23 and 5.05 μl/mg respectively) and RIM (5.45 and 5.35 μl/mg respectively) diets registered elevated rate of CAT. In view of these results, investigations remain to be carried out on the impact of the inclusion of meal and protein isolate of M. pruriens seeds in broiler’s diet during the growth-finishing phase.

白花油麻藤（Mucuna birdwoodiana）的生态生物学特征

珍稀植物白花油麻藤（Mucuna birdwoodiana Tutch）是豆科（Leguminosae）黧豆属（Mucuna）常绿、大型木质藤本植物，具有重要园林绿化价值。对其生态生物学特征研究表明，白花油麻藤适合生长在热带和亚热带地区；光合速率日进程呈“双峰”曲线，有明显的“午休”现象。植株体内加权平均养分含量较低，叶片所含的养分较多，植物体钾和磷元素含量偏低，在其生长过程中应适当及时地补充其生长必需的氮、磷、钾等矿质营养元素，以维持植株生长所需的养分平衡。利用白花油麻藤在城市绿化等实际应用中，需考虑其生态生物学特征。