ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 6 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2017. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Evaluation of the chemical composition of Mucuna utilis leaves used in herbal medicine in Southeastern Nigeria
Ujowundu C. O.1*, Kalu F. N.2, Emejulu A. A.1, Okafor O. E.² Nkwonta C. G.2 and Nwosunjoku E. C.3
1Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
2Biochemistry Department, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
3Environmental Health Department, Imo State College of Health Science and Technology, Amigbo, Imo State, Nigeria.
Accepted 25 October, 2016
Abstract
The increased interest in the biological activities of the leaves of Mucuna utilis necessitated this study which evaluated the chemical composition, especially the presence of antiphysiological and toxic factors in the leaves. The results of the phytochemical analyses were: alkaloid, 9.60 ± 0.141%; flavonoids, 4.90 ± 0.20%; saponins, 24.60 ± 1.979%; tannins, 32.55 ± 0.778% and cyanoglycosides 20.736± 0.91%.The results showed crude protein to be 31.91 ± 2.60%; carbohydrate, 53.65 ± 2.11%; crude fibre 14.80 ± 0.42%; moisture, 11.37 ± 0.632%; ash, 0.11 ± 0.01% and crude fat, 2.97 ± 0.009. The results also showed appreciable presence of macro and micro-elements, while the ascorbic acid and vitamin A contents were 25.36 ± 0.212 and 9.83 ± 0.15 mg/100 g respectively. These results showed that the leaves of M. utilis are a veritable source of useful phytochemicals of high medicinal value for human and animals. It also showed that the leaves of M. utilis can be used to fulfill the growing demands of plant-based proteins for humans and livestock and source of important minerals and nutrients. The importance of effective processing to reduce the level of toxic and inhibitory substances was emphasized.
Key words: Mucuna utilis, leaves, phytochemicals, medicinal, nutritional, toxic.