Physicochemical properties of Mucuna pruriens seed oil (MPSO), and the toxicological effects of a MPSO-based diet

Abstract

The toxicological effects of Mucuna pruriens oil based diet were evaluated and compared with that of palm oil diet for 28 days. The physico-chemical analysis of the Mucuna pruriens oil showed that it has a moisture content of 7.85%, oil yield of 6.00%, pH of 5.65, density of 0.39, iodine value of 24.40/100g fat, acid value of 51.40mg NaOH/g, peroxide value of 0.10mEq/Kg, saponification value of 86.05mg/KOH/g, free fatty acid value of 0.40mg/dl, viscosity of 37.54 and unsaponififiable matters of 46.10. The aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly (p<0.05) increased in rats fed Mucuna pruriens oil meal compared to the palm oil group. The serum total and conjugated bilirubin, total proteins, albumin, creatinine and urea concentrations were also significantly (p<0.05) increased in the test group. Histological examination of the rat organs revealed the presence of lesions, tubular atrophy and mild oedema on organs from the test group.  This is an indication that Mucuna pruriens oil is not completely safe for consumption.

Keywords: Mucuna pruriens, toxicological effect, histology, phytochemical.