Nutritional and Toxicological Potentials of Mucuna pruriens Seed

Since animals and animal products are very expensive sources of nutrients especially in developing countries, it is very important to exploit other sources of acquiring nutrients that will be less expensive. This work was therefore aimed at evaluating the nutritional and toxicological potentials of Mucuna pruriens seed in view of proposing a less expensive source of nutrient in developing countries. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using the method of Harbourne et al. (1973). The proximate analysis, elementary analysis and determination of toxicants were determined using standard biochemical methods. Results of the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, proteins, carbohydrates, saponins, tannins in high concentration; flavonoids in moderate concentration while cyanogenic glycosides and steroidal aglycones were absent. Proximate analysis revealed high percentage of crude protein (30.1±0.25%) while ash (8.2±0.2%), moisture (7.67±0.34%) and fiber (3.2±0.01%) were in moderate percentages. The mineral composition indicated the presence of iron (33.75±0.18μg/100g), potassium (700.02±48.7μg/100g) and phosphate (622±7.29μg/100g). The results also showed the presence of some toxicants, oxalate (11887.5±517.1μg/g) in high concentration while phytate (61.3±0.45μg/g), hemagglutinin (14.67±0.69μg/g) and cyanogenic glycosides (0.013±0.59μg/g) were present in low concentrations. We therefore conclude from our results that well processed Mucuna pruriens seed would not only be a less expensive source of nutrient in developing countries but may also provide medical benefits.