Research Article PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS AND ORGAN WEIGHT EFFECTS OF MUCUNA SLOANEI (FABACEAE) IN ALBINO RATS (RATTUS NOVERGICUS) UGWU GODWIN CHIGOZIE, EJERE VINCENT CHIKWENDU, OKANYA CHINAGOROM LAURETA, EGBUJI JUDE VICTOR I , CHUKWUKA CHRISTIAN ONYEKA Department of Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Email: godwinchigozie.gc@gmail.com Received:28 February 2014, Revised and Accepted:06 March 2014 ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess the phytochemical composition and effects of 28 days oral administration of aqueous crude seed extracts of Mucuna sloanei on organ weights of normal albino rats at weekly intervals. Materials and methods: The experiment was done using standard method. Forty eight adult male albino rats weighing between 150 to 250 g were divided into three treatment groups and one control group of twelve rats each. Each group consists of three replicates of four rats per replicate. The treatment groups were administered orally, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of aqueous extracts of M. sloanei seed respectively while the control was given 1 ml/kg of normal saline using I ml syringe. Results: The phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract showed that crude extracts of M. sloanei seed has flavonoids composition of (5.500±0.115 ), cyanide (0.054±0.001), alkaloids (1.000±0.058), tannins (0.540±0.006), phytates (14.50±0.058), saponins (6.100±0.058) and phenols (1.800±0.068) thus, having phytates as the most abundant and cyanide the least. There was no overall dose dependent and significant difference (p>0.05) observed in the organ weights in all the weeks when compared with the control, except the spleen, which showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) at 100 mg/kg at week one. Also, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the duration of treatments in the organ weights of kidney and lungs, but, a significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in the liver at week 4 when compared with week 1 and 2 at dose levels of 100 mg/kg. Similarly, there was an observed significant decrease (P<0.05) in the heart and spleen in 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg treated rats respectively when compared with the control. Conclusion: The aqueous extracts of the plant seems to have antimalarial, antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolmic and anticarcinogenic effects owing to presence of such phytochemicals as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phytate, phenol and saponins. It has also shown that the plant extract did not cause inflammation or constriction at the cellular level of the organs. Thus, the M. sloanei seed is good for consumption. Keywords: Phytochemical composition, Organ weight, Aqueous extract, Mucuna sloanei, Albino rats INTRODUCTION Foods of plant origin constitute the major source of food for man due to mainly their availability and low cost (Obizoba, 1998). Most people in developing countries derive their protein supplies from legumes and cereals. One of the underutilized legumes that come to mind is Mucuna sloanei. M. sloanei, commonly called “horse eye bean”, is an annual leguminous climber, with pods that are covered with hairs that irritate the skin when the fruit is mature and dry (Tuleun et al., 2008). Its consumption by humans is localized and in many cases, it appears to be a last resort legume in circumstances of famine or scarcity of more popular legume (Ukachukwu and Obioha, 1997). M. sloanei has been used by Igbo communities in sub-Saharan Africa as condiment or part of the main dish (Afolabi et al., 1985; Ukachukwu et al., 2002). Consumption of Mucuna as food has also been reported from Mozambique and Malawi (Infante et al., 1990; Gilbert, 2002). Seeds of M. sloanei are used as thickener of soup and vegetable oil in many Igbo communities of Southeastern Nigeria (Afolabi et al., 1985; Ukachukwu et al., 2002). Seeds are also used in beverages and thickening agents in recipe of several food items (Haq, 1983; Wanjekeche et al., 2003). The seeds are highly resistant to disease and pest and exhibit good nutritional qualities (Janardhanan and Vadiviel, 1994). Its medicinal properties include anti-diabetic (Dhawan et al, 1980) antiparkinsonism (Hussain and Manyam, 1997; Molloy et al., 2006), anti-oxidant and anti-microbial (Rajeshwar et al., 2005a), enhances learning and memory (Poornachandra et al., 2005) and antihelminthic (Jalalpure, 2007). Methanolic seed extract of M. sloanei has a beneficial effect on serum testosterone and LH and improved sperm count in male albino wistar rats (Egwurugwu et al., 2012). It may therefore be considered in the management of infertility in males. One of the major problems with legume utilization is the presence of anti-nutritional factors (Oke et al., 2002). M. sloanei seeds have been reported to contain crude proteins, carbo-hydrates, fat, crude fibers, moisture, ash, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, tannins, glycosides, L-Dopa and zinc (Giami and Wachuku, 1997; Akpata and Miachi, 2001; Ijeh et al., 2004; Tuleun et al., 2008; Nwosu, 2011). It is therefore, the aim of this study to investigate the phytochemical compositions and organ weight effects of aqueous extracts of mucuna sloanei (fabaceae) harvested in Nsukka, South Eastern Nigeria in albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The reagents used for this research were all analytical grades Collection and Preparation of M. sloanei Extract Dried and mature nuts of M. sloanei were purchased from local markets around Nsukka metropolis. The seeds were identified using the identification key of Anyawu and Okoli (2004). They were dehulled, dried at room temperature and pulverized into fine powder using a milling machine. The method of extraction followed that of Akintayo et al. (2000). A total of 100 g of the powdered sample was introduced into 2000 ml flat bottom flask and 1500 ml of distilled water was added. The content was mixed thoroughly and left for about 24 hours with an occasional shaking to increase the extraction capacity. Thereafter, the soaked substance was filtered Vol 2, Issue 2 , 2014 ISSN: 2321-5496