Evaluation of the chemical composition of Mucuna utilis leaves used in herbal medicine in Southeastern Nigeria

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/100g 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.