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Mucuna Adans., commonly known as the velvet bean, has a great potential not only being a genus of medicinal importance in the Indian system of medicine as a source of L-dopa but also as food, livestock feed, cover crop and being tolerant to abiotic stresses. Exploration and germplasm collections were undertaken in different phyto-geographical zones and tribal dominated areas of Odisha in Eastern India to study the species diversity, extent of genetic variability and associated indigenous traditional wisdom. Forty-one germplasm accessions representing five taxa viz. Mucuna monosperma (2), Mucuna nigricans (2), Mucuna gigantea (1), Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens (34) and Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (2) were collected from the state which exhibits a wide range of inter- and intra-specific variability in pod and seed morphology and L-dopa content in seeds, and further conserved in the National Gene Bank, New Delhi. An identification key, significant botanical characters and the systematic treatment for each taxon was provided for easy identification. The promising genotypes having high L-dopa content and the significant agro-morphological traits pertaining to pod and seed were identified for large scale cultivation and they serve as potential source for crop improvement and breeding programmes. The information on indigenous traditional knowledge collected from major tribal communities of Odisha revealed the immense importance of Mucuna for food and healthcare needs, thus some significant ethno-medicinal uses including their mode of administration were presented.

The physical properties and water absorption kinetics of three varieties of Mucuna beans ( Mucuna pruriens, Mucuna rajada and Mucuna veracruz ) were determined in this study. Physical properties including length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, porosity, bulk density, area, volume and one thousand seed mass were calculated while hydration kinetics was studied by soaking Mucuna beans in water at 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C and measuring water uptake at 9 h interval. Peleg’s equation was used to model the hydration characteristics and Arrhenius equation was used to describe the effect of temperature on Peleg’s rate constant k 1 and to obtain the activation energies for soaking. Significant variations were observed in almost all the physical properties of the different varieties, however, there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in their thicknesses and bulk densities. The effectiveness of fit of Peleg’s model (R 2 ) increased with increase in soaking temperature. Peleg’s rate constant k 1 decreased with increase in soaking temperature while k 2 increased with temperature increase. Activation energies of Mucuna pruriens, Mucuna rajada and Mucuna veracruz were 1613.24 kJ/mol, 747.95 kJ/mol and 2743.64 kJ/mol, respectively. This study provides useful information about the properties of three varieties of Mucuna beans that could be of importance to processors and engineers for process design and optimization.

Mucuna pruriens (MP) which is commonly known as “Velvet Bean” is an underutilized legume traditionally used to treat Parkinson’s disease and male fertility issues. Extracts of MP have also been identified for their antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antineoplastic effects. Commonly, the antioxidant and anticancer properties of a drug are linked together as antioxidants scavenge free radicals and prevent the cellular DNA damage which could result in cancer development. In this investigation, comparative assessment of the anticancer and antioxidant potentials of methanolic seed extracts from two common varieties of MP, Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens (MPP) and Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (MPU) against human colorectal cancer adenocarcinoma cells COLO-205, was carried out. The highest antioxidant potential was recorded with MPP with an IC 50 of 45.71 μg/ml. The in vitro antiproliferative effects of MPP and MPU on COLO-205 showed an IC 50 of 131.1 μg/ml and 246.9 μg/ml respectively. Our results revealed intervention of the MPP and MPU extracts in growth kinetics of the COLO-205 cells in concomitance with apoptosis induction up to 8.73- and 5.58-folds respectively. The AO/EtBr dual staining and the flow cytometry results also confirmed the better apoptotic efficacy of MPP over MPU. MPP at a concentration of 160 μg/ml exhibited highest apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, effect of the seed extracts on p53 expression was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR and a maximum upregulation of 1.12-fold was recorded with MPP.

Natural melanins represent an emerging class of bio-based materials with exceptional properties for advanced technological applications. This study presents a comprehensive analytical characterization of eumelanin produced from organically cultivated Mucuna ceniza seeds through sustainable biotechnological processes. A high-quality L-DOPA extract containing 56% w/w L-DOPA was first obtained using green extraction protocols with organic acids, followed by lyophilization. Then, optimized stirred-tank bioreactor conditions achieved remarkable melanin production rates of 1526.23 ± 10.78 mg L−1 h−1 with complete L-DOPA conversion, yielding 9.5 g/L of purified eumelanin. Spectroscopic characterization using UV-visible, FTIR, Raman, and NMR spectroscopy confirmed the authentic eumelanin structure, characterized by a characteristic absorption at 225 nm, diagnostic FTIR bands, Raman signatures at 1380 and 1580 cm−1, and NMR peaks. The elemental composition (C: 48.04%, H: 6.14%, N: 11.85%, O: 33.94%) classified the pigment as eumelanin, with an inferred empirical formula of C48H74N10O25. This melanin has already demonstrated practical utility in optoelectronic applications. By harnessing the unique biocatalytic potential of organically grown Mucuna ceniza, this study validates a green, high-yield production platform for eumelanin, paving the way for its commercially viable application in advanced functional materials.

Feedlot finishing of beef cattle on commercial nutrient-dense diets based on expensive corn (maize), soybean meal (SBM) and other commonly used protein-rich ingredients is economically unsustainable, especially for smallholder farmers. Rich in energy and proteins, Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal (MSM) could replace corn and protein-rich ingredients in beef cattle diets provided its problems of antinutritional factors (ANFs) and high fiber content that compromise animal growth performance are resolved. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the effects of incorporation of conventional (C-Nano-ZnO) versus green (G-Nano-ZnO) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in the diets of feedlot-finished Bonsmara steers supplemented with 20% MSM (dry matter basis). In a completely randomized design, 28 Bonsmara steers were randomly allocated to 4 experimental diets [i.e., Control diet without MSM (C); C with 20% MSM replacing corn (partially) and the common protein-rich ingredients (CM); CM with 25 mg/kg C-Nano-ZnO (CM-C); and CM with 25 mg/kg G-Nano-ZnO (CM-G)] each with seven replicates for 98 days. Performance variables, carcass traits, hemato-biochemistry, and meat quality were then measured. All data were analyzed with SAS using one-way ANOVA applying the GLM procedure, with diet as the independent variable, except for growth performance data that were analyzed as repeated measures. Results showed that while dietary MSM did not affect (P > 0.05) meat quality and serum biochemistry, it decreased body weight gain (BWG; P < 0.01), feed intake (FI; P = 0.001), feed conversion efficiency (FCE; P < 0.01), carcass fatness (P = 0.05), hot carcass weight (HCW; P < 0.05), cold carcass weight (CCW; P = 0.05), blood MCV (P < 0.05), MCH (P < 0.01), and neutrophils (P < 0.01) as it increased blood lymphocytes (P < 0.001). Interestingly, the harmful effects of MSM were attenuated by C-Nano-ZnO and worsened by G-Nano-ZnO. In conclusion, feeding of high dietary unprocessed MSM did not affect Bonsmara beef meat quality and serum biochemistry but compromised their growth performance, carcass traits, and some hematology responses, and these were alleviated by C-Nano-ZnO and deteriorated by G-Nano-ZnO incorporation. We recommend feeding commercial diets supplemented with 20% MSM, replacing corn and commonly used protein-rich ingredients, plus 25 mg/kg of C-Nano-ZnO to feedlot-finishing beef cattle.

Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) or T-MP seed extract has been shown to improve sexual performance and sperm quality. This study investigates the preventive effects of T-MP against seminal vesicle damage, apoptotic and Nrf2 protein expression in mice under chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Forty-eight male ICR mice were divided into four groups: control, CUMS, T-MP300 + CUMS and T-MP600 + CUMS. Mice in control and CUMS groups received distilled water, while those in treated groups were pretreated with T-MP extract (300 or 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days. The CMUS and co-treated groups were exposed to one random stressor (of 12 total) each day for 43 days. Components and histopathology of the seminal vesicle were examined, along with localization of androgen receptor (AR) and caspase 3. Expression of seminal AR, tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (3 and 9) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins was investigated. T-MP extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW improved seminal epithelial damage and secretion of fluid containing essential substances and proteins in CUMS mice. It also increased the expression of AR and TyrPho proteins. Additionally, T-MP increased expression of Nrf2 and inhibited seminal vesicular apoptosis through the suppression of Hsp70 and caspase expression. T-MP seeds have an antiapoptotic property in chronic stress seminal vesicle. It is possible to apply this extract for the enhancement of seminal plasma quality.

L-dopa, a dopaminergic agonist, is the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, due to the long-term toxicity and adverse effects of using L-dopa as the first-line therapy for Parkinson’s disease, a search for alternative medications is an important current challenge. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has suggested the use of Mucuna pruriens Linn. (Fabaceae) as an anti-Parkinson’s agent. The present study aimed to quantify the amount of L-dopa in M. pruriens seed extract by HPLC analysis. The cytotoxicity and neuroprotective properties of M. pruriens aqueous extract were investigated by two in vitro models including the serum deprivation method and co-administration of hydrogen peroxide assay. The results showed the significant neuroprotective activities of M. pruriens seed extracts at a concentration of 10 ng/mL. In addition, the effects of L-dopa and M. pruriens seed extract on in vitro acetylcholinesterase activities were studied. M. pruriens seed extract demonstrated acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, while synthetic L-dopa enhanced the activity of the enzyme. It can be concluded that the administration of M. pruriens seed might be effective in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. M. prurience seed extract containing L-dopa has shown less acetylcholinesterase activity stimulation compared with L-dopa, suggesting that the extract might have a superior benefit for use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Previous PET and fMRI brain imaging studies targeting neural networks processing itch sensation have used histamine as the sole itch inducer. In contrast with histamine, cowhage-induced itch is mediated via proteinase activated receptors PAR2 and is transmitted through a separate spinothalamic pathway, therefore imaging the brain activation evoked by cowhage could provide further insight into central processing of itch. We report for the first time a functional MRI Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) study of neuronal processing of itch induced by cowhage, analyzed in contrast with histamine-induced itch. We also explored the brain responses induced by histamine and cowhage combined in a tight sequence. The results of our analyses obtained in a group of 15 healthy volunteers suggested that cowhage and histamine co-activated a core group of brain structures, while also revealing notable differences. Core areas activated by both stimuli were found in the thalamus, primary and secondary somatosensory cortices, posterior parietal cortex, superior and middle temporal cortices, PCC, ACC, precuneus and cuneus. Cowhage induced a notably distinct and more extensive involvement of the insular cortex, claustrum, basal ganglia, putamen, thalamic nuclei and pulvinar. The differences observed between these two itch modalities were investigated to determine the impact of quantitative versus qualitative factors, and correlations between itch intensity and the patterns in brain activation were explored. Our analysis revealed that the most significant differences between cowhage and histamine itch were not affected by stimulus intensity, although a subset of regions displayed activations which were intensity-dependent. The combined application of cowhage and histamine highlighted the role of insula and claustrum in the processing of both itch modalities in the same time. The present results suggest the existence of overlapping but also distinct neuronal networks processing these two different types of itch.

Background: The seed powder of the leguminous plant, Mucuna pruriens has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for diseases including parkinsonism. We have assessed the clinical effects and levodopa (l-dopa) pharmacokinetics following two different doses of mucuna preparation and compared them with standard l-dopa/carbidopa (LD/CD). Methods: Eight Parkinson’s disease patients with a short duration l-dopa response and on period dyskinesias completed a randomised, controlled, double blind crossover trial. Patients were challenged with single doses of 200/50 mg LD/CD, and 15 and 30 g of mucuna preparation in randomised order at weekly intervals. l-Dopa pharmacokinetics were determined, and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and tapping speed were obtained at baseline and repeatedly during the 4 h following drug ingestion. Dyskinesias were assessed using modified AIMS and Goetz scales. Results: Compared with standard LD/CD, the 30 g mucuna preparation led to a considerably faster onset of effect (34.6 v 68.5 min; p = 0.021), reflected in shorter latencies to peak l-dopa plasma concentrations. Mean on time was 21.9% (37 min) longer with 30 g mucuna than with LD/CD (p = 0.021); peak l-dopa plasma concentrations were 110% higher and the area under the plasma concentration v time curve (area under curve) was 165.3% larger (p = 0.012). No significant differences in dyskinesias or tolerability occurred. Conclusions: The rapid onset of action and longer on time without concomitant increase in dyskinesias on mucuna seed powder formulation suggest that this natural source of l-dopa might possess advantages over conventional l-dopa preparations in the long term management of PD. Assessment of long term efficacy and tolerability in a randomised, controlled study is warranted.

To evaluate Tribulus terrestris and Mucuna pruriens for inducing all-male tilapia, mixed-sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, (mean weight 0.025 ± 0.009 g; mean length 1.25 ± 0.012 cm) , were given a meal supplemented with either T. terrestris powder (commercial fish feed, 40% crude protein) (TT group), M. pruriens seed extract (MP group), MP + TT (mixed group), 17α-methyl testosterone (MT, control positive), or without supplements (control negative). The MP extracts significantly increased ( P  < 0.05) the final weight, weight gain, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate while feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased ( P  < 0.05). Plant extracts markedly improved ( P  < 0.05) the survival rate, proportion of males, and total testosterone compared to control and MT. Estrogen levels were lower in groups with plant extract than other groups. Fifteen days post-feeding, the Amh gene was expressed in the brain of O. niloticus fries with higher levels in MP, TT, and MT groups. Additionally, the expression of the Sox9 and Dmrt1 genes as a male related genes in fish fry gonads revealed significantly ( P  < 0.05) higher levels in groups fed on MP, TT, and MT compared to control after 30-day post-feeding, whereas; Foxl2 gene expression as a female related gene was significantly ( P  < 0.05) lower in fish fed on MP, TT, and MT compared to other groups after 30 days post feeding. Histologically, MT, MP, TT, and the mixture all exhibited solely male reproductive traits without noticeable abnormalities. This study concluded that each of the TT or MP extracts can induce sex reversal in tilapia while having no negative health impact compared to MT as the growth and survival rate in the treated groups with TT and MP were higher than control and group treated with MT.