Comprehensive Biochemical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Nutrients and Pharmacologically Active Compounds in Mucuna pruriens Leaves

Abstract

Natural products from plants have long been used for medicine. This study evaluated nutrients and bioactive compounds  in  an  ethanol  leaf  extract  of  Mucuna  pruriens.  Leaves  collected at  Awka,  Anambra  State,  were authenticated, air-dried, powdered and extracted in 90% ethanol. Proximate, vitamin, mineral and phytochemical contents were determined by AOAC methods. Carbohydrate was 59.38%, crude protein 11.92%, fibre 11.90%, moisture 10.12%, ash 4.19% and fat 2.49%. Vitamin C was 60.77 mg/100 g, vitamin A 52.06 mg/100g and vitamin E 31.30 mg/100 g. Potassium was the dominant mineral (720.65 mg/100 g), followed by sodium (164.04 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (102.32 mg/100 g). Flavonoids were the leading phytochemical (28.74 mg/100 g), followed by alkaloids (11.45  mg/100 g). The  profile supports traditional use and  nutraceutical interest. The source stated significance at P < 0.05, but the methods supplied do not describe replication or the statistical test.