Toxicological effect of Mucuna sloanei on biochemical indices and hematological parameters

Mucuna sloanei seeds, commonly known as the 'Horse-eye' or 'Hamburger' bean, which holds significance in various Nigerian ethnic groups. This research aims to assess the toxicological effects of Mucuna sloanei seeds on hematological and biochemical, parameters in albino rats. Twwnty albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D ) of five rats each. Group A (control) received distilled water normal rat feed only throughout the duration of the experiment while Groups B, C and D received different dosages (50 mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/kg body weight and 200 mg/kg body weight respectively) of Mucuna sloanei seed extract for fourteen days. Twenty four hours after the last administration, the animals were sacrificed following anesthesia. The activities of serum biomarkers aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin (BIL), albumin (ALB), urea and uric acid (AC) were determined. Administration of all dosages of Mucuna sloanei seed extract (50, 100 and 200mg/kg b.w) caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and levels of bilirubin, urea and uric acid of the animals when compared to the control. The values obtained further showed that the extract (at all dosages) caused significant increase in albumin level when compared to the control. The results suggest the antioxidant properties of ethanolic extract of Mucuna sloanei seed extract, lend support to the ethnobotanical usage of the seed in the treatment of various ailments and sheds light on impact Mucuna sloanei seed extract on liver and renal function, health.