Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and reproductive toxicity of aqueous extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens seeds / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#In traditional medicine, the seeds of Thai Mucuna pruriens (T-MP) are used to treat male dysuria and are believed to enhance fertility. However, information pertaining to the toxicity of T-MP and its interaction with other properties is limited. This study was thus conducted to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and subacute toxicity of T-MP in the reproductive system.@*METHODS@#Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of T-MP seed extract were determined using total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. Male and female adult rats were treated orally with T-MP at a dosage of 150 or 300 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Sex hormones and functional parameters in the liver and kidney were evaluated. Histopathology of all tissue was conducted using Masson's trichrome staining. Sperm parameters, including concentration, morphology, acrosome reaction status and DNA damage, were also examined. Expression of tyrosine phosphorylated protein (TyrPho), androgen receptor and A-kinase-anchoring protein 4 (AKAP4) were investigated using the Western blot technique.@*RESULTS@#T-MP seed extract contained phenolic compounds and exhibited high antioxidant capacity with no toxicity at the tested doses. It did not affect liver or kidney function parameters in the male rats, but increased estradiol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels in the females. Additionally, it decreased serum progesterone and alkaline phosphatase levels in female rats. Serum and intratesticular testosterone levels were significantly lower in male rats that received a high dosage of T-MP. Histopathological changes were not observed in any tissue treated with T-MP. T-MP also significantly increased sperm concentration (but did not affect sperm parameters), and enhanced testicular TyrPho protein and androgen receptor and expression of AKAP4 in sperms.@*CONCLUSION@#T-MP seed extract exhibited antioxidant capacity and was not harmful to reproductive tissues. It also had a phytoestrogenic effect on females and increased the expression of testicular and sperm markers of male fertility.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Effect of Mucuna puriens Extract

Aims: To investigate the scientific basis for the anti-diabetic and antioxidant activity of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) leaf ethanolic extract using alloxan-induced diabetic rats, DPPH and ABTS assay. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria between October 2013 and May 2014. Methodology: The polyphenol content was determined using Folin-Ciocaltu method and their linear relationship with antioxidant activity was evaluated using linear regression analysis. The antioxidant activity was determined using 1, 1-Diphenyl, 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and (2, 2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical assay. The active ingredients in the ethanolic extract were isolated using HPLC method. Also the ant-diabetic activity was determined in vivo using alloxan-induced diabetic wister rats. Results: Ethanol extract showed the highest phenolic content as well as highest antioxidant activity. A strong relationship was found between phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. The HPLC analysis indicates the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin and (+)-catechin. The ethanolic extract at the concentration of 400 mg/kg significantly (P<0.001) increased the intracellular antioxidant enzymes and reduced the elavated serum lipids and showed more active than the reference drug (metformin). Conclusion: Based on the obtained result, the antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity demonstrated by Mucuna pruriens leaf extracts provide good evidence to support the traditional use of this plant in treatment of diabetics.

In vitro and in vivo investigation of natural compounds from seed extract of Mucuna pruriens lacking L-DOPA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Objective To investigate the biological effects of the Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) seed extracts that lacked L-DOPA, which was formerly reported as the active ingredient, on erectile dysfunction (ED) both in vitro and in vivo. Methods Seed of M. pruriens plant that cultivated in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, was collected. Component of its seeds were extracted and isolated into 2 fractions using methanol, polar and nonpolar. Each fraction was investigated for phytochemicals using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy and was screened for biological activity in vitro using three different cell lines. The most biological active fraction was used to treat both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus-erectile dysfunction (DM-ED) male Wistar rats and normal rats (n = 6 per groups) to compare the effect on sexual behavior parameters, including number of intromission, mounting and ejaculation, with that of rats given Sildenafil by individually pairing with their female counterparts. Penile tissues and serums were collected to determine histological structure, related gene expression and biomolecules. Results The phytochemicals of the polar fraction were possibly catechol and its derivatives plus polyphenols, whereas the nonpolar fraction consisted of lipid derivatives. L-DOPA was not detected in either of the extracts. The polar fraction was able to up-regulate the expression of ED-related genes including eNOS and nNOS in vitro which subsequently promotes nitric oxide production and maintains intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels. When administrated to DM-ED rats, the polar extract significantly improved all sexual behavior parameters in DM-ED rats compared to untreated group (18.3 ± 1.8 to 10.8 ± 2.9 for intromission, 9.8 ± 2.2 to 5.7 ± 1.3 for mounting, and 1.8 ± 0.6 to 0.2 ± 0.4 for ejaculation). That effect might due to the ability of the extract to stimulate the expression of eNOS and nNOS which results in nitric oxide production and subsequently maintains cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in penile tissue. Moreover, this extract may also prevent penile tissue deterioration due to diabetes. Conclusions The polar extract of M. pruriens seed can be used for ED therapy, especially in patients with metabolic diseases including diabetes. The action of the extract might be due to catechol and its derivatives and polyphenols.

In vitro and in vivo investigation of natural compounds from seed extract of Mucuna pruriens lacking l-DOPA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the biological effects of the Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) seed extracts that lacked l-DOPA, which was formerly reported as the active ingredient, on erectile dysfunction (ED) both in vitro and in vivo.@*METHODS@#Seed of M. pruriens plant that cultivated in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, was collected. Component of its seeds were extracted and isolated into 2 fractions using methanol, polar and nonpolar. Each fraction was investigated for phytochemicals using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy and was screened for biological activity in vitro using three different cell lines. The most biological active fraction was used to treat both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus-erectile dysfunction (DM-ED) male Wistar rats and normal rats (n = 6 per groups) to compare the effect on sexual behavior parameters, including number of intromission, mounting and ejaculation, with that of rats given Sildenafil by individually pairing with their female counterparts. Penile tissues and serums were collected to determine histological structure, related gene expression and biomolecules.@*RESULTS@#The phytochemicals of the polar fraction were possibly catechol and its derivatives plus polyphenols, whereas the nonpolar fraction consisted of lipid derivatives. l-DOPA was not detected in either of the extracts. The polar fraction was able to up-regulate the expression of ED-related genes including eNOS and nNOS in vitro which subsequently promotes nitric oxide production and maintains intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels. When administrated to DM-ED rats, the polar extract significantly improved all sexual behavior parameters in DM-ED rats compared to untreated group (18.3 ± 1.8 to 10.8 ± 2.9 for intromission, 9.8 ± 2.2 to 5.7 ± 1.3 for mounting, and 1.8 ± 0.6 to 0.2 ± 0.4 for ejaculation). That effect might due to the ability of the extract to stimulate the expression of eNOS and nNOS which results in nitric oxide production and subsequently maintains cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in penile tissue. Moreover, this extract may also prevent penile tissue deterioration due to diabetes.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The polar extract of M. pruriens seed can be used for ED therapy, especially in patients with metabolic diseases including diabetes. The action of the extract might be due to catechol and its derivatives and polyphenols.

Inhibition activities of levodopa derivatives against dopa decarboxylase / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibition activities of levodopa(LD) derivatives against dopa decarboxylase(DDC). METHODS: Five compounds 1-4a/4b were synthesized and identified as 1,1-dimethyl-3-carboxyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1), 1α-methyl-3-carboxyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline(2),3-carboxyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline(3), 1α/1α-phenyl-3-carboxyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (4a/4b). Their inhibition activities against DDC were assayed, and Michael's equation of 1 were further tested. RESULTS: Compounds 1-4 could inhibit DDC activities dose dependency, while 1 showed strongest activity with its 50% inhibition concentration to be 0.387 mmol·L-1. Compound 1 showed non-competitive inhibition model with LD against DDC enzyme. CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-4 are proved to inhibit DDC activities for the first time. Therefore, compounds 1-3 of Mucuna seeds could improve LD bioavailability effectively in part through this mechanism.

Anti-venom Activity of Mucuna pruriens Leaves Extract Against Cobra Snake (Naja hannah) Venom.

The study was done to investigate the anti-venom activity of Mucuna pruriens leaves extract against cobra snake (Naja hannah) venom. Study Design: The mice were randomly grouped into six groups (A, B, C, D, E, and F) of five rats each. Group A served as the normal control (no induction), and the mice in the group were given normal saline (1ml/kg/body weight).Group B served as the test control (snake venom was induced but no treatment administered), Group C served as the standard control (snake venom was induced and treated with antivenin, a standard drug), Group D, E and F were all induced with the cobra snake venom and treated with ethanolic extracts of the leaves of M. pruriens for 14 days. Methodology: The induction with cobra snake venom was done with 0.075mg/kg b.w of venom and thereafter the treatment with M. pruriens extract for Group D, E and F were done with 40 mg/ kg, 60 mg/ kg and 80 mg/ kg respectively intraperitoneally in the mice. Serum blood of the animals was used to assay for total cholesterol, bilirubin, AST, ALT, GSH and catalase levels after 14days. Result: The injection of crude venom of cobra snake (Naja hannah) caused an increase in cholesterol, AST, ALT, bilirubin, catalase and glutathione in envenomated mice which significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to all the controls after 14 days of treatment with the extract. Conclusion: The results suggests that 80 mg/ kg of the plant extract is more effective than the standard drug, therefore M. pruriens leaves has a greater anti-venom potential for curing snake bite, than antivenin.

Prophylactic effect of Mucuna pruriens Linn (velvet bean) seed extract against experimental Naja sputatrix envenomation: Gene expression studies.

Mucuna pruriens is widely used in traditional medicine for treatments of various diseases. In certain region of Nigeria, the seed is used as oral prophylactics for snakebite. Rats pretreated with the aqueous extract from M. pruriens seed (MPE) were protected against the lethal effects of Naja sputatrix (Javan spitting cobra) venom [Tan et al., J Ethnopharmacol, 123 (2009) 356]. The pretreatment also protected against venom-induced histopathological changes in rat heart. To contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of cardio-protective action, the present study examined the effects of MPE-pretreatment on gene expression profile of rat heart as well as effect of MPE-pretreatment on N. sputatrix venom-induced gene expression alterations in rat heart. The gene expression profiles were examined by microarray analysis and verified by real time PCR. The results showed that pretreatment with MPE caused 50 genes in the rat heart substantially up-regulated of which 19 were related to immune responses, 7 were related to energy production and metabolism. The up-regulation of genes related to energy metabolism probably plays a role in maintaining the viability of the heart. Four other genes that were up-regulated (alpha synuclein, natriuretic peptide precursor, calsequestrin and triadin) were involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of the heart or maintaining its viability, thereby contributing to the direct protective action. The results demonstrated that protective effect of MPE pretreatment against snake venom poisoning may involve a direct action on the heart.

Fertility Enhancing Potential of Mucuna pruriens Seeds in Female Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Aims: To determine the effect of oral administration of methanolic seed extract of Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) on oestrous cycle, ovulation, reproductive hormones and oxidative stress in the ovary of cyclic Sprague-Dawley rats. Design: Prospective animal study related to M. pruriens in reproductive area. Place and Duration: Animal Facility of the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Nigeria between the months of June 2012 and August, 2012. Methodology: Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats with regular 4 days cycle averagely weighing 145 g were used. Methanolic extract of M. pruriens was given orally at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Oestrous cycle was monitored daily. At the end of the experiment animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Oocytes were counted, blood and ovaries were assayed for hormonal and biochemical studies respectively. Results: Oestrous cycle remained unchanged in the treatment groups. Catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were increased slightly compared to control. A dose dependent increase in FSH and LH (p < 0.05 at 200 mg/kg) levels were observed with a increase in the number of oocytes released at ovulation compared to control. Conclusion: M. pruriens seed extract has the potential to enhance fertility by increasing serum levels of FSH and LH which in turn increases the number of oocytes released at ovulation possibly through its antioxidant properties.

Hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) in antitubercular drugs and alcohol models / 中国天然药物

AIM@#Hepatotoxicity is a significantly increasing health problem worldwide, and the extent of the problem has stimulated interest in the search for hepatotherapeutic agents from plants. This study investigated the hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves in antitubercular and alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity assays in rats.@*METHOD@#In each of the models used, seven groups were allotted. The different groups received normal saline (10 mL·kg(-1), p.o.); hepatotoxicant (isoniazid-rifampicin, INH-RIF, 100 mg·kg(-1), i.p. or 20% ethanol 5 g·kg(-1), p.o.) and normal saline (10 mL·kg(-1), p.o.); hepatotoxicant and extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg·kg(-1) p.o.; hepatotoxicant and silymarin 50 mg·kg(-1) p.o.; and extract at 400 mg·kg(-1) p.o. On the 21(st) day of treatment, blood was collected for assessment of serum biochemical parameters and harvested liver samples were assessed for antioxidants.@*RESULTS@#The hepatotoxicants significantly (P < 0.05-0.001) increased the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and malondialdehyde (MDA); and reduced the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione GSH compared to control. M. pruriens significantly reversed (P < 0.05-0.001) the elevation in the level of ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin caused by the hepatotoxicants. The extract (200 and 400 mg·kg(-1)) significantly reversed (P < 0.05) the diminution in the level of in vivo antioxidants and increased the level of MDA produced by INH-RIF. M. pruriens (100-400 mg·kg(-1)) elicited significant reduction (P < 0.001) in the level of MDA compared to the alcohol group. Silymarin also reversed the deleterious effects of the hepatotoxicants.@*CONCLUSION@#The hydroethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves possesses hepatoprotective activity with enhancement of in vivo antioxidants as a possible mechanism of action.

Antiplasmodial Activity of Aqueous leaf Extract of Mucuna Pruriens Linn in Mice Infected with Plasmodium Berghei (Nk-65 Strain).

The antiplasmodial activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) was evaluated against Plasmodium berghei NK-65 strain in mice. The plant was selected based on their traditional claims for treatment of fever and other malaria related diseases in southeastern region of Nigeria. An aqueous leaf extract (90 – 270 mg/kg) was investigated for antiplasmodial activity against Chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei infections in mice. The antiplasmodial activity during early and established infections as well as prophylactic action of the plant in blood was investigated. Chloroquine (10 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) were used as positive controls. The extract (90 – 270 mg/kg) dose dependently reduced parasitaemia induced by Chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infection in suppressive, prophylactic and curative models in mice. The extract at these doses caused 60.06 – 71.75% inhibition of parasitaemia in the suppressive test, 65.97 – 84.38% parasitaemia inhibition in prophylactic test and a mean survival time of 16 – 30 days representing 64.41– 89.71% inhibition of parasitaemia in the curative test. These reductions were statistically significant (P<0.05) comparable to that of the standard drug used (Chloroquine and Pyrimethamine). These results show that the aqueous leaf extract of M. pruriens possesses significant (P<0.05) antiplasmodial activity which confirms its use in folkloric medicine in the treatment of fever and other malaria-related disease.

Screening and Evaluation of the Effect of Exogenous Application of ABA and Propiconazole on the Antioxidant potential of Mucuna pruriens seed Extracts.

The aim of our present study was the effect of soil drenching of propiconazole (PCZ) and Abscisic Acid (ABA) on vegetative growth, biochemical changes and antioxidant activities in seed methanolic extracts of Mucuna pruriens (MEMP). In this research we evaluated the morphological parameters like fresh and dry weight of plant, number of pods and antioxidant assay such as Total phenol, Total flavanoid, 1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), Superoxide radical scavenging activity, Metal chelating and Ferric ion Reducing antioxidant activity(FRAP). The report shows Number of pods, Number of seeds were increased while the plant treated with PCZ than the ABA as well as control. The increased content of total phenol and flavanoids observed in treated plants than control. On the other hand the highest Superoxide radical scavenging activity, Metal Chelating activity, Ferric ion reducing antioxidant was found in PCZ treated extracts followed by ABA treated extracts and control. Based on our results it seems that PCZ considerably increased the antioxidants content than the ABA and control.

Atividades antioxidante, antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória das folhas de Mucuna pruriens (L. ) DC / Antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of Mucuna pruriens (L. ) DC. leaves

A espécie Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) é popularmente conhecida no Brasil como "café berão" e "pó de mico". Suas sementes são bastante estudadas sendo empregadas na medicina popular para o tratamento de desordens nervosas e do aparelho reprodutor, porém poucas informações sobre a composição química e atividade farmacológica das folhas dessa espécie são descritas na literatura. Assim, os objetivos desse estudo foram: a determinação do perfil fitoquímico, a avaliação da atividade antioxidante in vitro, e a avaliação das atividades anti-inflamatória e antinociceptiva in vivo do extrato metanólico das folhas de M. pruriens nas concentrações de 100 e 300 mg/kg. O estudo fitoquímico foi realizado por meio da pesquisa qualitativa dos constituintes químicos e determinação quantitativa do teor de fenóis totais e flavonoides. O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado pelos métodos do DPPH e poder de redução. As atividades anti-inflamatória e antinociceptiva foram a ante foi promissor, com CI50 de 13,2∝g/mL pelo método do DPPH, e CE50 de 47,9∝g/mL pelo método que avalia o poder de redução. Em relação à atividade anti-inflamatória, o extrato foi capaz de inibir o edema de orelha em 63% (100mg/kg) e 28% (300mg/kg). Quanto à atividade antinociceptiva, houve redução do número de contorções abdominais de 64% (100 mg/kg) e 69% (300 mg/kg). Estes resultados indicam que M. pruriens apresenta um potencial farmacológico promissor e reforçam o conceito de que a pesquisa de plantas com usos etnofarmacológicos pode revelar um número substancial de respostas em ensaios in vitro e in vivo.

The species Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) is popularly known in Brazil as "café berão" and "pó de mico". Its seeds have been widely studied and used in folk medicine for the treatment of nervous and reproductive system disorders; however, few studies are related to the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of its leaves. Therefore, the aims of this study were: investigation of the phytochemical profile, in vitro assessment of the antioxidant activity, and in vivo evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of methanol extract of M. pruriens leaves at the concentrations of 100 and 300mg/kg. The phytochemical study was performed by means of qualitative identification of chemical constituents and quantitative determination of total phenols and flavonoids. The antioxidant potential was assayed by DPPH and reducing power methods. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities were evaluated by croton oil-induced ear edema and acetic acid-induced writhing tests, respectively. Alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, triterpenes and saponins were identified in the extract. Total phenol and flavonoid levels were 112 and 18.3mg/g extract, respectively. The antioxidant potential was promising, with IC50 of 13.2∝g/mL by DPPH assay and EC50 of 47.9∝g/mL by the method that evaluates the reducing power. Regarding the anti-inflammatory activity, the extract was capable of inhibiting by 63% (100mg/kg) and 28% (300mg / kg) the ear edema. As to the antinociceptive activity, there was a reduction in the number of writhings by 64% (100mg/kg) and 69% (300mg/kg). Results indicate that M. pruriens presents a promising pharmacological potential and reinforce the concept that the investigation of ethnopharmacologically used plants may reveal a substantial number of positive responses in in vitro and in vivo assays.

In vitro evaluation of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. antioxidant activity / Avaliação In vitro da atividade antioxidante de M.pruriens (L.) DC

Mucuna pruriens (L). Dc is a plant of the Fabaceae family, commonly known as velvet bean, itchy bean, chiporro bean, mucuna, among others. This plant has several medicinal properties, including its potential to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). International studies have shown that this plant surpasses the benefits of the substance levodopa in the treatment of PD. Taking into account that nerve cells are highly sensitive to oxidative substances, this study evaluated the antioxidant activity of mucuna and compared it to that of levodopa. The plant seeds' phenolic concentration was quantified by using the Folin-Denis reagent and the antioxidant activity assays were performed by using three different methods: the reduction of the phosphomolybdenium complex, the reduction of radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and the formation of radical monocation ABTS•+, from the acid [2-2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)]. Results showed that M. pruriens presents high antioxidant capacity, although not superior to isolated levodopa antioxidant capacity. Therefore, further studies should be performed to elucidate the activity of this plant in humans.

A Mucuna pruriens (L). Dc é uma planta da família Fabaceae, conhecida popularmente como feijão-veludo, fava-coceira, feijão chiporro, mucuna, entre outros. Possui diversas propriedades medicinais, entre elas, o tratamento da doença de Parkinson (DP). Estudos internacionais vêm demonstrando que essa planta possui atividade superior à do fármaco levodopa para o tratamento da DP. O presente estudo avaliou a possibilidade da atividade antioxidante dessa planta auxiliar nesses resultados, uma vez que as células nervosas são altamente sensíveis às substâncias oxidativas. Para isto foi quantificada a concentração fenólica da semente da mucuna e os testes empregados para a avaliação da atividade antioxidante foram o teste de redução do complexo fosfomolibdênio, redução do radical 1,1-difenil-2-picril-hidrazil (DPPH•) e a formação do radical monocatiônico ABTS•+, proveniente do ácido [2-2'-azino-bis(3-etil-benzolina-6-sulfonado)]. Essa análise demonstrou que M. pruriens possui alta capacidade antioxidante, no entanto, não superior à levodopa isolada e, portanto, novos estudos devem ser realizados para a elucidação da atividade dessa planta em seres humanos.

Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed extract pretreatment protects against cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular depressant effects of Naja sputatrix (Javan spitting cobra) venom in rats.

Mucuna pruriens has been used by native Nigerians as a prophylactic for snakebite. The protective effects of M. pruriens seed extract (MPE) were investigated against the pharmacological actions of N. sputatrix (Javan spitting cobra) venom in rats. The results showed that MPE-pretreatment protected against cardiorespiratory and, to a lesser extent, neuromuscular depressant effects of N. sputatrix venom. These may be explained at least in part by the neutralisation of the cobra venom toxins by anti-MPE antibodies elicited by the MPE pretreatment.

Determination of levodopa in different parts and growth period of Mucuna pruriens var.utilis / 中成药

AIM:To establish a simple RP-HPLC method for determining levodopa in Mucuna pruriens var.utilis,and study the levodopa content in different parts of Mucuna pruriens var.utilis and in various growth periods two cultispecies(white flower and purpleflower). METHODS: A RP-HPLC method was used for the determination of levodopa on a Polaris RP-C18(250 mm?4.6 mm,5 ?m) column.The mobile phase was methanol-potassium dihydrogne phosphate(10∶90,pH3.38)for seed,flower,leaf,stem and root,and methanol-potassium dihydrogne phosphate(5∶95,pH3.17)for pod.The detection wavelength was at 280 nm,and flow rate was 1 mL/min. RESULTS: The levodopa content in seed and white-flower cultispecies were higher.In the growth periods,the levodopa content was higher in the sample collected when the pod matured and became dry. CONCLUSION: White-flower cultispecies of M.pruriens var.utilis is the good cultispecies.matured and dry pod is the optimal harvesting time for this herbal medicine.