Evaluation of mucuna pruriens seed extract for its acute oral toxicity in albino rats

Objectives: The present study was carried out to evaluate the hydroalcoholic extract of Mucuna pruriens (HAMP) seeds for its acute oral toxicity in albino rats. Methods: Acute oral toxicity of MP seed extract was assessed in albino rats with three different doses of the extract with 175, 550, and 2000 mg/ kg body weight. Body weight, mortality, and clinical signs were recorded on 0 (before administration), 7th, and 14th days. Rats were sacrificed after day 14 and observed for any histological changes in the brain, heart, liver, and kidney tissues. Rats were normal up to 1 h and exhibited dullness and piloerection after 1 h which continued up to 2–4 h of observation period on day 0 of administration. All animals appeared normal from day 1 to throughout the experimental procedure. Results: No significant changes in the histological structure of the liver, kidney, and heart were noticed except mild congestion and hydropic changes only in liver tissue seen for 2000 mg/kg body weight of HAMP seeds. The seed extract of MP is non-toxic to rats and did not show any mortality nor the behavioral changes. In addition, it showed an increase in the body weight with the administration up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Conclusion: MP seed extract signified as neurosuppressant, and the drug can be used in the treatment of neurological disorders characterized by hyperactivity of the neurons. The present data could provide adequate confirmation of the safety of MP for further experimental studies on a standardized formulation of the seeds extract.