Exploration of Mucuna pruriens (Linn) starch powder formulations as a natural non-lethal riot control agent

Objective In this study, we explore the dermal toxicity profile of Mucuna pruriens (Linn) hair lining in starch-embedded powder formulations from the natural resources of northeastern part of India and also to explore further the potentiality of this plant as a natural non-lethal riot control agent. Methods The skin irritating, sensitizing and acute dermal toxicity potential of Mucuna pruriens (Linn) embedded in starch powder formulations were investigated in rabbits, guinea pigs, and Wistar albino rats, respectively, as per standard experimental protocol. Results It was found that the hair lining of M. pruriens showed moderate to severe skin irritation effect on rabbits. Regarding skin sensitization study, hair lining of M. pruriens indicates extreme sensitization on Guinea pigs. In the case of acute dermal toxicity, interestingly, there were no statistically significant changes in blood and serum biochemistry level. In a hematological study, WBC parameters were slightly increased, but after 3–4 days, it declines to a reasonable value. Histopathology of skin showed no detectable abnormality. Conclusion Therefore, it may be concluded based on these findings that M. pruriens starch powder formulation can be explored as a natural non-lethal riot control agent to create initial skin irritating and sensitizing effect without the antecedence of acute dermal toxicity.