Exploring the proximate composition, antioxidant, anti-Parkinson's and anti-inflammatory potential of two neglected and underutilized Mucuna species from India

Mucuna, a treasured leguminous genus is renowned for its high L-DOPA (L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) content which acts as an effective anti-Parkinson's drug. Unfortunately, the immense medicinal properties of most Mucuna (M.) species are still remained unnoticed. Thus, in present study we have explored and compared various properties of neglected M. bracteata and M. imbricata from India with frequently consumed Mucuna pruriens var. utilis and commercialized Mucuca powder. The aqueous extracts of all these Mucuna samples were assessed for its nutritional, anti-nutritional, secondary metabolites and pharmacologically active principle (L-dopa) elements employing specific techniques. HPLC analysis in present investigation reveals that M. bracteata contains highest L-DOPA (7.61 ± 0.11%) than other studied spp. which verifies its efficacy to be used against Parkinson's disease. The total antioxidant capacity of the methanol extract of M. bracteata was higher which can be interconnected with its higher total phenolic content (8.76 ± 0.20%). It also has maximum nutritional values such as total ash, dietary fiber and starch. Moreover, M. imbricata another overlooked Mucuna spp. also showed maximum gross energy, total moisture and total carbohydrates with effective anti-inflammatory property (59.25 ± 0.03%). Thus, present results proves the potential of M. imbricata and M. bracteata as a natural active alternative source of L-DOPA with promising medicinal properties supportive in developing anti-Parkinson's drug in future.