PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 6 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Mucuna sloanei is an underutilized seed source from Nigeria used as a food supplement, condiment, and thickening agent in cuisine [PMID:33230632, PMID:40057057].
Background
Mucuna sloanei is a plant whose seeds are utilized in Southern Nigerian cuisine and are being investigated for pharmaceutical applications due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability [PMID:40057057].
Traditional uses
The flour from the seeds is widely used as a thickening agent in Southern Nigerian cuisine [PMID:40057057].
Active compounds
Identified components include a lectin called sloanin [PMID:19783018], galactoxyloglucans [PMID:19783018, PMID:17888467], and gums [PMID:40057057]. The seeds contain crude protein (12.2-23.2%), fat (4.9-12.0%), and phytic acid (192.4-215 mg/100 g) [PMID:9198112].
Mechanism of action
Xyloglucans from M. sloanei seeds have been shown to promote an increase in the number of peritoneal macrophages in a dose-dependent manner in mice [PMID:17888467].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DPeritoneal macrophage recruitment
Xyloglucans from M. sloanei seeds promoted a dose-dependent increase in the number of peritoneal macrophages in mice [PMID:17888467].
Safety & adverse effects
Toxic element concentration levels in the seeds exhibit acceptable values when compared with recommended standards [PMID:33230632].
Evidence summary
The available evidence is limited to in vitro studies, animal models (mice), and chemical characterization; there are no human clinical trials available.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 33230632 (2021) — In Vitro Element Bioavailability Studies of Some Underutilized Seeds in Southeast Nigeria. · Biological trace element research
- 2.PMID: 19783018 (2009) — Isolation of a lectin and a galactoxyloglucan from Mucuna sloanei seeds. · Phytochemistry
- 3.PMID: 17888467 (2008) — Effect of storage xyloglucans on peritoneal macrophages. · Phytochemistry
- 4.PMID: 9198112 (1997) — Composition and functional properties of unprocessed and locally processed seeds from three underutilized food sources in Nigeria. · Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
- 5.PMID: 40057057 (2025) — Effect of ultrasonication on extraction yield, and the rheological and physicochemical characteristics of Mucuna sloanei gum.