Pharmacology and Toxicology

 

Seed of Vigna unguiculata is commonly used as culinary in Bangladesh and many parts of the world. Besides this, seed of Vigna unguiculata possesses some medicinal values like antioxidant. In this study, seeds of Vigna unguiculata was used to determine anti-obesity and lipid lowering activity. Phytochemicals presents in the seed were evaluated. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using folin-ciocalteu method. High fat diet induced obese mice were used for anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic test. Body weight gain, total cholesterol, triglyceride level were analyzed. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that amino acid, phenol, alkaloid and terpenes were very strongly present in cowpea seed, while carbohydrate, cardiac glycoside was moderately present. V. unguiculata seed showed significant total phenolic content with a value of 119.716mg of GAE/gm equivalent. Cowpea seed with a dose of 400mg/kg body-weight, showed significant reduction in body weight gain when treated with fat diet compared with normal diet. Cowpea also capable of lowering the serum cholesterol (p<0.01) and serum triglyceride level (p<0.01) more significantly in high fat diet induced obesity. V. unguiculata seeds have total phenolic content significantly and other phytochemicals moderately. It has anti-obesity activity that can interfere with serum cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. So, it seems like a healthy diet for the management of obesity and other heart related disease.