Abstract:
he effect of raw Canavalia gladiata (sword bean; awara - Sinhala; avarai - Tamil) whole seed meal on impregnated ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice was tested since it is believed that consumption of this variety of Canavalia cause abortion in cattle. It is also not advised as a food for pregnant women. The female ICR mice, in pro-estrous stage were individually paired with a fertile male of same age. Twenty percent of the protein content of control diet was substituted with Canavalia whole seed flour. The test diet was given to two groups (during the first seven days to one group and from day seven until parturition to the other) of impregnated mice. The feed intake of the mice in test groups was not significantly different (p < 0.05) to that of the control. The gestation period of the group fed Canavalia diet during the first trimester shortened significantly (p = 0.016) when compared to the control. However, the litter and dam were in good condition.
Survival rate when compared with control did not show a significant difference (p < 0.05) in either group. The organs examined for any abnormalities and the weights recorded, showed that Canavalia had no significant (p < 0.05) short-term toxicological effects on the organs. Raw Canavalia seed meal has no effect on impregnated mice and on litter at 20% substitution (protein)
