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Botany
Erect, annual herb branching
at the base, clothed with spreading brownish hairs. Leaves are
long-petioled, compound, with three leaflets that are ovate and
entire, broad based with pointed tips, 8 tto 15 cm long, the
lateral ones inequilateral. The flowers are yellow, about 1 cm
long, arranged near the end of the short stalks. THe pods are
linear, hairy, spreading, 6 to 8 cm long, about 8-10 mm wide.
The seeds are 4-6 mm in length.
Chemical constituents
and properties
Seeds are high in carbohydrate (>45%)
and protein (>21%); fair source of calcium, iron, vitamins A and
B. deficient in vitamin C.
Sprouts are a good source of vitamin B.
Seeds are tonic and aperient.
Distribution
Cultivated throughout the Philippines.
Uses
Culinary
Extensively used in Philippine cuisine,
in salads or boiled, in soups or stews.
Folkloric
Decoction of seeds as diuretic.
The seeds, boiled or raw, used in poultices.
Roots are thought to be narcotic, used for bone pains.
Seeds, internally and externally, used for rheumatism and a variety
of nervous system ailments.
The seeds are used for hemorrhoids and liver afflictions.
Powdered beans used to promote suppuration.
Seeds used in anorexia.
Studies
• Hypotensive: The hypotensive
effects of green bean (Phaseolus aureus), common rue (Ruta graveolens)
and kelp (Laminaria japonica) in rats: All extracts in the
PA study contained bioactive proteinaceous substances and were hypotensive.
• Anti-irritation:
Clinical studies on the anti-irritation effects of mung bean
(Phaseolus aureus) extract in cosmetics: The study of extracts
applied to irritant-containing cosmetic formulations showed considerable
anti-irritation efficacy and suggesting a potential use for cosmetic
products.
• Cardiovascular: The cardiovascular
effects of green beans (Phaseolus aureus), common rue (Ruta graveolens),
and kelp (Laminaria japonica) in rats: Green beans (P aureus) showed negative chronotropic effect on isolated right atria. The plants showed a variety of effects and explains why herbs, as in herbal medicine, should be used together therapeutically.
• Hypolipidemic / Antiatherogenic: Changes
in serum lipids in normal and diabetic guinea pigs on feeding Phaseolus
aureus (Green gram): Study showed green gram feeding showed lowering of both free and esterified fractions of cholesterol, significant loweriing of triglycerides and decreased
the total cholesterol / phospholipid ration indicating its antiatherogenic
nature.
Availability
Wild and cultivated. |
