Phaseolus vulgaris
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Phaseolus vulgaris Common Names: Kidney bean, Common bean, French bean,
Snap bean, String bean Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Genus: Phaseolus Species: P. vulgaris Binomial Name: Phaseolus vulgaris L. Synonyms: Phaseolus aborigineus Burkart, Phaseolus communis Pritz., Phaseolus compressus DC., Phaseolus esculentus Salisb., Phaseolus nanus L. Morphological Description Phaseolus vulgaris, commonly known as the common bean, is an herbaceous annual plant
cultivated globally for its edible seeds and unripe pods. It exhibits remarkable
morphological diversity, with growth habits ranging from bushy forms (20–60 cm
tall) to climbing vines (2–3 m long). The plant features: · Stem: Erect or twining, depending on the cultivar, with a fibrous
texture and variable branching · Leaves: Alternate, trifoliate, with three oval to rhomboid leaflets
(6–15 cm long, 3–11 cm wide), green or occasionally purple, with a smooth or
slightly hairy surface · Flowers: Self-pollinating, small (1–1.5 cm), white, pink, or purple,
arranged in axillary or terminal racemes · Pods: Linear, 8–20 cm long, 1–1.5 cm wide, green, yellow, purple,
or black at maturity, containing 4–10 kidney-shaped seeds of diverse colors
(white, red, black, mottled) This variability in pod
and seed characteristics has led to numerous cultivars adapted to local
preferences and environmental conditions (Broughton et al., 2003). Distribution and Habitat Phaseolus vulgaris originated in Mesoamerica and the Andes, with evidence of
domestication dating back over 7,000 years. Today, it is cultivated worldwide
across diverse climates, from tropical lowlands to temperate highlands. Key
production regions include: · Asia: India, the top producer of dry beans in 2022, accounted for
23% of global output (6.2 million tonnes), followed by Myanmar and China. · Americas: Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, with significant
cultivation in the Midwest and Southeast USA. · Africa: Eastern Africa (e.g., Kenya, Uganda) and West Africa (e.g.,
Nigeria), where it thrives in smallholder systems at altitudes of 500–2,000 m. · Europe: Southern Europe (e.g., Italy, Spain) for fresh and dry bean
varieties. The plant prefers
well-drained, loamy soils (pH 6.0–7.0), temperatures of 18–30°C, and annual
rainfall of 600–1,500 mm. Its adaptability to various conditions, coupled with nitrogen-fixing
symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria,
enhances its agricultural value (Blair et al., 2012). Ethnopharmacology Phaseolus vulgaris commonly known as the common bean, possesses a range of
medicinal properties attributed to its rich phytochemical composition,
including flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic acids. Traditionally,
various parts of the plant have been employed as carminative, diuretic, and
emollient agents, and in the treatment of ailments such as diabetes, diarrhea,
dysentery, and kidney problems. Scientific studies have corroborated several of
these traditional uses, demonstrating that extracts from P. vulgaris exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
hypoglycemic activities. Additionally, the plant has shown potential in
managing obesity and cardiovascular diseases due to its anti-obesity and
hypolipidemic effects. While these findings support the therapeutic potential
of Phaseolus vulgaris, further research is necessary to fully elucidate its
pharmacological properties and establish standardized therapeutic applications. · Antidiabetic: In Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria, seed decoctions are used to
manage diabetes. Studies show ethanolic seed extracts reduce blood glucose by
25–35% in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at 300 mg/kg, attributed to
flavonoids and saponins (Ocho-Anin et al., 2010). · Anti-obesity: Brazilian folk medicine uses bean pod infusions for weight
control. Preclinical trials demonstrate that *P. vulgaris* extracts inhibit
α-amylase, reducing carbohydrate absorption and body weight in rats by up to
10% over 22 days (Carai et al., 2009). · Anti-urolithiatic: In India, leaf and pod teas treat kidney
stones. Methanolic extracts show a 40% reduction in calcium oxalate crystal
formation in vitro, supporting traditional claims (Devi et al., 2020). · Cardiovascular Health: In Mexico, beans are consumed to lower
cholesterol. Polyphenol-rich extracts reduce plasma LDL cholesterol by 15–20%
in hyperlipidemic rats, linked to anthocyanins and fiber (Ganesan & Xu,
2017). · Antioxidant: Across Central America, beans are valued for vitality. Seed
extracts exhibit DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 50–70 μg/mL), due to
quercetin and catechin content (Câmara et al., 2013). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Raw or improperly cooked beans contain
phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), a lectin causing severe nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea at concentrations of 20–400 μg/g in raw seeds. Boiling for at least 10
minutes at 100°C inactivates PHA (LD₅₀ > 1,000 mg/kg in rats), while soaking
for 5+ hours further reduces risk. Canned beans are safe due to processing
(Barrett & Udani, 2011). Phytochemistry The medicinal and
nutritional properties of *P. vulgaris* stem from its rich phytochemical
profile: · Proteins: 20–25% dry weight, including lectins (e.g., PHA) and
globulin fractions · Polyphenols: Anthocyanins (0.1–0.5 mg/g), quercetin (0.02–0.1 mg/g), and
kaempferol, with antioxidant capacity · Fiber: 15–20 g/100 g, aiding digestion and cholesterol reduction · Saponins: 0.5–1%, linked to hypoglycemic and cholesterol-lowering
effects · Micronutrients: Iron (6–8 mg/100 g), thiamin (0.5 mg/100
g), riboflavin (0.2 mg/100 g) These compounds
contribute to its role as a functional food with therapeutic potential (Ganesan
& Xu, 2017). Additional Uses · Agricultural: Nitrogen fixation (50–150 kg/ha) via Rhizobium symbiosis improves soil fertility, benefiting crop
rotation (Blair et al., 2012). · Culinary: Seeds and pods are staples in diets worldwide, from Mexican
frijoles to Indian rajma. · Cultural: In Benin, certain landraces are used in mystic-religious
rituals, believed to possess protective properties (Loko et al., 2018). References
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