Gen info
Phaseolus is a genus of herbaceous to woody annual and perennial vines in the family Fabaceae comtaining about 70 plant species, all native to the Americas, primarily Mesoamerica.
- It is one of the most economically important legume genera.
Five have been domesticated since pre-Columbian times for their beans: P. acutifolius (lepary bean), P. coccines (runner bean), P. dumosus *year bean), P. lunmmatus *lima bean) and the most prominent among them, P. vulgaris (common bean), whcih is cultivated worldwide in tropical, semitropical, and temperate climates. (34)
Botany
Phaseolus vulgaris is an herbaceous annual herb, erect and bushy, 20 to 60 centimeters tall, or twining with stems 2 to 3 meters long. Leaves are alternate, green or purple, trifoliate, stipulate, petiolate, with a marked pulvinus at base. Leaflets are ovate, entire, 6 to 15 centimeters long, 3 to 11 centimeters wide. Flowers are in lax, axillary, few-flowered racemes, variegated, white, pink or purple, about 1 centimeter long. Pods are slender, green, yellow, black, or purple, cylindrical or flat, 8 to 20 centimeters long, 1 to 1.5 centimeters wide. Seeds are 4 to 6, usually glabrous, sometimes puberulent, with prominent beaks, white, red, tan, purple, grey, or black, often variegated, reniform, oblong, or globose, up to 1.5 centimeters long. (3)
Distribution
- Intensively cultivated in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines.
- Originated in Central and South America.
- Widely cultivated in the tropics, subtropics, and temperate regions. Roughly 30% of world production is in Latin America. (3)
Constituents
- Nutritive analysis yield 6.2% protein, 0.2% fat, and 63% carbohydrate. Analysis of a dried bean brand yielded moisture 12.0%, protein 22.9%, fat 1.3%, carbohydrates 60.6%, minerals 3.2%, calcium 260 mg, phosphorus 410 mg, iron 5.8 mg, and 348 calories/100 g. Vitamin contents were: thiamine 0.6, riboflavin 0.2, nicotinic acid 2.5, ascorbic acid 2.0 mg/100. Another source yielded Na 43.2, K 1160, Ca 180, Mg 183, Fe 6.6, Cu 0.61, P 309. (3)
- Study of seeds for bioactive compounds yielded alkaloids, anthocyanin, carbohydrate, catechin, fiber, flavonoids, glycosides, phasine, phytic acid, quercetin, polyphenols saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids.
(5)
- Nutrient analysis of pinto beans per 100 g of edible portion yielded: (Proximates) water 11.33 g, energy 347 kcal or 1452 kJ, protein 21.42 g, total lipid 1.23 g, ash 3.46 g, carbohydrate, by difference 62.55 g, total dietary fiber 15.5 g, total sugars 2.11 g, sucrose1.98 g, glucose 0.13 g, starch 34.17 g; (Minerals) calcium 113 mg, iron 5.07 mg, magnesium 176 mg, phosphorus 411 mg, potassium 1393 mg, sodium 12 mg, zinc 2.28 mg, copper 0.893 mg, manganese 1.148 mg, selenium 27.9 µg; (Vitamins) vitamin C 6.3 mg, thiamin 0.713 mg, riboflavin 0.212 mg, niacin 1.174 mg, pantothenic acid 0.785 mg, vitamin B6 0.474 mg, total folate 525 µg, total choline 66.2 mg betaine 0.4 mg, vitamin E 0.21 mg, vitamin K 5.6 µg; (Lipids) total saturated fatty acids 0.235 g, total monosaturated fatty acids 0.229 g, total polyunsaturated fatty acids 0.407 g, cholesterol 0; (Amino Acids) tryptophan 0.237 g, threonine 0.910 g, isoleucine 0.871 g, leucine 1.558 g, lysine 1.356 g, methionine 0.259 g, cystine 0.187 g, phenylalanine 1.095 g, tyrosine 0.427 g. valine 0.998 g, arginine 1.096 g, histidine 0.556 g, alanine 0.872 g, aspartic acid 2.268 g, glutaminc acid 3.027 g, glycine 0.796 g, proline 1.072 g, serine 1.171 g; (Flava-3-ols) kaempferol 2.4 mg, quercetin 0.2 mg; (Isoflavones) daidzein 0.01 mg, genistein 0.17 mg, total isoflavones 0.18 mg, biochanin A 0.28 mg, formononetin 0.01 mg, coumestrol 1.80 mg; (Proanthocyanidin) proanthocyanidin dimers 19.2 mg, proanthocyanidin 4-6mers 125 mg, proanthocyanidine 7-10mers 135.6 mg, proanthocyanidin polymers (>10mers) 459.6 mg. (15)
Properties
- Beans considered depurative, resolvent, carminative, diuretic, antidiarrheal, emollient. (3)
- Studies has suggested antioxidant, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antiurolithiatic, osteoprotective, antiproliferative properties.
Toxicity
- Roots reported to cause dizziness in human beings and animals. Seeds reported to contain trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors. Eating of a few raw beans has been reported to cause poisoning, notably sickness and diarrhea, which was attributed to phasin, a toxalbumin destroyed by cooking. (3)
Parts used
Pods, leaves.
Uses
Edibility
- Immature pods are cooked and eaten as vegetable.
- Immature pods marketed fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Leaves used as pot herb. In Java, young leaves are eaten as salad. (3)
Folkloric
- Beans have been used for acne, burns, diabetes, diarrhea, dropsy, dysentery, eczema, sciatica and tenesmus. (3)
- In Benin, the Adja use the juice from crushed leaves to treat wounds. Babies who cannot breastfeed are give leaf decoction to drink. Crushed roots mixed with water drunk to facilitate difficult labor. Leaves of Séssé landrace use in treatment of sterility by Idaasha group, and for fever, bee stings, and bad body odor by the Fon sociolinguistic group. Crushed seeds mixed with seasoning cube of Maggi® in water applied to facilitate removal of umbilical cord from newborns. Powder of burned seeds mixed with palm oil licked to treat pharyngitis. Leaves of Akpakoun vovo folk variety used for treatment of bee stings and vaginal infections by the Fon sociolinguistic group. The Ron group drink crushed leaves and roots in water to treat obesity. obesity. (20)
Others
- Mystical-Religious uses: In Benin, nine common bean folk varieties were considered by farmers as magical plants with supernatural properties i.e., for protection of fields, homes, pregnancies, and persons against evil spirit attacks, and to help spiritually fight enemies. Seeds and roots used for bewitchment treatment. Infusion of roots in a little water with palm kernel oil added is drunk to treat supernaturally caused illnesses. Seeds used to attract animals to hunters Leaves mixed with spider eggs and the last drops of urine of person wanting to be loved, and the juice applied to the eyes of the bewitched. (20)
Studies
• Effect on Collagen Content: Study investigated the effect of an aqueous pod extract of Phaseolus vulgaris on collagen content and characteristics in the tail tendon of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The a/ß ratio of acid- and pepsin-soluble collages was significantly decreased in STZ-diabetic rats. Extract treatment significant reduced the accumulation and cross-linking of collagen. Results showed a positive influence of P. vulgaris pods on the content of collagen and its properties in STZ-diabetic rats. (4)
• Hypoglycemic / Antidiabetic / Leaves: Study showed an aqueous extract of leaves possess hypoglycemic and antidiabetic properties, ameliorating high levels of marker enzymes. (6) • Antioxidant / Antidiabetic / Leaves: Study of an aqueous extract of P. vulgaris pods in rats with STZ-induced diabetes showed antioxidant activity with a significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides and significantly increased the reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase in liver and kidneys of rats with STZ-induced diabetes. (7) • Enhanced Weight Loss: Study evaluated the effect of a dietary supplement containing 1,000 mg of P. vulgaris extract derived from white kidney bean. The extract was previously shown to inhibit the activity of the digestive enzyme alpha amylase and inhibit starch reabsorption with associated weight loss. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled study conducted on 101 volunteers with BMIs between 25-40 showed clinically and statistically significant decrements in body weight and waist circumference. (8) • Phytohemagglutinin: Phytohemagglutinin derived from red kidney bean can cause malabsorption and diarrhea when fed to rats. Study evaluated the effect of PHA on ion transport in the rabbit ileum in vitro. • Osteoprotective Effect / Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: Phytoestrogens and phytoestrogen-containing plants are explored for potential use in the treatment of estrogen-related disorders. Study evaluated the anti-osteoporotic effect of the phytoestrogen-rich plant Phaseolus vulgaris. Treatment with P. vulgaris seeds prevented estrogen deficiency-induced osteopenia without affecting the uterine mass. Results suggest a potential candidate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. (9) • In Vitro Binding of Bile Acids: Study evaluated the in vitro binding of bile acids by kidney bean (P. vulgaris), black gram (Vigna mungo), bengal gram (Cicer arietinum) and moth bean (Phaseolus aconitifolins). All four beans tested showed varying degrees of bile acid binding. Relative bile acid binding on DM was 12%, TDF (total dietary fiber) 12%, and IDF (insoluble dietary fiber) 14%. for kidney bean was 3% and 11%. Results on bile acid binding suggest a potential to be explored for lowering blood lipids, lipoprotein, and atherosclerosis risk. (10) • Antioxidant / Antidiabetic: Study on long-term oral administration of aqueous P. vulgaris pods extract showed, besides a pronounced hypoglycemic effects, a positive influence on liver and kidney function markers in STZ-induced diabetic rats. It also inhibited free radical production and liver peroxidation and activated antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidneys of the STZ-induced diabetic rats. (11) • Catecholamines / L-Dopa and Dopamine: Catecholamines are key metabolites found in the nervous system and endogenous deficiency is associated with patho-physiological disorders. Study investigated the amount of L-DOPA and dopamine in the leaves and roots of three species of legume family viz. Pisum sativum (garden pea), Phaseolus vulgaris (haricot bean) and Vicia faba (broad bean). Results showed all three cultivars accumulated different levels of L-DOPA and dopamine in leaves and roots. (12) • Blocking Carbohydrate Absorption and Weight Loss: A proprietary fractionated white bean extract of P. vulgaris has been shown to inhibit the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase, possibly preventing or delaying digesting of complex carbohydrates, potentially resulting in weight loss. In randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of healthy subjects consuming 1000 mg of a white bean extract vs placebo. The subjects who consumed the most carbohydrates showed a significant reduction in both weight and waist size with the addition of the white bean extract compared to placebo group. (13) • Proprietary Alpha-Amylase Inhibitor / Weight Loss and Glycemic Control: The common white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) produces an alpha-amylase inhibitor. A proprietary product, Phase 2® Carb Controller demonstrated the ability to cause weight loss and reduce post-prandial spikes in blood glucose levels through its alpha-amylase inhibiting activity. Results suggest potential for integration into various products. (16) • Enhanced Weight Loss From P. vulgaris Dietary Supplement: Dietary supplements that inhibit gastrointestinal amylase are called "starch blockers" and have been associated with weight loss by interfering with breakdown of complex carbohydrates and limiting their gastrointestinal absorption. A randomized, double-blinded,placebo controlled study of a dietary supplement taken three times daily containing 1,000 mg of P. vulgaris extract from white kidney bean showed statistically significant greater (p<0.001) average reduction of body weight. The mechanism of weight loss may be attributed to alpha-amylase inhibiting activity. (17) • Source of Bioactive Peptides: Study reports on the common bean as a good alternative low cost source for production of functional hydrolysates containing peptides. The bioactive peptides have potential for use in the treatment and prevention of diseases, like hypertension and cancer. (18) • Phaseolamin / α-Amylase Inhibitor: Study isolated a proteinaceous inhibitor of α-amylase, phaseolamin. Phaseolamin inhibits hog pancreatic α-amylase in a noncompetitive manner. (19)
• Phenolic Composition / Antioxidant / Antiproliferative Activities: Study evaluated extracts of twelve ecotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris in Italy for phenolic profiles, antioxidant activity, and in vitro antiproliferative activity. Extracts were able to inhibit the proliferation of human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells, human breast cancer cells MCF-7, and A549 NSCLC cell line, Liquid chromatography yielded known polyphenols such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, myricetin, formononetin, caffeci acid, and kaempferol. Antioxidant activity ranged fro 1.568 to 66.572 mg necessary to inhibit DPPH radical by 50%. (21) • Moderate Interactions with Antidiabetic Drugs: Medications for diabetes interacts with Phaseolus vulgaris. Bean pods might lower blood sugar and might augment the hypoglycemic effect of diabetes medications. (22)
- Antioxidant / Anti-Inflammatory / Bean Hulls: Extracts extract from hulls obtained from four bean cultivars
were evaluated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in relation to their phenolic contents. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of bean hulls by ORAC were 6-8-fold those of corresponding whole beans. Acetone extract of black bean hull exhibited strong COX-1 (!C50 1.2 µg/ml) and COX-2 (IC50 38µg/ml) inhibitory effects, better than aspirin. The anti-inflammatory activity of bean hulls was dependent on phenolic content and antioxidant activity that were significantly affected by cultivar and extracting solvent. (23)
• Antihyperglycemic Benefit as Food Component: Phaseolus vulgaris bean pods are widely used as remedy for diabetes mellitus. Review reports that from the first half of the 20th century up to recently publications show contradictory results. Study suggests Phaseolus preparations should not be use as first choice in phytopharmaceutical treatment of diabetes. Fairly high doses of aqueous extracts are needed. Rather, because of fiber content and a-amylase inhibitory effect, the beans may be more useful as food components for preventing or ameliorating T2DM. (24) • Hypoglycemic Activity / α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity: Study evaluated the antidiabetic activities of Faglioli di Sarconi beans (P. vulgaris), including 21 ecotypes. The light green seed color of Verdolino extracts exhibited the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity with IC50 of 1.1 and 19.3 mg/ml, respectively. Biiologic activity was attributed to alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. (25)
• Effect of Heating on Haemagglutinating Activity and Nutritional Properties / Seeds: Toxic lectins in red, white, and black kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are sensitive to heat treatment, which is greatly improved by pre-soaking of the seeds. Heating at all temperatures above 75C will decrease both haemagglutinating activity and toxicity. However, the only safe method to eliminate toxicity was to heat fully hydrated seeds to 100C for a minimum of 10 minutes. (26)
• Natural Coagulants P. vulgaris and M. oleifera / Removal of Congo Red Dye: Textile industrial wastewater consists of a large variety of pollutant dyes and chemicals. Study evaluated the efficiency of Phaseolus vulgaris and Moringa oleifera as coagulants for the removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solution using process parameters such as pH, coagulant dose, initial dye concentration, and settling time on dye removal capacity Results showed comparable efficiency as conventional commercial coagulant Alum. (27)
• Antihyperlipidemic / Antioxidant: Study evaluated the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of crude extract and fractions of dried pulverized P. vulgaris plant material. In acute, subacute, and chronic models, the extract showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in lipid profile parameters, with a 38.44% reduction of total cholesterol in the subacute model. HDL was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the acute study by 20.85%. In antioxidant assay, the the highest percentage reduction of DPPH was 80.61% with the PVEF and PVBF fraction at 400 mg/kg. Results showed extracts and fractions of P. vulgaris possess antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity with the ethyl acetate fractios showing better and more consistent results. (28)
• Antiurolithiatic / Ethylene Glycol Induced Renal Calculi / Seeds: Study evaluated the antiurolithiatic potential of ethanolic extract of seeds of P. vulgaris in calcium oxalate urolithiasis induced by ethylene glycol in male Wistar rats. Cystone was used as standard drug. On treatment with the extract and cystones, all urinary, serum biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were reversed to almost normal values. In vivo antioxidant enzymes were restored by decreased lipid peroxidation in the kidney. (29)
• Growth-Promoting Plant Endophyte VS Exogenous Hormones: Microbial endophytes have symbiotic relationships with host plants excreting beneficial phytohormones and bioactive compounds. Study evaluasted six bacterial and four fungal strains isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris root plant. All microbial isolates showed varying production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and different hydrolytic enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, protease, pectinase, and xylanase. Six bacteroa; endophytic isolates displayed phosphar-solubilizing capacity and ammonia production. Study showed vacterial and fungal endophytic metabolites surpassed exogenously applied hormones in in increasing plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate and protein content, antioxidant enzyme activity, endogenous hormones and yield traits. Results showed the endophyte Brevibacillus agri (PB5) has potential as stimulator for growth and productivity of common bean plants. (30)
• Potential Antidiabetic Peptides / Beans: Studty evaluated the effect of bioactive peptde fractions from dehulled hard-to-cook (HTC) bean on enzyme targets of type 2 diabetes and oxidative stress. Hydroxylates and peptide fractions showed antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide inhibition. Bean hydrolysates and fractions < 1 and 1-3 kDa omcreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from iNS-1E cells. Study suggests hard to cook bean coul be a source of protein to produce bioactive peptides with potential antidiabtic properties. (31)
• Sub-Chronic Oral Toxicity Study: Studty evaluated the toxicity of white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract by a repeated dose 90-day subchronic oral toxicity study in Sprague Dawley rats ysubg dises if 4m 2m and 1 g/kg bw daily. Results showed tje lodney bean extract at doses up to 4 g/kg/day did no induced significant changes in body weight, organ weight, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathology in rats. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was >4g/kg/day. (32)
• Antiadhesive Activity / Pericarp: Studty evaluated the antiadhesive activity of hyddroalcoholic extract from bean pods of Phaseolus vulgaris against uropathogenic E. coli and permeability of its constituents through Caco-2 monolayer. LC-MS analysis of hydroalcoholic Phaseoli pericarpium extract (PPX) sjpwed a dominance of a variety of flavonoids, with rutin as a major compound, and soyasaponin derivatives. PPX may be a source of selected compounds bioavailable after oral application, as indicated by Caco-2 permeation experiments. The concentration-dependent inhibition of bacterial adhesion of UPEC to T24 cells supports the traditional use of Phaseolus vulgaris in prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. (33)
Availability
Cultivated. |