Canavalia gladiata (Fabaceae) Sword bean

Canavalia gladiata (Sword Bean)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Canavalia gladiata

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Canavalia

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Mucuna pruriens (Kapikacchu): A renowned Rasayana and Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) herb used for Parkinson's disease and male reproductive health.

· Abrus precatorius (Gunja): A highly potent and toxic plant used in minute, processed doses in Ayurveda for neurological conditions.

The genus Canavalia belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes several important food crops and potent medicinal plants, some of which require careful processing to mitigate toxicity.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Canavalia gladiata | English: Sword Bean, Scimitar Bean | Sanskrit: Asphotah, Mahasimbi | Hindi: Bara Sem, Khadsambi | Tamil: Valavara, Kattuppayaru | Telugu: Tamma | Kannada: Halasande | Malayalam: Valamara | Marathi: Abai | Bengali: Makhan Sim | Japanese: Nata mame |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Anti-inflammatory,Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Astringent, Analgesic (pain-relieving).

Medicinal Parts:

The seeds and pods are the primary parts used,but they require thorough processing.

· Seeds: Contain bioactive compounds but also antinutritional factors; must be cooked.

· Pods: Young pods are consumed as a vegetable after proper preparation.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Canavanine: A non-protein amino acid analog of arginine. It is a potent Antimicrobial and Antiviral agent but can be toxic if ingested in large quantities, interfering with cellular metabolism.

Protease Inhibitors: These compounds can interfere with protein digestion, contributing to the plant's defense mechanisms and requiring thorough cooking for deactivation.

Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds: Provide Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Shotha (Inflammation) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Seed paste.

Preparation & Use: The seeds are processed, ground into a paste, and applied topically to soothe inflammation, boils, and skin ulcers.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the seed extracts help reduce swelling and prevent infection in minor wounds.

Krimi (Worm Infestation)

Formulation: Processed seed consumption.

Preparation & Use: In some traditional practices, the properly cooked seeds are consumed to help expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The bioactive compounds may have an anthelmintic effect, paralyzing or killing the worms.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The young pods and mature seeds are used as a food source only after extensive processing, which includes slicing, prolonged boiling, and discarding the water to remove toxins and antinutritional factors.

Processed Sword Bean Curry

Purpose: To consume the bean as a nutritious food.

Preparation & Use:

· Soak the dried seeds overnight.

· Boil them thoroughly in fresh water, discarding the water multiple times until it runs clear.

· Cook the softened beans with spices, coconut, and tamarind to make a traditional curry.

7. Disclaimer:

Canavalia gladiata seeds contain antinutritional factors and potentially toxic compounds like canavanine. They MUST NOT be consumed raw.Proper and thorough cooking is essential to destroy these compounds. Internal medicinal use is not common and should be avoided without expert guidance. This information is for educational and identification purposes.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

· Ethnobotany of India Series

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean)

· Species: Canavalia ensiformis | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Canavalia

· Similarities: A closely related species also known for containing canavanine and other compounds that require processing before consumption. Both are studied for their phytochemicals but are not used in mainstream herbalism due to safety concerns.

2. Mucuna pruriens (Kapikacchu)

· Species: Mucuna pruriens | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Mucuna

· Similarities: Both are large-seeded legumes from the Fabaceae family. While Mucuna is famous for its L-DOPA content and neuroprotective effects, the comparison lies in their physical form and the need for processing (Mucuna beans are also cooked before consumption to remove irritants).

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