Cyamopsis tetragonoloba(Fabaceae)- Cluster beans

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Cluster Bean)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Cyamopsis

Related Herbs from the same family:

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek/Methika): As mentioned, a key digestive and anti-diabetic herb. The soluble fiber in fenugreek seeds (galactomannan) is similar to that in cluster beans.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice/Yashtimadhu): A classic demulcent and rejuvenative herb, showcasing the family's diversity from food crops to potent medicinal roots.

Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi/Bakuchi): A potent Ayurvedic herb used primarily for skin diseases (like leucoderma and psoriasis) and as a Rasayana (rejuvenative). Its seeds are the primary part used.

The Fabaceae family is crucial for its nitrogen-fixing ability and its provision of high-protein, high-fiber foods and medicines.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba | English: Cluster Bean, Guar | Sanskrit: Gorakshapalasha | Hindi: Guar, Gawar Phali | Tamil: Kothavarangai | Telugu: Goru Chikkudu | Kannada: Gorikayi | Malayalam: Kottaveranga | Marathi: Gavar | Bengali: Guarchora | Gujarati: Guvar | Urdu: Guar Phali |

3. Medicinal Uses:Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, Laxative, Digestive Stimulant, Nutritive Tonic.

Medicinal Parts:The immature pods (vegetable) and the seeds (source of guar gum) are used.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Galactomannan (Guar Gum): A polysaccharide (soluble fiber) derived from the endosperm of the seed. Its primary actions are potent Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic. It forms a gel in the gut, slowing sugar and fat absorption.

Dietary Fiber (Insoluble): Present in the pod. Its action is as a bulk-forming Laxative, promoting regular bowel movements.

Plant-based Protein: Found in the seeds. Its action is as a Nutritive Tonic.

Phytosterols: Plant compounds that can contribute to Hypolipidemic effects by interfering with cholesterol absorption.

Saponins: Contribute to the Hypocholesterolemic effect and may have Immunomodulatory properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Prameha (Diabetes) & Medoroga (High Cholesterol)

Formulation: The vegetable (pod) or guar gum.

Preparation & Use: Including the cluster bean vegetable in the regular diet is a traditional practice. In modern times, guar gum is used as a dietary supplement for diabetes and cholesterol management.

Reasoning: The high soluble fiber content (galactomannan) is the key active principle, which slows down digestion and the absorption of glucose and fats from the gut.

Vibandha (Constipation)

Formulation: Cooked cluster beans as a vegetable.

Preparation & Use: Consuming a serving of cooked cluster beans provides a good amount of insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to the stool and relieves constipation.

Reasoning: The fiber absorbs water, softens the stool, and stimulates peristalsis.

Agnimandya (Weak Digestion) & Aruchi (Anorexia)

Formulation: Sautéed or curried cluster beans.

Preparation & Use: The fibrous nature of the vegetable is believed to stimulate the digestive fire (Agni) when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

Reasoning: It provides a roughage that helps cleanse the digestive tract and promote healthy bowel function, which in kindles Agni.

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

Cluster bean is a common vegetable in Indian cuisine, especially in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Gawar Ki Sabzi (Stir-fried Cluster Beans)

Purpose: A daily vegetable dish for digestive and metabolic health.

Preparation & Use:

• Chop the beans and sauté with mustard seeds, asafoetida, turmeric, and coriander powder.

• Cook until tender. Often made with a dry or gravy base.

Guar Gum Supplement

Purpose: For concentrated blood sugar and cholesterol support.

Preparation & Use:

• A small amount (as per product instructions, usually 1-2 teaspoons) of guar gum powder is mixed with a large glass of water or juice and consumed immediately before meals.

• It is crucial to take with plenty of water to prevent choking or intestinal blockage.

7. Disclaimer:

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba as a vegetable is safe when cooked. However, guar gum, the isolated fiber from its seeds, must be used with caution. It can cause esophageal or intestinal blockage if not taken with sufficient fluid. It may also cause flatulence, bloating, or cramps. It can interfere with the absorption of oral medications; therefore, medications should be taken at least one hour before or several hours after consuming guar gum. Consult a healthcare provider before using guar gum supplements, especially if you have diabetes, digestive issues, or are on medication.

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

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• The Useful Plants of India by Publications & Information Directorate, CSIR

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

1. Plantago ovata (Psyllium/Isabgol)* Species: Plantago ovata | Family: Plantaginaceae | Genus: Plantago* Similarities: Both are excellent sources of soluble fiber (psyllium is a mucilage). They share nearly identical medicinal uses as bulk-forming laxatives and for managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They work through the same mechanical action of forming a gel in the intestines.

2. Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)* Species: Trigonella foenum-graecum | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Trigonella* Similarities: As a fellow Fabaceae member, fenugreek seeds are also rich in soluble fiber (galactomannans) and share strong hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Both are used as both food and medicine for metabolic health.

3. Hibiscus esculentus (Okra/Bhindi)* Species: Abelmoschus esculentus | Family: Malvaceae | Genus: Abelmoschus* Similarities: Okra is another vegetable that is rich in soluble fiber and mucilage, giving it a similar slippery texture when cooked. It shares the demulcent, hypoglycemic, and cholesterol-lowering potential of cluster beans, working through a similar mechanism of delayed carbohydrate absorption.

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