Canavalia ensiformis
Canavalia ensiformis, commonly known as jack bean, is a versatile legume valued in traditional medicine. Rich in bioactive compounds, it possesses significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Often utilized in herbal remedies, this plant offers promising therapeutic potential for treating various ailments, making it a subject of intense pharmacological interest.
- Scientific name: Canavalia ensiformis
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Cana Valiia ensiformis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Canavalia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, scientifically known as Canavalia ensiformis, is recognized by various names across different cultures and languages. In Russian, it is referred to as Канавалия мечеввидная, while in Chinese, it is known as 白刀豆. In Haitian Creole, the plant is called Pwa maldyòk, and in Portuguese, it is commonly known as Feijão-de-porco. Additionally, in the Dhivehi language, it is identified as މާނިފާ.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | Канавалия мечевидная | Wikidata |
| zh | 白刀豆 | Wikidata |
| ht | Pwa maldyòk | Wikidata |
| pt | Feijão-de-porco | Wikidata |
| dv | މާނިފާ | Wikidata |
| de | Jackbohne | Wikidata |
| ja | タチナタマメ | Wikidata |
| pl | kanawalia mieczokształtna | Wikidata |
| id | kara pedang | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 關刀豆 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Canavalia ensiformis, exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented across several distinct nations, including Benin and Ghana. Additionally, it can be found growing within the territories of Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. The range further extends southward to include the coastal areas of the Ivory Coast. Together, these locations define the primary natural habitat for this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Canavalia ensiformis, is often valued for its nutritional and medicinal potential, with its primary components being the seeds and grains. The seeds are contained within large, robust pods, and they serve as the central source of the plant's bioactive compounds. When processed, these grains can be used in various traditional applications, offering a concentrated way to utilize the plant's inherent properties for health benefits.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| grains | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Canavalia ensiformis has 47 reported phytochemicals identified across 67 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include concanavalin A, canavanine, Con A, canavalin, lysine.
- Total chemicals
- 47
- Scientific sources
- 67
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| concanavalin A | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| canavanine | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Con A | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| canavalin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| lysine | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Concanavalin A | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stachyose | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trypsin inhibitor | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trypsin inhibitors | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ca | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Canavalia ensiformis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Protease-Inhibitor.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Protease-Inhibitor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Canavalia ensiformis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include flatulence.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flatulence | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |