Cicer arietinum
What's the taxonomical classification of Cicer arietinum?
Cicer arietinum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following the taxonomic hierarchy further, it is placed in the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its specific genus, Cicer, and its species designation, arietinum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Cicer |
| Species | arietinum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Cicer arietinum has a taproot system, pinnately compound leaves with numerous small leaflets, and trifoliate flowers that produce small, indehiscent pods containing seeds. The plant typically grows as an erect or semi-erect annual herb reaching heights of 20 to 50 centimeters. Its leaves are characterized by a glaucous, grayish-green color and are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are pale yellow and possess a distinct papilionaceous structure typical of the Fabaceae family. Once pollinated, the small, cylindrical pods develop and eventually contain the edible chickpeas.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, particularly extending through parts of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It has since been widely naturalized in diverse climatic zones across the globe due to its importance as a food crop. Major production centers are now located in India, which accounts for a vast majority of the global output. Other significant cultivation areas include Turkey, Ethiopia, and various nations within the Mediterranean basin. The species thrives in semi-arid environments where it can tolerate moderate drought conditions.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, known as the chickpea, is cultivated in well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 under temperate or semi-arid climates.
Growers typically plant seeds during the autumn or spring depending on the specific variety and local seasonal patterns. It requires moderate amounts of moisture but is highly tolerant of drought conditions once the root system is established. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil help reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers during the growth process.
Harvesting occurs once the pods have turned brown and the seeds reach the desired hardness.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Cicer arietinum provides medicinal benefits through its leaves, pods, roots, seeds, and stems. The leaves and stems are often utilized in traditional practices to help manage inflammation and digestive issues. Both the seeds and the pods contain high concentrations of nutrients and bioactive compounds that support overall metabolic health. Additionally, the roots are sometimes processed to create extracts used for their potential calming or restorative properties. Together, these various components offer a diverse range of therapeutic applications in herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in microbiology", bacterial endophytes were isolated from the leaves, stems, and roots of Cicer arietinum. These endophytes were used to suppress wilt complex disease caused by 3 soil-borne fungal pathogens. The strains TRO4 and CLO5 were effective in reducing percent disease incidence with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. These strains also significantly increased root parameters including root length in mm, surface area in cm2, root diameter in mm, and root volume in cm3 at p ≤ 0.05. The study also noted the differential activation of 2 pathogenesis-related genes, 60srp and IFR, through endophyte inoculation.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
- pods
- roots
- seeds
- stems
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as the chickpea, has been utilized for millennia in various traditional medical practices, most notably within the Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic traditions, the seeds are often employed to balance bodily energies and are believed to possess properties that aid in digestion and strength. Historical records indicate that different cultures have processed the legume to create poultices or dietary staples intended to support general wellness. Beyond nutritional supplementation, ancient practitioners frequently integrated the plant into topical applications to address specific skin conditions. These long-standing uses demonstrate the significant role the species has played in both dietary stability and therapeutic intervention throughout history.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Cicer arietinum L. is used in the Indian system of medicine as part of a traditional herbal formulation known as Ubtan. This formulation has been used in India and its subcontinent for a long time. Cicer arietinum L. was included as one of the powdered plants in the preparation of four in-house formulations labeled UF-1, UF-2, UF-3 and UF-4. These formulations were evaluated to determine their efficacy in skin care. The study also explored the biological activity of these mixtures, noting that UF-1 showed notable biological activity with a p<0.05.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Indian system of medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Cicer arietinum?
This plant has pharmacological activities including alpha amylase inhibitor activity, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and cholesterol lowering properties. Its antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals to prevent oxidative stress within cells. The presence of specific bioactive compounds allows it to function as an effective anti-inflammatory agent by reducing swelling and pain. Furthermore, its ability to inhibit alpha amylase makes it a useful tool for managing blood glucose levels. These combined effects also contribute to its potential in suppressing tumor growth and lowering cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
According to a study published by "Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)", twenty eight varieties of Cicer arietinum seeds were analyzed for alpha amylase inhibitor activity using salivary amylase. Heat treatment and germination were shown to decrease the activity of this antinutritional factor. Additionally, Cicer arietinum meal subjected to UV irradiation and pressure cooking exhibited decreased alpha amylase inhibitor activity. The inhibitor activity decreased as the days of germination increased. Negligible inhibitor activity was observed on the 6th day of germination.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- alpha amylase inhibitor activity
- anti-cancer
- anti-inflamatory
- antioxidant
- cholesterol lowering
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive medicinal compounds including the isoflavones genistein and daidzein, alongside gallic acid and phytic acid. The presence of genistein and daidzein provides significant antioxidant and phytoestrogenic properties that may support hormonal balance. Gallic acid contributes to the plant's ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation within the body. Additionally, phytic acid serves as an important organic compound that plays a role in mineral absorption and metabolic health. Together, these diverse chemical constituents contribute to the overall therapeutic potential of Cicer arietinum.
According to a study published by "Lipids", isoflavones were isolated from the pulse Cicer arietinum. Among these compounds, Biochanin A and Formononetin showed hypolipidemic activity. The study also examined diadzeiin, which did not show such activity. Additionally, p-coumaric acid produced a significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels when supplemented to a hypercholesterolemia-inducing diet of rats.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Isoflavones
- Genistein
- Daidzein
- Phytic acid
- Saponins
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), reducing cholesterol, treating hyperlipidemia, and alleviating inflammation. High dietary fiber content in the seeds helps regulate blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM. The presence of specific bioactive compounds also plays a significant role in lowering cholesterol and addressing hyperlipidemia. Additionally, its antioxidant properties assist the body in reducing systemic inflammation. These combined nutritional benefits make it a functional food for metabolic health.
According to a study published by "Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica", total saponins from Cicer arietinum (TSCA) were studied for their protective effects on the kidney of T2DM rats. The study utilized a high dose group of 300 mg x kg(-1) and a low dose group of 100 mg x kg(-1) for TSCA. After 4 weeks of treatment, TSCA II was found to significantly reduce levels of FPG, FIns, BUN, Scr, ATII, and ET-1. In the TSCA II group, the ratios of TXB2 to 6-keto-PGF1alpha and SOD were also effectively alleviated. While TSCA I provided relief for Scr, ATII, ET-1, GSH-PX, and SOD, it showed no significant change on FPG and BUN compared to the model group. Ultimately, the results suggest TSCA II could be used to reduce FPG and FIns and is more effective for renal protection in DM rats.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- T2DM
- cholesterol
- diabetes mellitus
- hyperlipidemia
- inflammation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Cicer arietinum, which is utilized to create various medicinal herbal preparations including methanolic extract, boiled extracts, flour, and powder. The methanolic extract is often studied for its concentrated bioactive compounds, while boiled extracts are traditionally prepared for consumption. Many therapeutic applications involve using the ground flour or fine powder to incorporate the plant into dietary regimens. These different forms are frequently analyzed to measure the concentration of total saponins within the substance. Such chemical constituents are essential for understanding the plant's overall medicinal efficacy.
According to a study published by "Acta poloniae pharmaceutica", the methanolic extract of Desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum var) inhibited arachidonic acid (AA) induced platelet aggregation with an IC50 value of 46 microg/mL. This extract was found to be not active against platelet activating factor (PAF) induced platelet aggregation. In a COX-2 assay where all extracts were tested at a concentration of 20 microg/mL, Desi chickpea showed 87% inhibition. Additionally, the Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum var) extract showed 65% inhibition in the same COX-2 assay. These results indicate that Desi chickpea and Kabuli chickpea could be useful as natural antithrombotic anti-inflammatory materials.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Methanolic extract
- boiled extracts
- flour
- powder
- total saponins
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause flatulence, allergic reactions, asthma, rhinitis, and digestive issues due to its trypsin inhibitor activity. The high fiber and complex carbohydrate content often lead to increased gas production during digestion. Some sensitive individuals may experience respiratory issues like asthma or nasal inflammation known as rhinitis upon exposure. Furthermore, the allergenicity of the plant can trigger various immune responses in predisposed people. The presence of trypsin inhibitor activity can also interfere with the body's ability to properly digest proteins.
According to a study published by "Archivos latinoamericanos de nutricion", the germination of Cicer arietinum at 25 degrees C and 85% RH for 72 hours produced specific biochemical changes. This process resulted in a significant increase in crude protein content and a significant reduction in phytates levels. The germination also led to a significant reduction of flatulence oligosaccharides. Additionally, sprouted seeds showed a higher content of almost all amino acids compared to crude legumes and a significant increase of riboflavin. Finally, the germination process decreased both ashes and fat contents in the plant.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- flatulence
- allergenicity
- asthma
- rhinitis
- trypsin inhibitor activity
What herbs are paired with Cicer arietinum?
This plant, known as the chickpea, pairs exceptionally well with earthy and aromatic herbs such as cumin, coriander, rosemary, and thyme.
The warm, nutty undertones of the legume are enhanced by the deep, smoky notes of cumin and the citrusy brightness of coriander. When roasted, the addition of woody herbs like rosemary or thyme provides a fragrant contrast to the creamy texture of the seeds. These combinations are frequently used in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines to create complex flavor profiles.
Using fresh mint or parsley can also provide a cooling finish to heavy chickpea stews or salads.