Cicer arietinum
Cicer arietinum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cicer arietinum, commonly known as the chickpea, is a versatile plant valued for the diverse bioactive compounds found in its seeds and leaves. Its chemical profile is rich in essential components such as albumin, flavonoids, lectins, and saponins. Research indicates that various preparations, including hydro-alcoholic extracts and dried or sprouted seeds, exhibit significant antiarthritic and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, the plant shows promise in managing complex conditions like Alzheimer's disease and hypercholesterolemia through its roles as a 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. These therapeutic properties are often studied in relation to enzymatic interactions involving chymotrypsin and trypsin.
- Synonyms
- Vicia Arietina
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Cicer arietinum is a versatile legume known by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. It is most widely recognized in many regions as the common Bengal gram. In certain culinary circles, it is frequently referred to as Garavanzo. The plant also carries the descriptive name Cicer tete de belier in specific contexts. Finally, it is identified in Polish as Ciecierzyca pospolita, showcasing its global presence.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cicer arietinum is a plant species that is widely recognized by its scientific name. In various historical botanical records, this same plant is also identified by the synonym Vicia arietina. Understanding these overlapping nomenclatures is essential for researchers tracking the lineage of the species. While modern classification provides a standardized name, these older synonyms remain important for accurate taxonomic study. Recognizing both terms ensures that botanical data remains consistent across different scientific eras.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cicer arietinum is a remarkable organism that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Fabales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It is a prominent member of the genus Cicer, which defines its immediate botanical relatives. Ultimately, this species is most widely recognized as a vital part of the Fabaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Cicer |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cicer arietinum exhibits a diverse geographic range that spans several key regions across the African continent. Within East Tropical Africa, this species is prominently distributed throughout Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its presence also extends westward into the Macaronesia region, specifically occupying the Canary Islands. Furthermore, the plant can be found thriving in the unique environment of Madeira. This wide distribution highlights the adaptability of the species across various African landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cicer arietinum is characterized as an herbaceous plant that maintains a self-supporting growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 0.8 meters as it matures. Depending on environmental factors, its stature can vary significantly across different growing conditions. While some specimens may only reach a minimum height of 0.12 meters, others tend to stabilize at a minimum of 0.6 meters. These diverse height ranges illustrate the adaptable nature of this particular herb.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cicer arietinum is recognized for its diverse medicinal properties and significant biological activities. Research indicates that this plant possesses notable antiarthritic capabilities, which contribute to its therapeutic potential. Furthermore, studies have identified specific proteins within the plant that exhibit potent antifungal effects against various pathogenic strains. These findings are supported by its demonstrated antimicrobial activity, making it a valuable subject for developing natural alternatives to current drugs. Ultimately, the multifaceted chemical profile of Cicer arietinum highlights its importance in both antioxidant and pathogen-fighting applications.
Compounds
Cicer arietinum serves as a rich biological source for a diverse array of essential proteins and bioactive chemical constituents. Research indicates that the plant contains albumin, which contributes to its complex nutritional and functional profile. The seed coats of the species are also characterized by specific phenylpropanoids, including coniferaldehyde and gallic acid, which play roles in regulating seed dormancy. Furthermore, metabolic analysis has identified the presence of flavonoids such as isoorientin within the plant's chemical makeup. Finally, specialized studies on the seeds have successfully isolated fomononetin, highlighting the plant's potential for discovering new natural products.
Conditions
Cicer arietinum proteins show significant potential to treat Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and suppressing β-amyloid aggregation. This plant also contains specific inhibitors used to treat trypsin and chymotrypsin through the modification of lysine residues. Furthermore, the isoflavones found in Cicer arietinum help treat hypercholesterolemia by demonstrating effective hypolipidemic and lipodiatic activities. Studies regarding dietary substitutes also show that nutrient digestibilities are higher for cattle fed 100% chickpeas than those fed 0% chickpeas.
Preparations
Cicer arietinum is prepared as dried and sprouted seeds to facilitate the study and isolation of bioactive natural products. In renal protection research, the plant is prepared as two different total saponin extracts known as TSCA I and TSCA II. These specific saponin preparations, particularly TSCA II, have been shown to be effective in reducing blood glucose levels and protecting the kidneys of diabetic rats. Additionally, the plant is prepared as hydro-alcoholic extracts to evaluate its potential as a human aromatase inhibitor. Finally, Cicer arietinum is prepared as leaf extracts, which demonstrate significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-protein denaturation activities.
Parts used
Cicer arietinum is a versatile legume that offers significant scientific interest through its various plant parts. Research into its seeds has revealed complex enzymatic activities related to calcium influx and the identification of diverse bioactive chemical constituents. Additionally, the seeds serve as a non-toxic control in studies comparing the neurological effects of different dietary legumes. Beyond the seed, the leaves of Cicer arietinum also demonstrate remarkable medicinal properties. Specifically, leaf extracts have shown high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, including significant scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide.