Phaseolus vulgaris

String bean

Phaseolus vulgaris, commonly known as the common bean, is a versatile legume prized for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Rich in proteins, fiber, and essential antioxidants, it supports digestive health and blood sugar regulation. This cultivated plant remains a vital dietary staple, offering significant therapeutic benefits for holistic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Phaseolus vulgaris
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and the genus Phaseolus. Specifically, Phaseolus vulgaris represents a key species within this taxonomic hierarchy.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Phaseolus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Phaseolus vulgaris, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Luxembourgish, it is referred to as Gréng Boun, while in Chinese, it is called 菜豆. In Javanese, the name used is Buncis, and in Kirundi, it is known as Igiharage, whereas in Basque, it is called babarrun.
Language Common Name Source
lb Gréng Boun Wikidata
zh 菜豆 Wikidata
jv Buncis Wikidata
rn Igiharage Wikidata
eu babarrun Wikidata
pl fasola zwykła Wikidata
qu Purutu Wikidata
es fríjol Wikidata
lij Faxeu Wikidata
hu veteménybab Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution can be identified within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is found throughout Germany as well as the regions of Czechia and Slovakia. The species also extends into Southeastern Europe, specifically within Bulgaria. Finally, its geographical range reaches Eastern Europe, where it is documented in Belarus.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Eastern Europe Belarus WCVP
Eastern Europe Baltic States WCVP
Eastern Europe Central European Russia WCVP
Eastern Europe East European Russia WCVP
Eastern Europe North European Russia WCVP
Eastern Europe South European Russia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Phaseolus vulgaris, is a versatile legume where various structures serve different botanical and nutritional purposes. The growth cycle begins with the cotyledons, which act as the initial nutrient reservoir for the emerging seedling. As the plant matures, it develops elongated green pods that protect the developing reproductive structures. Within each individual pod, a series of beans begin to swell and harden. These mature beans are essentially the seeds of the plant, containing the concentrated genetic material and energy necessary for the next generation to sprout.
Total parts
21
Scientific sources
39
Plant Part Sources Confidence
seeds 11 ★★★★★
beans 5 ★★★☆☆
pods 2 ★☆☆☆☆
pod 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cotyledons 2 ★☆☆☆☆
bean 2 ★☆☆☆☆
white kidney beans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
seedlings 1 ★☆☆☆☆
seed beans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
seed 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Phaseolus vulgaris has 323 reported phytochemicals identified across 506 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include phaseolin, lectin, chlorophyll, methionine, phytohemagglutinin.

Total chemicals
323
Scientific sources
506

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
phaseolin 15 ★★★★★
lectin 14 ★★★★★
chlorophyll 10 ★★★★★
methionine 7 ★★★★☆
phytohemagglutinin 7 ★★★★☆
lysine 6 ★★★☆☆
PHA 5 ★★★☆☆
glucose 5 ★★★☆☆
iron 5 ★★★☆☆
starch 5 ★★★☆☆

Activities

Phaseolus vulgaris has 14 reported activities identified across 24 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Alpha-Amylase-Inhibitor, Mitogenic, Anticancer, Anticarcinogenic, Antidiabetic.

Total activities
14
Scientific sources
24

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Alpha-Amylase-Inhibitor 10 ★★★★★
Mitogenic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticarcinogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimutagenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Phaseolus vulgaris has 71 reported medicinal uses identified across 90 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include drought, obesity, vomiting, water stress, weight loss.

Total uses
71
Scientific sources
90

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
drought 3 ★★☆☆☆
obesity 3 ★★☆☆☆
vomiting 3 ★★☆☆☆
water stress 3 ★★☆☆☆
weight loss 3 ★★☆☆☆
acute renal failure 2 ★☆☆☆☆
alfalfa mosaic virus 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorosis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetes mellitus 2 ★☆☆☆☆