Vigna angularis
What's the taxonomical classification of Vigna angularis?
Vigna angularis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following its taxonomic hierarchy further, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, the plant is identified by its genus, Vigna, and its specific species designation, angularis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Vigna |
| Species | angularis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Vigna angularis has an annual climbing or trailing habit characterized by trifoliate leaves with ovate leaflets and small, pale yellow or white papilionaceous flowers. The stems are slender and often prostrate, spreading across the ground to form dense mats. Each leaf consists of three leaflets that are typically 1 to 3 centimeters in length with smooth margins. The inflorescence is a raceme that bears several small flowers, which eventually develop into flat, cylindrical green pods. These pods contain several small, rounded seeds that are essential for the plant's reproductive cycle.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically spanning across regions of China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Eastern Russia. It thrives primarily in temperate climates where seasonal variations allow for its specific growth cycle. While its natural range is centered in these Asian territories, it has been introduced to other parts of the world for agricultural purposes. In some non-native regions, it is cultivated in various soil types to serve as a protein-rich food source. Its ability to adapt to diverse environments has helped expand its footprint beyond its original ecological boundaries.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as adzuki bean, requires well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and consistent warmth to thrive.
Sowing should occur in late spring once the soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It benefits from full sun exposure and regular moisture, though it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Providing support structures like trellises can significantly increase yields for climbing varieties.
Harvesting occurs when the pods are mature and dry, signaling that the seeds are ready for use.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Vignav angularis, provides medicinal benefits through its beans, flowers, leaves, roots, and stems. The protein-rich beans serve as a nutritional base to support overall body health and vitality. Medicinal extracts from the leaves and flowers are often utilized for their specific bioactive properties in traditional remedies. The roots are frequently processed to address various internal ailments due to their concentrated chemical compounds. Even the stems can be incorporated into decoctions to aid in therapeutic applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of agricultural and food chemistry", aroma extracts from Vigna angularis were prepared using simultaneous steam distillation and solvent extraction under conditions of 55 degrees C and 95 mmHg. These extracts inhibited the oxidation of hexanal for nearly 1 month at a level of 250 microL/mL. Furthermore, the Vigna angularis extract inhibited malonaldehyde formation from cod-liver oil by 86% at the 250 microL/mL level. The antioxidative activities of these extracts were found to be comparable with the natural antioxidant alpha-tocopherol.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bean
- flower
- leaf
- root
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, commonly known as adzuki bean, has been a fundamental staple in East Asian diets for thousands of years, serving as a primary source of protein and nutrition.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds are utilized to clear heat and reduce swelling while supporting kidney and heart health. Japanese culinary traditions heavily feature the beans in sweet preparations like anko, which is a paste used in various ceremonial desserts. Throughout historical agricultural practices in many Asian cultures, the plant was also valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing the fertility of crop rotations.
These long-standing uses demonstrate the deep cultural and medicinal integration of the species across several centuries.
What are the pharmacological activities of Vigna angularis?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory, and anti-diabetic pharmacological activities. Its potent antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within the body. The presence of bioactive compounds also provides significant anti-inflammatory effects to combat various inflammatory processes. Furthermore, the plant exhibits strong anti-diabetic potential through its hypoglycemic actions. Specifically, its alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity helps manage blood glucose levels by slowing down carbohydrate digestion.
According to a study published by "Bone", the triterpenoid compound oleanolic acid acetate (OAA) was isolated from Vigna angularis to discover anti-bone resorptive agents. OAA inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) without any evidence of cytotoxicity. This compound significantly inhibited Btk phosphorylation, phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) phosphorylation, calcium ion (Ca(2+)) oscillation, and nuclear factor of activated T cell c1 (NFATc1) expression in RANKL-stimulated BMMs. Additionally, OAA inhibited the bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts. The results suggested that OAA inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis via PLCγ2-Ca(2+)-NFATc1 signaling and suppressed inflammatory bone loss in vivo.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- hypoglycemic
- α-glucosidase inhibitory activity
- pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains medicinal compounds including adzukisaponin A, daidzein, genistein, proteinase inhibitors I-A, and triterpenoid saponins. These specific phytochemicals contribute to the diverse pharmacological properties associated with the species. The isoflavones daidzein and genistein are often studied for their potential roles in hormonal regulation and antioxidant activities. Additionally, the presence of adzukisaponin A and various triterpenoid saponins provides significant bioactive qualities to the plant's profile. Proteinase inhibitors I-A further enhance its medicinal value by interacting with digestive enzymes.
According to a study published by "Life (Basel, Switzerland)", the adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) contains a new triterpenoid saponin, adzukisaponin A (1), along with eleven known compounds (2-12). Among these, compounds 3 (yunganoside B1), 6 (3β-acetyl oleanolic acid), and 7 (β-amyrin) are reported from this source for the first time. Saponins 1-3 and flavonoid 8 exhibited significant dual inhibitory activity. Specifically, saponins 1-3 inhibited pancreatic lipase with IC50 values of 0.11 ± 0.18 to 0.40 ± 0.21 mM and acted against α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 0.14 ± 0.11 to 0.23 ± 0.17 mM. The study identifies 1-3 and 8 as dual α-glucosidase/pancreatic lipase inhibitors.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- adzuki saponin A
- daizein
- genistein
- proteinase inhibitors
- saponins
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing diabetes mellitus, reducing oxidative stress, preventing osteoporosis, alleviating inflammation, and delaying the effects of aging. Its bioactive compounds help regulate blood glucose levels, which is essential for patients dealing with metabolic disorders. The antioxidant properties of the plant effectively combat oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Furthermore, its ability to mitigate inflammation and support bone density provides therapeutic benefits for those suffering from osteoporosis. By addressing these various physiological challenges, the plant serves as a potential natural agent to combat the cellular processes associated with aging.
According to a study published by "Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)", the 40% ethanol fraction of hot-water extracts of Vigna angularis (EtEx.40) shows hypoglycemic effects on blood glucose and serum insulin levels. In an experiment with 4-wk-old non-diabetic KK-A(y) mice, subjects were fed 5000 mg of EtEx.40/kg of body weight per day for 8 wk to investigate the prevention of type 2 diabetes. EtEx.40 supplementation significantly lowered blood glucose levels, water intake, serum insulin levels, urinary glucose, urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio, liver triacylglycerol, and total cholesterol levels. Similar improvements were observed in 7-wk-old diabetic KK-A(y) mice fed EtEx.40 for 4 wk. Ultimately, EtEx.40 provides preventive and ameliorative effects on the progression of diabetes mellitus by modulating blood glucose levels and protecting against oxidative damage.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- diabetes mellitus
- osteoporosis
- oxidative stress
- inflammation
- aging
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including Vigna angularis extract and the 40% ethanol fraction of hot-water extracts. These specific formulations are developed to isolate bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's therapeutic properties. Researchers utilize varying solvent concentrations to target different phytochemical profiles within the seeds or leaves. The extraction processes aim to standardize the potency of the resulting medicinal products for clinical or supplemental use. Such preparations are studied for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in biological systems.
According to a study published by "Bone", oleanolic acid acetate (OAA) was isolated from Vigna angularis (azuki bean) to discover anti-bone resorptive agents. The research investigated the effect of OAA-derived Vigna angularis extract on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. OAA inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) without any evidence of cytotoxicity. This compound significantly inhibited Btk phosphorylation, phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) phosphorylation, calcium ion (Ca(2+)) oscillation, and nuclear factor of activated T cell c1 (NFATc1) expression in RANKL-stimulated BMMs. Additionally, OAA inhibited the bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts and attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced bone erosion in mice.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Vigna angularis extract
- 40% ethanol fraction of hot-water extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause a decrease in serum total cholesterol levels in the human body. These biochemical changes occur due to the presence of specific bioactive compounds found within the seeds and sprouts. Regular consumption may lead to a significant reduction in circulating lipids, which can impact overall metabolic profiles. While this effect may assist in managing lipid levels, it requires careful monitoring to prevent excessively low values. Understanding these physiological responses is essential for anyone using the plant as a dietary supplement.
According to a study published by "Lipids", rats were fed 150 g/kg of Vigna angularis starch for a 4 wk period. There were no significant differences in body weight among the groups throughout the experimental period. The liver weight in the group fed corn starch was 1.1-1.2 times higher than that in the Vigna angularis group. Serum total cholesterol concentrations in the Vigna angularis starch group were significantly lower than those in the corn starch group through the feeding period. The relative quantity of hepatic apo B mRNA in the Vigna angularis group was 1.2 times higher than that in the corn starch group. Additionally, hepatic LDL receptor mRNA levels in the Vigna angularis group were 1.8-2.0 times higher than those in the corn starch group.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- low serum total cholesterol
What herbs are paired with Vigna angularis?
This plant, known as the adzuki bean, pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs such as cilantro, mint, basil, and ginger.
The earthy and slightly sweet flavor profile of the beans provides a neutral base that complements the bright notes of fresh cilantro. Mint and basil can be used to add a refreshing lift to chilled salads containing these legumes. Additionally, incorporating ginger provides a warm, spicy undertone that enhances the natural nuttiness of the seeds.
These combinations work well in both savory stews and sweet dessert preparations.