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Dolichos

Also known as: Lablab purpureus, Lablab bean, Hyacinth bean, Indian bean, Dolichos bean, Dolichos lablab

Overview

Dolichos lablab, also known as Lablab purpureus, is a leguminous plant whose seeds and extracts are utilized as dietary supplements and traditional remedies. Sourced from the bean pods, it is categorized as a phytochemical-rich nutraceutical. Its primary applications include gastrointestinal protection, anti-stress effects, and potential metabolic benefits such as anti-diabetic properties. The plant's beneficial effects are attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective phytochemical constituents. While research is still emerging, available studies include animal models, small clinical trials, and some human randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The current quality of evidence is moderate, with well-designed RCTs for specific applications but a lack of large-scale meta-analyses.

Benefits

Dolichos lablab offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in gastrointestinal health. A rat model study demonstrated that its extract significantly reduced stress-related mucosal damage (SRMD) by decreasing inflammatory mediators (IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α), apoptosis, and preserving gastric mucin, indicating strong gastroprotective effects. Furthermore, a randomized controlled trial involving 130 patients with mild functional dyspepsia (FD) showed that a specific Dolichos lablab extract (NOVAponin) at 500 mg/day significantly improved FD symptoms, particularly in the epigastric pain syndrome subtype and in females, with a favorable safety profile. Preliminary studies also suggest potential anti-diabetic activity due to its rich content of proteins, fibers, and phytochemicals, though high-quality human trials are needed to confirm this benefit. There is no direct evidence supporting its efficacy for conditions like knee osteoarthritis.

How it works

Dolichos lablab extracts exert their therapeutic effects primarily through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. They activate the Nrf2 pathway, leading to an increase in antioxidant enzymes like HO-1 and NQO1, which are crucial for protecting gastric mucosa from oxidative stress. The extract also suppresses NF-κB activation, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases, which mitigates inflammation and tissue damage. Additionally, it modulates apoptosis regulators such as caspase-1 and enhances protective heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP27). The bioactive compounds responsible for these actions are likely polyphenols and flavonoids. While absorption and bioavailability data are limited, oral administration at 500 mg/day has demonstrated clinical efficacy in humans.

Side effects

Overall, Dolichos lablab extracts appear to have a favorable safety profile. No serious adverse events have been reported in human clinical trials. Common side effects are not well-documented, but the functional dyspepsia trial noted no significant gastrointestinal or systemic side effects. Currently, there are no known drug interactions or contraindications reported in the reviewed literature. However, specific studies on special populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals, or children, have not been conducted. Therefore, caution is advised for these groups due to the lack of specific safety data. The maximum safe dose for long-term use has not yet been established.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose identified in human studies is approximately 500 mg/day of a standardized Dolichos lablab extract, specifically the NOVAponin formulation. This dosage was shown to be effective in improving symptoms of functional dyspepsia. In animal studies, an optimal dose range of 25–50 mg/kg/day was observed, which roughly converts to about 8 mg/kg/day in humans. The maximum safe dose has not been established, but clinical trial doses were well tolerated. For administration, it is typically taken orally daily, often in standardized extract capsules. No specific timing related to meals has been reported. While absorption may be influenced by its phytochemical composition, no specific cofactors have been identified to enhance its bioavailability.

FAQs

Is Dolichos lablab safe for long-term use?

Limited data suggest safety in short to medium-term use, particularly at doses around 500 mg/day. However, long-term safety has not been extensively studied, so caution is advised for prolonged use.

How quickly do benefits appear?

In patients with functional dyspepsia, symptom improvement was observed within a few weeks of daily intake of 500 mg/day of Dolichos lablab extract.

Can it replace conventional medications?

Currently, Dolichos lablab is considered an adjunct or alternative for mild gastrointestinal symptoms. It is not a replacement for conventional medications, especially for severe medical conditions.

Is it effective for other conditions like osteoarthritis?

No direct evidence supports the effectiveness of Dolichos lablab for conditions like osteoarthritis. Other supplements are generally preferred and better-researched for such conditions.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7417803/ – This animal study demonstrated that Dolichos lablab extract significantly reduced stress-related gastric mucosal damage in rats. It achieved this by decreasing inflammatory mediators, apoptosis, and preserving gastric mucin, while activating the Nrf2 pathway, indicating strong gastroprotective effects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11474556/ – A human randomized controlled trial (n=130) found that NOVAponin, a Dolichos lablab extract (500 mg/day), significantly improved symptoms of mild functional dyspepsia, particularly in the epigastric pain syndrome subtype and in females, with a good safety profile.
https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research+Journal+of+Pharmacy+and+Technology%3BPID%3D2022-15-7-64 – This nutritional and phytochemical analysis identified the rich content of proteins, fibers, and phytochemicals in Dolichos lablab, suggesting its potential for anti-diabetic activity. However, it noted the lack of clinical trial data to support these preliminary findings.