Dolichos Lablab
Also known as: Lablab purpureus, Hyacinth bean, lablab bean, Indian bean, Dolichos lablab
Overview
Dolichos lablab, also known as Lablab purpureus or hyacinth bean, is a leguminous plant from the Fabaceae family, widely cultivated in tropical regions. Its seeds and extracts are utilized as a traditional food and are increasingly investigated as a functional food ingredient and dietary supplement. It is recognized for its potential in supporting gastrointestinal health, exhibiting antiviral properties, and offering metabolic benefits such as glycemic control. The plant contains various bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential antiviral effects. While research on Dolichos lablab is still emerging, it shows promise, with some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating efficacy in functional dyspepsia and preclinical studies supporting its gastroprotective and antiviral actions. However, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on Dolichos lablab supplements are currently limited.
Benefits
Dolichos lablab offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in gastrointestinal health and potential antiviral activity. A randomized controlled trial involving 130 adults with mild functional dyspepsia demonstrated that a Dolichos lablab extract product significantly improved symptoms, particularly epigastric pain syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. This suggests strong evidence for its use in managing functional dyspepsia. Preclinical animal studies further support its gastroprotective effects, showing that extracts can reduce stress-induced gastric mucosal injury and bleeding, indicating protection against stress-related damage. In vitro studies have revealed that methanolic extracts of Lablab purpureus seeds inhibit viral plaque formation, suggesting potential antiviral properties, though this evidence is currently limited to laboratory settings. Additionally, molecular docking and nutritional evaluations hint at potential benefits in diabetes mellitus management, but clinical evidence for this application remains preliminary. Benefits in humans have been observed with daily doses around 500 mg of extract, with effects typically manifesting over several weeks.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Dolichos lablab are attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition. Its gastroprotective effects are believed to stem from its ability to enhance mucosal regeneration and proliferation, coupled with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that help protect the gastric lining. The potential antiviral effects may involve specific phytochemicals that interfere with viral replication processes and inhibit plaque formation, as indicated by in vitro assays and molecular docking studies. For its suggested metabolic benefits, Dolichos lablab may modulate enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and enhance the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms. While the exact bioavailability of all active compounds is not fully understood, studies have successfully utilized water and methanolic extracts, suggesting that the beneficial components are soluble in these solvents.
Side effects
Current research indicates that Dolichos lablab extracts generally possess a good safety profile. In human clinical trials, such as the randomized controlled trial for functional dyspepsia, no significant adverse events were reported, suggesting minimal common side effects. The literature reviewed does not indicate any significant drug interactions or contraindications associated with Dolichos lablab. However, it is important to note that safety data for specific populations, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children, are insufficient, and therefore, its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided until more research is available. While the overall safety appears favorable based on existing data, comprehensive long-term safety studies are still needed to fully characterize any potential rare or delayed adverse effects.
Dosage
Based on current research, the recommended dosage for Dolichos lablab extract is approximately 500 mg per day. This dosage was derived from a randomized controlled trial where a product containing Dolichos lablab extract (equivalent to 715 mg/day of the NOVAponin product) was used effectively in adults with mild functional dyspepsia. This human dose was extrapolated from preclinical studies in rats, which showed efficacy at 25-50 mg/kg/day. Optimal dosing beyond this range has not been established, and a clear maximum safe dose has not been defined. While the timing of administration is not extensively studied, oral administration of aqueous or methanolic extracts is the typical form used in research. It is important to adhere to the studied dosages, as higher doses have not been evaluated for safety or increased efficacy.
FAQs
Is Dolichos lablab safe for long-term use?
Current evidence from short-term randomized controlled trials suggests it is safe for the duration of those studies, but comprehensive data on long-term safety are not yet available.
Can it be used for viral infections?
In vitro studies show promising antiviral activity, but clinical efficacy against viral infections in humans has not yet been proven and requires further research.
How quickly do benefits appear?
In clinical trials for dyspepsia, symptom improvement was observed within a few weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
Is it effective for diabetes?
Preliminary in silico and biochemical data suggest potential benefits for diabetes management, but robust clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11474556/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy and safety of a Dolichos lablab extract product (NOVAponin) in 130 adults with mild functional dyspepsia. The study found significant improvement in dyspepsia symptoms, particularly epigastric pain syndrome, with a good safety profile, supporting its use for gastrointestinal health.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c01478 – This in vitro study evaluated the antiviral activity of methanolic extracts from Lablab purpureus seeds against BoHV-1 virus. The research demonstrated that the extracts significantly inhibited viral plaque formation, suggesting potential antiviral properties, though this is limited to laboratory conditions.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7417803/ – This preclinical animal study investigated the gastroprotective effects of Dolichos lablab extracts in rats subjected to stress-induced gastric mucosal injury. The findings indicated that the extract reduced gastric bleeding and mucosal damage, providing evidence for its protective effects on the stomach lining.
- https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research+Journal+of+Pharmacy+and+Technology%3BPID%3D2022-15-7-64 – This study involved molecular docking and nutritional evaluation to explore the potential of Dolichos lablab for diabetes mellitus management. While not a clinical trial, the in silico and biochemical analyses suggested a theoretical basis for its use in modulating glucose metabolism, indicating a need for further clinical investigation.
