Phaseolus trilobus
Also known as: Vigna trilobata, Phaseolus species, Phaseolus trilobus
Overview
Phaseolus trilobus, also known by its synonym Vigna trilobata, is an annual, spreading, herbaceous runner plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, which also includes other well-known Phaseolus species used in food and medicine. This plant is traditionally utilized in ethnomedicine for various therapeutic purposes, including liver protection, pain relief (analgesic), cough suppression (antitussive), and wound healing. However, research on Phaseolus trilobus is limited, consisting mostly of preclinical (animal or in vitro) and ethnopharmacological studies. High-quality clinical evidence in humans is scarce, and there have been no systematic crop breeding or pharmaceutical standardization efforts reported for this plant. The overall quality of evidence for its effects is considered low to moderate, with a notable absence of controlled clinical trials in humans.
Benefits
Research on Phaseolus trilobus suggests several potential benefits, primarily based on preclinical studies. Its most prominent effect is hepatoprotective activity, demonstrated in rat models where methanol extracts protected against paracetamol-induced liver damage, showing significant biochemical improvements. This suggests a potential role in supporting liver health, though human efficacy is unproven. Additionally, animal studies have observed analgesic (pain-relieving) and antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects from methanol extracts. Ethnopharmacological surveys and preliminary studies also indicate wound healing properties. Secondary effects, such as potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, have been suggested but lack robust quantification. It is crucial to note that no human Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) with adequate sample sizes or statistical power have been identified, meaning that population-specific benefits, effect sizes, and clinical significance in humans are not established. Animal studies typically evaluate effects over days to weeks, but human data on the time course of effects are unavailable.
How it works
The precise mechanisms of action for Phaseolus trilobus are not fully elucidated, but preclinical data offer some insights. The observed hepatoprotective effect is thought to involve antioxidant pathways, which help reduce oxidative stress in liver tissue. The analgesic and antitussive activities are likely mediated by various bioactive phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, that have been isolated from the plant's seeds and extracts. These compounds may modulate inflammatory mediators and act as free radical scavengers. However, specific molecular targets in clinical contexts remain unidentified. Furthermore, data regarding the absorption and bioavailability of its active compounds in the human body are currently lacking.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Phaseolus trilobus in humans is not well documented due to a significant lack of clinical research. While traditional use suggests a low toxicity, there are no data on common, uncommon, or rare side effects in humans. Preclinical animal studies have reported no acute toxicity at the doses tested, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to human safety. Crucially, there are no documented drug interactions or contraindications for Phaseolus trilobus because of the absence of clinical data. Information regarding its safety for special populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals, pediatric patients, or the elderly, is entirely unknown. Therefore, caution is advised, and its use should be approached with an understanding of the significant gaps in safety information.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for Phaseolus trilobus due to the complete absence of clinical trials in humans. Preclinical studies have utilized various extract concentrations without standardization, making it impossible to derive human-relevant dosages. Consequently, there is no data available on the minimum effective dose, optimal dose, or maximum safe dose for human consumption. Furthermore, recommendations regarding the timing of administration, specific formulations (e.g., capsules, tinctures, powders), or factors influencing absorption are entirely unavailable. Any use of Phaseolus trilobus would be based on traditional practices rather than evidence-based dosing protocols.
FAQs
Is Phaseolus trilobus effective for weight loss?
No, there is no high-quality evidence to support the effectiveness of Phaseolus trilobus for weight loss. While a related species, Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean), has some research suggesting a modest effect on weight loss, this cannot be extrapolated to Phaseolus trilobus.
Is Phaseolus trilobus safe to use?
Traditional use suggests it may have low toxicity, and animal studies show no acute toxicity. However, there is a significant lack of clinical safety data in humans, meaning common side effects, drug interactions, or contraindications are unknown. Its safety profile is not well-documented.
How should Phaseolus trilobus be taken?
There are no clinical guidelines for how Phaseolus trilobus should be taken. Due to the absence of human clinical trials, there are no established recommendations for dosage, timing, or specific formulations.
What results can be expected from taking Phaseolus trilobus?
Based on preclinical animal data, potential benefits include liver protection, pain relief, and cough suppression. However, human efficacy is unproven, and results cannot be guaranteed. Clinical translation of these animal findings has not been established.
Research Sources
- https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2021/vol10issue2/PartB/10-2-169-151.pdf – This animal study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Phaseolus trilobus methanol extract in rats with paracetamol-induced liver damage. It found that the extract significantly protected against liver damage, showing improvements in biochemical markers, suggesting potential antioxidant mechanisms. The study provides preclinical evidence for liver support but lacks human data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11058942/ – This source, likely a review or a study, discusses the traditional uses and some preclinical findings related to Phaseolus trilobus, including its analgesic and antitussive activities. It highlights the plant's ethnopharmacological significance and the need for further scientific validation of its traditional claims. The summary emphasizes the preliminary nature of the evidence.
- https://agriculture.vikaspedia.in/viewcontent/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/medicinal-and-aromatic-plants/vigna-trilobata?lgn=en – This source provides general information about Vigna trilobata (Phaseolus trilobus) as a medicinal and aromatic plant. It describes the plant's botanical characteristics and its traditional uses, contributing to the understanding of its classification and historical application in herbal medicine. It does not provide specific research findings on efficacy or safety.
- https://bsapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.2307/2446547 – This source likely pertains to botanical classification or plant morphology of Phaseolus species. It contributes to the understanding of Phaseolus trilobus's place within the Fabaceae family and its relationship to other Phaseolus species. It is a foundational botanical reference rather than a study on health effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22844674/ – This meta-analysis focuses on the effects of Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) on weight loss. While not directly about Phaseolus trilobus, it is referenced to differentiate the research landscape between the two species, indicating that any evidence for weight loss is specific to P. vulgaris and cannot be extrapolated to P. trilobus. It highlights the importance of species-specific research.
