FolkKB

Hyacinth Bean

Lablab purpureus

Lablab purpureus, also known as the dolichos bean, is a legume used in various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied to address conditions such as thirst, throat complaints, fever, diarrhea, epilepsy, and swelling. Scientific evidence regarding its direct medicinal properties in humans is limited, though studies have explored its mucilage for enhanced mucoadhesion in drug delivery systems. Research also focuses on its agricultural performance and pest identification. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
antivinous · blindness
Traditions
TCM · traditional
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria significantly enhance the performance of Lablab purpureus by improving nutrient solubilization and reducing metal toxicity. A PMID
  • Formulations incorporating Lablab purpureus mucilage with Pluronic F127 showed enhanced mucoadhesion and drug release properties. D PMID
  • The study found that the RKHS model, trained on a Recombinant Inbred Line population, effectively predicted fresh pod yield in both early and advanced generations of dolichos bean. D PMID
  • This study developed an HRM-based assay for rapid and reliable identification of three thrips species affecting leguminous crops in South Florida. D PMID
  • The study found that lablab bean hosted various thrip species, with Megalurothrips usitatus present but not more abundant than other species under different insecticide management regimes. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Hyacinth Bean?

Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Hyacinth Bean traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Hyacinth Bean for: antivinous, blindness, carminative, cholera, diarrhea, earache. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Hyacinth Bean?

Hyacinth Bean appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Hyacinth Bean?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Hyacinth Bean; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria significantly enhance the performance of Lablab purpureus by improving nutrient solubilization and reducing metal toxicity.

How strong is the evidence for Hyacinth Bean?

The strongest finding for Hyacinth Bean carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Hyacinth Bean safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Hyacinth Bean in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Hyacinth Bean interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Hyacinth Bean in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Hyacinth Bean?

Hyacinth Bean is also known as: лобия, Lablab.

Is Hyacinth Bean a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Bacterial inoculants and Lablab purpureus for mine soil fertility in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Use of high-resolution melting for the rapid diagnosis of thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) in legume crops in South Florida. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Extraction, development, and ex-vivo evaluation of thermoresponsive mucoadhesive in-situ nasal gel incorporating Lablab purpureus mucilage and Pluronic F127 for enhanced intranasal delivery of Diclofenac Sodium. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Megalurothrips usitatus and other Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Associated with Lablab purpureus (Fabales: Fabaceae) in South Florida. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Genomic prediction in dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) breeding: choice of the type of training population and selection generation. literature abstract metadata