Other names for catjang cowpea

Catjang Bean
Cowpea
Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica

Synopsis of catjang cowpea

Catjang cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica), also known simply as catjang, is a subspecies of the cowpea plant, a member of the Fabaceae (legume) family. Native to Africa and cultivated across Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean, catjang is known for its small, narrow beans and upright bushy growth, differing from the more commonly vining varieties of cowpeas. It is used both as a nutritious food crop and a soil-enriching cover crop, and in traditional medicine for its nutritional density and tonic properties.

Catjang beans are:

• High in plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates
• A rich source of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins
• Contain polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits
• Naturally low in fat and gluten-free, making them suitable for a variety of diets

Medicinal and nutritional uses:

• Supports blood sugar regulation due to slow-digesting starches and fiber
• Promotes satiety and digestive health
• Traditionally used to nourish the body in convalescence or during pregnancy
• Sometimes applied as a mild diuretic or anti-inflammatory in folk medicine
• Used in some cultures to support kidney and urinary tract function

Catjang is typically consumed boiled or stewed, similar to other cowpeas or black-eyed peas, and may be included in soups, porridges, grain dishes, or fermented foods.

Historical Use:

Cowpeas, including catjang, have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, particularly in West Africa, where they remain a staple food. They spread to India, Southeast Asia, and the Americas through trade and colonial agriculture.

While not commonly featured in classical herbal pharmacopoeias, catjang was used in African and South Asian folk medicine as a strengthening food, given to the sick, elderly, or pregnant women to build strength and vitality. It was also considered cooling and grounding, sometimes used to manage digestive issues, heat conditions, or mild edema.

Today, catjang is valued in sustainable agriculture for its nitrogen-fixing ability, as well as in nutritional programs for its role in supporting protein intake, blood sugar balance, and overall digestive wellness, especially in plant-based and traditional diets.

Catjang cowpea is used for these health conditions

Anemia (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)

catjang cowpea is used to support these body systems

Blood (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)

Products containing catjang cowpea

Pure Encapsulations AdipoLean II