Dolichos

Dolichos: A Comprehensive Encyclopedic Reference

1. Identity and Nomenclature

The name Dolichos has historically been applied to a group of leguminous plants in the family Fabaceae, most prominently to two species of considerable medicinal and nutritional importance: Dolichos lablab L. (now reclassified as Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) and Dolichos biflorus L. (now most commonly recognized under the synonym Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.). A third species, Dolichos purpureus L., is considered taxonomically equivalent to Lablab purpureus. This article covers both principal species in depth, as they share the "Dolichos" designation in the traditional, historical, and scientific literature.

1.1 Dolichos lablab / Lablab purpureus (Hyacinth Bean)

The accepted current name is Lablab purpureus L. Sweet; Dolichos lablab L. and Dolichos purpureus L. are among its many synonyms. The plant belongs to the Embryophyta, Division Tracheophyta, Class Magnoliopsida, Order Fabales, Family Fabaceae, Genus Lablab, Species Lablab purpureus. English-language common names include hyacinth bean, lablab bean, bonavist bean, dolichos bean, seim bean, Egyptian kidney bean, Indian bean, bataw, and Australian pea. Lablab is a monotypic genus; the name was given by Robert Sweet from the previous name Dolichos lablab by Carl Linnaeus, its epithet coming from Arabic: لَبْلَاب (lablāb).

The genus Lablab includes a single species, L. purpureus, with three subspecies. According to the British biologist and taxonomist Bernard Verdcourt, there are two recognized cultivated subspecies of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet: Lablab purpureus subsp. bengalensis (Jacq.) Verdc. and Lablab purpureus subsp. purpureus.

Botanically, it is a twining vine reaching up to 3 meters, with trifoliate leaves and vibrant purple or white fragrant flowers; pods are 6–9 cm long, often tinted purplish, and seeds range from pale cream to deep brown. Two cultivated types are recognized: Lablab purpureus var. typicus, the vegetable type cultivated for its soft, edible pods, and L. purpureus var. lignosus, the field bean cultivated for dry seeds used as pulse.

1.2 Dolichos biflorus / Macrotyloma uniflorum (Horse Gram)

Macrotyloma uniflorum (synonym: Dolichos biflorus Linn.) belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly known as Kulthi in Hindi and horse gram in English. It is a herbaceous plant with annual branches, sub-erect or twining, with leaflets of 2.5 to 5 cm; its seed is 6 to 8 mm long and 3 to 4 mm broad. Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdcourt, syn. Dolichos uniflorus Lam., Dolichos biflorus auct. non L.) is a pulse and fodder crop native to Southeast Asia and tropical Africa, though the centre of origin of cultivated species is considered to be southern India.

Horse gram is an annual twining vine, creeping close to the ground with trifoliate leaves and tiny yellow flowers that yield characteristic brownish-red, oval seeds. The seeds are hard, smooth, and about 5–6 mm long. Regions like Southeast India and parts of Africa have adapted this pulse to semi-arid climates.

1.3 Common Forms and Preparations

Both species are used in multiple physical forms across different traditions and research contexts. In Ayurveda, the seeds (lablab beans) and young pods are primarily used. For D. lablab, the major preparative forms include: the whole dried seed (consumed as pulse); fresh immature pods (used as a vegetable); seed flour; seed extracts (methanolic, ethanolic, aqueous, and hydroalcoholic), used in experimental and pharmacological contexts; and dried flower (Flos Dolichoris Lablab or Bai Bian Dou Hua), used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Lablab Semen Album (lablab) — the white and dried mature fruit of Lablab purpureus — is a renowned traditional medicinal herb with a long history of use in China.

For D. biflorus, preparations include: the dry seeds, which are used in Ayurvedic preparations, often roasted or boiled; seed decoctions; cold infusions (hima); seed powder (churna); pith flour; and hydroalcoholic or methanolic seed extracts in research contexts.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 Dolichos lablab / Lablab purpureus

Lablab purpureus is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is cultivated throughout the tropics for food. The most recent research points to lablab being a native to eastern and southern Africa where it was domesticated. The plant subsequently spread across Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China.

In China, the traditional use of lablab can be traced back to the period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. During this era, the renowned TCM practitioner Tao Hongjing compiled the Mingyi Bielu, which describes lablab as "Biandou, taste sweet, slightly warm." As a plant with both medicinal and culinary uses, lablab has a close connection with the theory of the spleen and stomach in traditional Chinese medicine.

In Chinese medicine, lablab is often combined with other drugs to treat conditions such as weak spleen and stomach, loss of appetite, loose stools, excessive leucorrhoea, summer dampness and diarrhea, chest tightness, and abdominal distension.

L. purpureus has been used in the Philippines and China as a stimulant, to reduce fever, to reduce flatulence, to stimulate digestion, and as an antispasmodic. In Namibia, the root has been used to treat heart disease.

Lablab purpureus from the Fabaceae family has been reported to have antiviral properties and is used in traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, and has been employed to treat a variety of illnesses including cholera, food poisoning, diarrhea, and phlegmatic diseases.

In India, where the plant is known under numerous regional names, it is known by different names in different languages, including Avare, ballar, chapparadavare (Kannada), mochai, mochakotta (Tamil), pavta, shim, sem (Hindi), and nispavah (Sanskrit). It is a multipurpose tropical legume valued as a vegetable, pulse, fodder, and green manure crop.

2.2 Dolichos biflorus / Macrotyloma uniflorum

Dolichos biflorus traces back to ancient texts like the Vrikshayurveda (7th century CE) and regional Sangam literature of South India (circa 300 BCE–300 CE), where it was prescribed for "sthanikam" (urinary disorders) and "pleha vridhi" (obesity).

Dolichos biflorus Linn. (Leguminosae) is an important medicinal plant which finds uses in Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine especially for removing kidney stones. It has diuretic and emmenagogue effects.

Kulattha has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems. In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, Kulattha is valued for its diuretic, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to promote kidney health, alleviate digestive disorders, and assist in the management of conditions like urinary tract infections and rheumatism.

Since ancient times, it has been used as a pulse and traditional remedy in the Himalayan Mountains for curing kidney and bladder stones, bronchitis, asthma, piles, leukoderma, and heart diseases.

In herbal medicine, the seeds of D. biflorus are mainly used as tonic, astringent, and diuretic, and are also recommended in asthma, bronchitis, urinary discharges, hiccoughs, heart trouble, and other diseases of the brain.

Historically, this legume has been used to manage conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and edema. Decoctions and infusions made from the seeds were commonly prescribed to facilitate the dissolution and expulsion of urinary calculi. The seeds were also utilized to enhance appetite, alleviate menstrual discomfort, and assist in treating colds, fevers, and respiratory complaints due to their warming properties.

Leucorrhoea, menstruation problems, and even anthelmintic effects can be treated with seed decoction when coupled with milk. For subacute cases of enlarged liver and spleen, pulse soup is an excellent diet to follow.

In Ayurveda, D. biflorus is often found in synergistic herbal combinations. It is combined with spices like cumin, black pepper, and ginger to form potent formulations for digestive and metabolic health. Its incorporation with herbs such as Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) and Tribulus terrestris (Gokshura) creates effective blends for supporting urinary and renal wellness.

In the research paper entitled "Management of Urolithiasis by an Indigenous Drug (Kulattha)" by L.M. Singh and P. Kumar in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the authors found the seeds to be effective in dissolving kidney stones in humans. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India recommends the decoction of dry seeds in calculus and amenorrhea.

Ayurveda pharmacodynamic properties of M. uniflorum are Kashaya Rasa, Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna Guna, Ushna Veerya, and Katu Vipaka. Various medicinal preparations such as Dhanyamla and decoctions are prepared using seeds of M. uniflorum. It is mainly used as a tonic, astringent, and diuretic and is also recommended for rheumatism, neuralgia, and other several diseases.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

3.1 Dolichos lablab / Lablab purpureus

The phytochemical analysis of Dolichos lablab showed that it contained sugars, alcohols, phenols, steroids, essential oils, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, terpenoids, pigments, glycosides, anthnanoids, a wide range of minerals, and many other metabolites.

Nutritional analysis revealed that the dry seed contains 33% starch as the major component, protein 25%, a very low fat content 0.8%, and high dietary fibre 7.2%. It also contains oligosaccharides including raffinose and stachyose at 3.5%, phytic acid 82.0 mg/g, phosphorus 430 mg/g, and phytate phosphorus 243 mg/g.

Mono- and oligosaccharides (7.3%) were extracted from Dolichos lablab endosperm. They were identified as fructose, galactose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose.

The leaves are especially rich in protein, with up to 28% content, as well as iron (150–157 mg) and zinc (25–35 mg) per 100 g of dried leaves.

The plant has important antinutritional components, as in most improved legumes. Examples of these anti-nutritional factors are trypsin, chymotrypsin, and amylase inhibitors, as well as phytic acid.

A comprehensive phytochemical investigation of D. lablab flowers led to the isolation of seven previously undescribed compounds — flosdolilabnitrogenousols A–D and flosdolilabsaponins A–C — along with seven known isolates.

Reported nutritional components include polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, volatile components, aromatic compounds, triterpenes, steroids, and flavonoids.

A 36-kDa alpha-amylase inhibitor from Lablab purpureus (AILP) inhibited several fungal alpha-amylases but was devoid of any effect on animal and plant α-amylases.

Specific isoflavones, notably genistein and kievitone, have also been reported in Lablab purpureus. The lectin content of Dolichos lablab has been investigated with the identification and characterization of specific lectins, including a Gal/GalNAc lectin (DLL) from seeds. These lectins have shown sugar specificity and are relevant in various fields such as stem cell preservation.

3.2 Dolichos biflorus / Macrotyloma uniflorum

In Ayurveda, the seeds of Dolichos biflorus are used in the treatment of different types of diseases and disorders and contain alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Phytochemical screening of Dolichos biflorus seed extract found the presence of tannins, steroids, protein, flavonoids, terpenoids, mucilage, saponin, and carbohydrate.

Horse gram seeds contain 21% of crude protein, 11% of pentosan, and about 3% of water-soluble gum. They also contain traces of urease and phosphorus. Other chemical constituents present in the seeds are genistein, dalberioidin, phasw, and collidin. The mean protein value of the horsegram seeds is 25.5%, which is more or less equivalent to soybean and winged bean. Nutritionally, the horse gram seeds are rich in lysine content compared to gram pulse.

Active compounds identified include lectins, polyphenols such as catechins, and specific oligosaccharides linked to its distinctive earthy flavor.

Horse gram contains bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to its health advantages.

GC-MS analysis of ethanol extract has led to identification of twenty-eight compounds from M. uniflorum by comparison of their retention indices and mass spectra fragmentation patterns with those stored on the GC-MS computer library.

The leaves of Dolichos biflorus may be used in Vitamin C deficiency, due to the presence of ascorbic acid and calcium.

4. Mechanisms of Action

4.1 Anti-inflammatory Activity

An in vitro anti-inflammatory study demonstrated that the methanol extract of D. lablab seeds exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, an in vivo experiment discovered that its ethanol extract exerted a protective effect on irritable bowel syndrome in mice through reducing the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6.

A phytochemical investigation of D. lablab flowers was undertaken to elucidate constituents and assess anti-inflammatory inhibitory effects. An ELISA assay on IL-1β was utilized to determine the anti-inflammatory inhibitory effect of isolated compounds using an LPS/Nigericin-induced BMDM model.

A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model was established to assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of identified terpenoid glycoside compounds through the quantification of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin (IL)-1β levels in RAW264.7 cells.

4.2 Antidiabetic Activity

Research assessed the antidiabetic activity of the methanolic extract of Dolichos lablab (MEDL) seeds in diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin and nicotinamide. The extract was administered orally to two groups at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. In comparison to untreated diabetic rats, MEDL significantly reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in a dose-dependent manner. The higher dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited more pronounced antidiabetic effects than the 200 mg/kg dose.

A study evaluated the lipids and blood glucose lowering effect of Dolichos lablab hydroalcoholic extract using a STZ-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in vivo model. Animals were divided into five groups including vehicle control, diabetic control, extract treated (200 and 400 mg/kg), and standard group. All treatment was continued for 14 days after confirmation of diabetes. Food consumption, water intake, serum glucose, insulin, kidney function test, liver, and serum lipid profile were assessed. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, protein, amino acids, and terpenoids. Extract treatment significantly diminished HbA1c and blood glucose levels. In addition, an ameliorative effect on serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein was observed at 400 mg/kg/day dose.

4.3 Antiurolithiatic and Diuretic Activity (Dolichos biflorus)

Administration of seed extract of D. biflorus prevented the CaC₂O₄ crystal deposition and also effectively reduced lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant enzyme activity.

In an experimental study, Wistar rats were administered D. biflorus seed extract at doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight, resulting in a significant increase in urine volume and urinary electrolyte excretion (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻) compared to control animals. The study supports traditional claims of its diuretic and antiurolithiatic properties, which are attributed to bioactive constituents such as flavonoids and phenolics.

According to one report, an aqueous extract at a dose of 10 mg/ml dissolved calcium oxalate stones by 85% and kidney stones by 84% in comparison to the control. This finding is, however, derived from a preclinical in vitro or animal model context; independent clinical confirmation is limited.

4.4 Antioxidant Activity

The antioxidant effect of methanol extracts of two Bangladeshi bean pod varieties of Lablab purpureus (sweet white and purple) was studied using the DPPH free radical scavenging method. In the DPPH test, the lowest and highest IC50 values were 430.00 µg/ml and 853.13 μg/ml, for the purple and white varieties respectively. The total flavonoid contents of the test samples were 42.55 ± 5.77 and 32.09 ± 0.36 mg/g quercetin equivalents for white and purple, respectively.

Bioactive compounds in horse gram (D. biflorus) demonstrated antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, and neuroprotective effects.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Urolithiasis and Kidney Stone Management

This is the most extensively studied area of pharmacological activity for Dolichos biflorus, and the one with the most human clinical data, though the clinical evidence remains limited and preliminary.

Given the high and growing prevalence rate of urolithiasis in most societies, a study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Dolichos biflorus on solving and excretion of renal and urinary tract stones in patients with urolithiasis. The study included 96 patients with urolithiasis who were randomly allocated into three groups. The first group received the extract of D. biflorus seeds (1,600 mg), the second group received extract of Cynodon dactylon rhizome (1,600 mg), and the third group received placebo, for 21 days.

The conclusions of this randomized, double-blind controlled trial showed that C. dactylon rhizome and D. biflorus seed extracts are able to decrease the size of the stone and can be effective on kidney stones excretion. This constitutes a notable piece of human clinical evidence, though the trial is single and the 21-day treatment window is short; further independent replication in larger, pre-registered trials is required before firm clinical conclusions can be drawn.

Dolichos biflorus is one of the most well-known plants recognized as a useful food in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones. In one systematic review study, electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Web of Science and Persian medicinal books such as Al-Hawi, Al-Shamel fi-Alsenaat Altebbiah, Makhzan-al-Advia, and Tohfat al Momenin were searched to identify all the studies reporting the effects of Dolichos biflorus on kidney stones. Dolichos biflorus seeds contain effective substances in preventing kidney stone formation.

Preliminary clinical trials have evaluated the role of Dolichos biflorus and Orthosiphon grandiflorus in the prevention of urolithiasis, yet the treatment effect and mechanism of action remain to be fully elucidated. Four in vitro mechanistic studies, eight animal studies, and seven human trials were identified in one review. Ayurvedic medicine holds promise as a complementary approach to the management and prevention of nephrolithiasis, though the best studied compound in that review was Phyllanthus niruri.

Evidence strength: Preliminary to moderate. There is supportive preclinical evidence (in vitro and animal) and at least one randomized controlled trial in 96 human patients showing stone size reduction. However, the clinical evidence base remains limited in scope and requires further replication.

5.2 Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Effects

Evidence for antidiabetic activity is based predominantly on animal models. Treated diabetic rats with the methanolic extract of Dolichos lablab at doses dependently reduced blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, triglycerides, SGPT, and SGOT levels compared to untreated diabetic rats in the STZ-induced diabetic model, which justifies its use in the folklore remedies as an antidiabetic drug of natural origin.

The antidiabetic properties of concentrated ethanol extracts derived from Dolichos lablab leaves and seeds were evaluated in diabetic rats induced with alloxan. Alcoholic extracts prepared from dried Dolichos lablab leaves were administered orally for seven days.

The antihyperglycemic properties of methanol extract of beans (fruits containing seeds) of Lablab purpureus were investigated using the oral glucose tolerance test. No mortality or biochemical changes were recorded in the chronic toxicity study.

Evidence strength: Preclinical only (animal models). No published human clinical trials on antidiabetic activity were identified. All currently available evidence is from rodent studies using pharmacological doses; these findings cannot be extrapolated to clinical recommendations in humans without further study.

5.3 Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

In vitro anti-inflammatory study demonstrated that the methanol extract of D. lablab seeds exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, and an in vivo experiment confirmed that its ethanol extract exerted a protective effect on irritable bowel syndrome in mice by reducing the expression of TNF-α and IL-6. Specific terpenoid glycosides and newly isolated nitrogenous compounds from D. lablab flowers have also been shown in vitro to suppress IL-1β release.

Evidence strength: Preclinical (in vitro and rodent). No human clinical trials specifically evaluating anti-inflammatory or analgesic end points were identified.

5.4 Antimicrobial Activity

Horse gram has been reported to possess strong insecticidal activity, bronchodilatory effect on asthmatic airways, and analgesic effect.

Dolichos biflorus is a well-known medicinal plant for its folk-medicinal properties. In herbal medicine, the seeds of it are mainly used as tonic, astringent, and diuretic, and are also recommended in asthma, bronchitis, urinary discharges, hiccoughs, and heart trouble. Antimicrobial activity has been explored for both species. For L. purpureus, polysaccharides have been isolated and evaluated. Lablab purpureus from the Fabaceae family has been reported to have antiviral properties.

Evidence strength: Largely preclinical (in vitro). No human clinical trials evaluating antimicrobial or antiviral efficacy in patients were identified.

5.5 Bone Health

In nutrition and health, Dolichos beans have the potential to address bone disorders; they are found to inhibit bone density loss and promote bone union, suggesting possible use in osteoporosis management.

Evidence strength: Preliminary/pre-clinical. This area is mentioned in review literature but lacks published human clinical trial data.

5.6 Anemia / Iron and Micronutrient Support

Preliminary pharmacological studies revealed that Dolichos lablab has been used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. The leaves were rich in protein (up to 28 percent), legumes, and iron 155 mg and zinc 30 mg per 100 g of leaves, dry weight. The grain had zinc of 34 mg/kg and iron of 57 mg/kg.

Evidence strength: Nutritional basis is well established from compositional studies; formal clinical trials on iron-deficiency anemia using Dolichos as an intervention are not yet reported in the reviewed literature.

5.7 Digestive and Gastrointestinal Uses (Dolichos lablab / TCM)

In Chinese medicine, lablab is often combined with other drugs to treat conditions such as weak spleen and stomach, loss of appetite, loose stools, excessive leucorrhoea, summer dampness and diarrhea, chest tightness, and abdominal distension. An in vivo experiment discovered that its ethanol extract exerted a protective effect on irritable bowel syndrome in mice through reducing the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6.

Evidence strength: Well-established traditional use; limited to preclinical evidence at the mechanistic level. No identified human randomized controlled trials specifically targeting gastrointestinal endpoints.

6. Body Systems Associated

• Urinary / Renal System: Primary association for D. biflorus; historically and in preliminary clinical research for kidney stone dissolution, diuresis, and urinary tract health.
• Metabolic / Endocrine System: Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity (both species), studied in animal models.
• Gastrointestinal System: TCM use of L. purpureus for spleen-stomach weakness; preclinical anti-inflammatory evidence for bowel conditions.
• Immune / Inflammatory System: In vitro inhibition of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β); potential antimicrobial and antiviral actions.
• Hematopoietic System: High iron and protein content; traditional use for anemia and as a nutritional supplement.
• Musculoskeletal System: Preclinical hints regarding bone density; traditional use in rheumatism and neuralgia for D. biflorus.
• Reproductive System: Traditional use as an emmenagogue (stimulating menstruation) in Ayurvedic practice for both species.
• Respiratory System: Traditional use in asthma and bronchitis (D. biflorus).

7. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

The following dosages are reported directly from the source literature and should be understood in that context only.

7.1 Dolichos lablab / Lablab purpureus

• In antidiabetic animal studies, the methanolic extract of Dolichos lablab seeds was administered orally to two groups at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg.
• Animals in the hydroalcoholic extract study were treated at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, with all treatment continued for 14 days after confirmation of diabetes.

7.2 Dolichos biflorus / Macrotyloma uniflorum

• In the randomized, double-blind human trial, the first group received the extract of D. biflorus seeds at 1,600 mg for 21 days.
• In traditional Ayurvedic contexts, the reported dose is: seed powder, 4–6 g; decoction of the seed, 40–50 ml per day in divided doses; paste of seeds for external application.
• Cold infusion (hima) of the seeds of horsegram is taken in a dosage of 80–100 ml per day to treat renal calculi, difficulty in micturition, and pain in the urinary bladder.
• In an experimental diuretic study, Wistar rats were administered D. biflorus seed extract at doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight.
• In an antinephrolithiatic rat study, the extract control received DBE at 300 mg/kg body weight per day; animals were administered ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) in drinking water for induction of renal calculi for 28 days, with simultaneous treatment groups receiving dosing for the same period.

8. Safety Considerations and Interactions

8.1 Antinutritional Factors and Requirement for Cooking

Dolichos lablab beans should not be taken internally uncooked. Uncooked hyacinth bean can cause abdominal problems and was considered toxic. Seeds have a high content of toxic cyanogenic glucosides and trypsin inhibitors; these toxic compounds are broken down by heat.

Phytochemicals study of the raw and aqueous crude extracts of three varieties of Lablab purpureus seeds showed that the seeds contained trypsin inhibitor contents, hemagglutinin content, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalates, phytates, tannins, and saponins.

The antigrowth and toxic effects of the green bean were not due to only trypsin inhibitor and hemagglutinin, and heat treatment of both dry and green beans was essential for promoting growth in rats. However, even after heat treatment, the nutritional value of the protein was lower than that of casein, presumably on account of amino acid deficiencies.

Raw seeds of Dolichos biflorus contain heat-labile lectins that may irritate the gut. Always cook or roast first.

8.2 Antinutritional and Mineral-Binding Considerations

Cooking of Dolichos lablab seeds influences the processing characteristics and changes with different anti-nutritional factors during germination. It contains phytic acid in concentrations ranging from 81.0 mg/g to 83.0 mg/g, phosphorus at 425–435 mg/g, and phytate phosphorus at 240–245 mg/g. Phytic acid is a known chelator of divalent minerals (iron, zinc, calcium) and can reduce their bioavailability from the seed matrix.

8.3 Toxicity Testing (Animal Data)

No mortality or biochemical changes were recorded in a chronic toxicity study of Lablab purpureus extract in animals. This finding pertains to a specific study context; systematic toxicological profiling across a range of doses, routes, and durations is not comprehensively available in the reviewed literature.

8.4 Interactions and Contraindications Noted in Sources

The antithrombotic activity — including antiplatelet, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT) assays — of standardized Dolichos biflorus seed extract (DBSE) has been studied. This antiplatelet and anticoagulant potential implies a potential pharmacodynamic interaction with blood-thinning medications, though this has not been studied as a formal drug interaction in humans.

Dolichos lablab also contains anti-nutritional compounds such as tannins and trypsin inhibitors, which can bind dietary proteins and reduce protease activity, potentially affecting protein digestion if consumed as a supplement alongside high-protein diets or in individuals with gastrointestinal sensitivities.

9. Summary of Evidence Quality

The scientific evidence for both Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureus) and Dolichos biflorus (Macrotyloma uniflorum) consists overwhelmingly of in vitro cell studies, animal model experiments, and traditional/ethnobotanical records. Both species have shown promising medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, hepatoprotective, antilithiatic, antispasmodic, and analgesic effects. However, with the exception of one published randomized controlled trial evaluating D. biflorus in urolithiasis patients, well-designed, adequately powered human clinical trials are largely absent from the published literature for both species. All pharmacological evidence must therefore be qualified as preliminary, and the clinical relevance of findings from animal and in vitro models remains to be established through rigorous human trials.

References

• Al-Snafi AE. The pharmacology and medical importance of Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureus) — A review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 2017;7(2):22–30.
• Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, edible uses, and quality control of Lablab semen Album: A systematic review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024. ScienceDirect.
• Chetia S, Kumari T, Nickhil C, Deka SC. A comprehensive review on the nutritional, medicinal, and functional potential of Dolichos lablab. Discover Food, Springer Nature, 2025.
• Manjiri M et al. The effects of Cynodon dactylon and Dolichos biflorus extracts on decreasing size and excretion of kidney and urinary tract stones: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2023;20(1):214–222. PubMed.
• Dietary Plants for the Prevention and Management of Kidney Stones: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms. PubMed, 2018.
• Ayurvedic medicine and renal calculi. PubMed, 2008.
• Dolichos biflorus, Useful Food for Patients with Kidney Stones. Bentham Science / Current Traditional Medicine, 2022.
• Saha S, Verma RJ. Antinephrolithiatic and antioxidative efficacy of Dolichos biflorus seeds in a lithiasic rat model. Pharmaceutical Biology, 2015;53(1):16–30.
• Polysaccharides from Dolichos biflorus Linn and Trachyspermum ammi Linn seeds: isolation, characterization and remarkable antimicrobial activity. PMC/NCBI.
• Preliminary Evaluation of Lablab purpureus Phytochemicals for Anti-BoHV-1 Activity Using In Vitro and In Silico Approaches. PMC, 2023.
• Constituents from Dolichos lablab L. Flowers and Their Anti-Inflammatory Effects via Inhibition of IL-1β Release. PMC/NCBI, 2024.
• In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Terpenoid Glycosides from the Seeds of Dolichos lablab. PMC/NCBI, 2025.
• Chemical composition of ethanol extract of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. using GC-MS spectroscopy. PMC, 2016.
• Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of Dolichos biflorus Linn. ResearchGate.
• Review on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Dolichos biflorus Linn. ResearchGate, 2005.
• Antihyperglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Dolichos lablab Linn in STZ Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Mice. Bentham Science.
• Origin, domestication, taxonomy, botanical description, genetic diversity and breeding of Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet). International Journal of Development Research.
• Dolichos purpureus in Global Plants on JSTOR. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
• USDA NRCS Plant Guide: Lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet). USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Dolichos — an overview. ScienceDirect Topics.
• Antinephrolithiatic and antioxidative efficacy of Dolichos biflorus seeds in a lithiasic rat model. ResearchGate.