Abstract

A BRIEF REVIEW ON PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF Canavalia gladiata

Alisha V. C.*, Satish S. and A. R. Shabaraya

ABSTRACT

Canavalia gladiata, commonly known as sword bean, is a leguminous genus plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae, used in traditional medicine systems in various parts of the world for its potential pharmacological properties. The present study is an attempt to review the pharmacological potential of Canavalia gladiata. The main chemical compositions of Canavalia gladiata are tannins, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and flavonoids.The seed contains 3 crystalline globulins canavalin, concanavalin A and B. The seed coat contains gallic acid, methyl gallate and digallic acid. It is used as pacifiers, viliated kapha, pitta, burning sensation, over precipitation, anorexia, wounds, ulcers, kidney stones and jaundice. It's root paste along with rice gravel used for 2 to 3 days to cure the enlargement of liver. It is used in the treatment of furuncle, sinus infection and suppurative diseases. The fruit of sword bean is utilized in the treatment of vomiting, and also used as remedy for coughing, hernia and dysentery, lower soring and pain around kidneys. The leaves of sword bean has been utilized in the treatment of hiccups, rhinitis, sinusitis, pertussis and for low back pain. In Korea, traditionally the extract of sword bean is being used in soap for the treatment of athlete's foot and acne. In Malaysia, the leaves of sword bean is used by Malays people for treating gonorrhoea besides these, the leaves are also squeezed into the eyes along with other extract which act as magic tonic for eyes. Japanese used forreating atopic dermatitis, boils, cancers, haemorrhoids, inflammatory diseases, otitis media, ozena and pyorrhea. The seeds of C. gladiata exhibit antiemetic and demulcent effects. The Caryophyllene-type sesquiterpene like β-caryophyllene, β-caryophyllene oxide, and humulene, which are constituents of essential oil in plants and exert anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Phenolic compounds including two galloyl derivatives and eight kaempferol glycosides are widely distributed in plant kingdoms and are also known as biological active compounds that have anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.Two galloyl derivatives exerting strong DPPH free radical-scavenging activities. Additionally, cerebrosides inhibited the growth of bacteria and Candida species. Trilinolein has been demonstrated to have anti-ischemic, antiarrhythmic, and antioxidant properties. Many studies highlight the potential pharmacological properties ofCanavalia gladiata, the present review is an attempt to compile its research and also it is important to note that further research is still needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and evaluate its safety and efficacy in humans.

Keywords: Sword bean, perennial climber, Pharmacological activities, Canavalia gladiata.