Botanical Overview
Mat Bean (Vigna aconitifolia) is a species in the Fabaceae family. The legume family (Fabaceae) includes trees, shrubs, and herbs that produce pods (legumes) and form nitrogen-fixing root nodules through symbiosis with bacteria. The flowers are typically pea-shaped with five petals. This large family provides food staples, timber, and numerous medicinal species. Although comprehensive ethnobotanical records are limited, phytochemical studies have identified 30 compounds in this species, suggesting potential medicinal value.
General Description
It is commonly called mat bean, moth bean, matki or dew bean. Moth bean is a creeping annual herbaceous plant which grows to approximately 40 centimetres (16 in) high. Yellow flowers on its hairy and densely packed branches develop into yellow-brown pods, 2 to 3 inches in length. The beans of these pods contain approximately 22–24% protein. The pods, sprouts, and protein-rich seeds of this crop are commonly consumed in India. Moth bean can be grown on many soil types, and can also act as a pasture legume. Due to its drought-resistant qualities, its ability to combat soil erosion and its high protein content, moth bean has been identified as possibly a more significant food source in the future. It has been suggested that its suitability as a grain legume in semi-arid Africa should be further investigated.
Family Context
The Fabaceae family is large and globally distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Soybean — 76 documented uses
- Crab’s Eye — 73 documented uses
- Tamarind — 59 documented uses
- Common Indigo — 51 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Mat Bean has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Afghanistan, China, Costa Rica, India, Sri Lanka, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Further ethnobotanical and pharmacological research may reveal additional therapeutic applications for this species.