The seeds contain crude protein 20.8, pentosan 10.8 and water-soluble gum 2.8%. The presence of antinutritional components such as haemagglutinin and a protease inhibitor has been reported. The inhibitor activity decreased during germination.
The mean protein value of the seeds is 25.47% which is more or less equivalent to soybean, winged bean and gram. Nutritionally, the horsegram seeds are richer in lysine content when compared to Cajanus cajan (Arhar) pulse and gram pulse.
Presence of vitamin A in the green pods makes them a valuable diet for children; green leaves may be used in vitamin C deficiency syndrome, due to the presence of ascorbic acid and calcium. The seeds contain several common phytosterols.
Strepogenin—several times higher than in casein.
A decoction of seeds (soaked or boiled in water) is prescribed as diuretic and antilithiatic and has been clinically established.
Diuretic activity of a dipeptide (pyroglutamylglutamine) has been found to be 2—3 times that of acetazolamide in albino rats.
Globulin fraction of the seeds showed hypolipidaemic effects in rats.
A lectin-like glycoprotein from stems and leaves possesses carbohydrate- binding activity.
Dosage Seed—6 g powder; decoction 50—100 ml. (CCRAS.)
Dolichos falcatus Seem Klein.
Family Papilionaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from Kumaon to Khasi Hills and in Western Peninsula.
Ayurvedic Kulatthikaa.
Action Root—prescribed for constipation and skin diseases. A decoction of seeds is used for rheumatism.
Dolichos lablab Linn. var. typicus Pram.
Synonym Lablab purpureus Linn.
Doronicum hookeri Hook. f. 223
Family Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout India.
English Indian Butter Bean, Lablab Bean, Horsebean.
Ayurvedic Nishpaav, Sem.
Unani Lab Laab, Semphali.
Siddha/Tamil Avarin.
