Beans and diabetes: Phaseolus vulgaris preparations as antihyperglycemic agents.
Bean pods (Phaseolus vulgaris) are among the most widely used traditional remedies against diabetes mellitus. Historical knowledge is summarized and compared to recent study results. Reports dating from the first half of the 20(th) century as well as recent publications show contradictory results. It seems that Phaseolus preparations should not be considered the first choice in phytopharmaceutical treatment of diabetes or lead structure research. To be effective, fairly high doses of aqueous extracts need to be given. Because of their fiber content and an alpha-amylase inhibitory effect, beans might be more useful as food components in preventing or ameliorating type 2 diabetes.
Institute for the History of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany. axel.helmstaedter@staff.uni-marburg.de
Axel
A
Helmstädter
D000818:Animals; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005638:Fruit; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D027805:Phaseolus; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000516:alpha-Amylases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D028321:Plant Preparations; D000516:alpha-Amylases