Four-angled Bean

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus, commonly known as winged bean or winged pea, is a traditional plant with origins in Southeast Asia. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it has shown promise in scientific research. Studies have focused on the genetic analysis of this legume, including sequencing and analyzing both its chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes, which provide insights into its evolutionary relationships and organelle structure. In vitro studies indicate that winged bean pod extract may possess cytotoxic effects against colorectal cancer cells and can suppress inflammatory cytokine secretion, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory properties. However, the scientific evidence is currently limited to these findings, and further research is needed to confirm these preliminary results. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported for this plant, but caution should still be exercised during use.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The study sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genome of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), providing insights into its structure and evolutionary relationships with other legumes. D PMID
  • Winged bean pod extract showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in colorectal cancer cells while suppressing inflammatory cytokine secretion. D PMID
  • Five genotypes of winged bean were identified as capable of flowering under both short- and long-day conditions, with one accession showing full reproductive development under long-day conditions. D PMID
  • The study assembled and analyzed the mitochondrial genome of Psophocarpus tetragonolobus, revealing evolutionary signatures through comparative genomics and machine learning. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Four-angled Bean?

Four-angled Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Four-angled Bean?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Four-angled Bean; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genome of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), providing insights into its structure and evolutionary relationships with other legumes.

How strong is the evidence for Four-angled Bean?

The strongest finding for Four-angled Bean carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Four-angled Bean safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Four-angled Bean in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Four-angled Bean interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Four-angled Bean in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Four-angled Bean?

Four-angled Bean is also known as: Крылатые бобы, Haricot ailé.

Is Four-angled Bean a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Integrative genomic and machine learning approaches reveal evolutionary signatures in the winged bean mitochondrial genome. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Therapeutic Potential of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) Pod Extract: Apoptosis Induction and Anti-Inflammatory Action in Colorectal Cancer Cells. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Chloroplast genome sequencing in winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) and comparative analysis with other legumes. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Germplasm screening and genome-wide PEBP profiling identify key regulators of photoperiod-insensitive flowering in winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L). literature abstract metadata