Background

• The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the most important members of the Fabaceae family of plants found worldwide. The green bean pods are cooked as a vegetable, and some varieties are stored dry, then rehydrated before cooking. Leaves are occasionally used as a salad.
• Bean pods are believed to be helpful in obesity and weight loss programs, as well as obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes mellitus type 2 and heart disease.
• Bean pods are also commonly believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiviral, cleansing and detoxifying, diuretic (increases urination), emollient (moisturizing), and gas-relieving properties.

References

1. Blair MW, Diaz JM, Hidalgo R, et al. Microsatellite characterization of Andean races of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Theor Appl Genet 2007;116(1):29-43. View Abstract
2. Blair MW, Giraldo MC, Buendia HF, et al. Microsatellite marker diversity in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Theor Appl Genet 2006;113(1):100-109. View Abstract
3. Blair MW, Pedraza F, Buendia HF, et al. Development of a genome-wide anchored microsatellite map for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Theor Appl Genet 2003;107(8):1362-1374. View Abstract
4. Celleno L, Tolaini MV, D'Amore A, et al. A Dietary supplement containing standardized Phaseolus vulgaris extract influences body composition of overweight men and women. Int J Med Sci 2007;4(1):45-52. View Abstract
5. Diaz LM, Blair MW. Race structure within the Mesoamerican gene pool of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as determined by microsatellite markers. Theor Appl Genet 2006;114(1):143-154. View Abstract
6. Espinosa-Alonso LG, Lygin A, Widholm JM, et al. Polyphenols in wild and weedy Mexican common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). J Agric Food Chem 2006;54(12):4436-4444. View Abstract
7. Grisi MC, Blair MW, Gepts P, et al. Genetic mapping of a new set of microsatellite markers in a reference common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) population BAT93 x Jalo EEP558. Genet Mol Res 2007;6(3):691-706. View Abstract
8. Ionescu-Tirgoviste C, Popa E, Mirodon Z,. [The effect of a plant mixture on the metabolic equilibrium in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus]. Rev Med Interna Neurol Psihiatr Neurochir Dermatovenerol Med Interna 1989;41(2):185-192. View Abstract
9. Lara-Diaz VJ, Gaytan-Ramos AA, Davalos-Balderas AJ, et al. Microbiological and toxicological effects of Perla black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extracts: in vitro and in vivo studies. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2009;104(2):81-86. View Abstract
10. Maras M, Susnik S, Sustar-Vozlic J, et al. Temporal changes in genetic diversity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) accessions cultivated between 1800 and 2000. Genetika 2006;42(7):947-954. View Abstract
11. Morales-de Leon JC, Vazquez-Mata N, Torres N, et al. Preparation and characterization of protein isolate from fresh and hardened beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). J Food Sci 2007;72(2):C96-102. View Abstract
12. Shirke SS, Jadhav SR, Jagtap AG. Osteoprotective effect of Phaseolus vulgaris L in ovariectomy-induced osteopenia in rats. Menopause 2009;16(3):589-596. View Abstract
13. Udani J, Singh BB. Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using a proprietary fractionated white bean extract. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13(4):32-37. View Abstract
14. Udani J, Hardy H, Madsen DC. Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using Phase 2 brand proprietary fractionated white bean extract. Altern Med Rev 2004;9(1):63-69. View Abstract
15. Venkateswaran S, Pari L, Saravanan G. Effect of Phaseolus vulgaris on circulatory antioxidants and lipids in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. J Med Food 2002;5(2):97-103. View Abstract