Dolichos Lablab Seed Extract
Also known as: Lablab purpureus, Lablab bean, Hyacinth bean, Indian bean, Dolichos lablab L.
Overview
Dolichos lablab seed extract is derived from the seeds of the Dolichos lablab plant, a leguminous bean widely used as food and in traditional medicine. It is rich in phytochemicals, including antioxidants, and has been investigated for various health-related properties. Research suggests potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and gastrointestinal protective effects. While some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and mechanistic studies exist, systematic reviews specifically on Dolichos lablab seed extract are limited. It is categorized as a dietary supplement ingredient with potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Benefits
Dolichos lablab seed extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It exhibits strong antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging free radicals and protecting against DNA and protein damage in vitro, suggesting its potential to mitigate oxidative stress-related damage. A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated significant improvement in mild functional dyspepsia (FD) symptoms, particularly in the epigastric pain syndrome subtype and in females, with a good safety profile. The extract also shows anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects by activating nuclear factor erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathways, which promotes anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms crucial for gastric mucosal protection. Preliminary in vitro studies indicate dose-dependent antiviral activity against certain viruses, though clinical relevance requires further investigation. Animal studies further support its protective effects against stress-induced gastric mucosal damage, suggesting its potential as a pharmanutrient for gastric protection.
How it works
Dolichos lablab seed extract primarily functions through several key mechanisms. Its antioxidant properties involve scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, thereby reducing oxidative damage to cellular components like DNA and proteins. For its anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects, the extract activates Nrf2-mediated pathways, leading to increased expression of protective enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1, which helps reduce inflammation and promotes mucosal healing. In the gastrointestinal tract, animal models suggest it may exert anti-motility effects and stabilize cell membranes, contributing to symptom relief in functional dyspepsia. The potential antiviral mechanisms are thought to involve phytochemical interactions with viral glycoproteins, though the specific molecular targets require further elucidation.
Side effects
Clinical trial data indicate that Dolichos lablab seed extract is generally well tolerated, with no significant adverse events reported in patients with mild to moderate functional dyspepsia. No common side effects (defined as occurring in >5% of participants) have been documented in available clinical studies. Similarly, uncommon or rare side effects have not been reported in high-quality research. There are no documented drug interactions; however, caution is advised due to the limited data available. Contraindications have not been established, and its safety during pregnancy, lactation, or in individuals with severe disease states remains unstudied. While efficacy has been noted particularly in females with functional dyspepsia, further research is needed to assess its safety and efficacy in other specific populations.
Dosage
The effective dose of Dolichos lablab seed extract, specifically the standardized NOVAponin extract, was 250 mg per tablet in a clinical trial, demonstrating efficacy in functional dyspepsia. The optimal dosage range for broader applications is not yet fully established, and further dose-ranging studies are needed. The maximum safe dose has not been defined, but no toxicity has been reported at the clinical doses studied. The extract is administered orally, typically in powder or tablet form. The timing of administration relative to meals is not specifically detailed. Information regarding its bioavailability is not reported, but it is likely influenced by its phytochemical composition. No specific cofactors have been identified that enhance its absorption or efficacy.
FAQs
Is Dolichos lablab seed extract safe for long-term use?
Current data from short-term randomized controlled trials indicate safety, but long-term safety requires further dedicated study to confirm.
How quickly do benefits appear when taking this extract?
Improvements in functional dyspepsia symptoms have been observed within a few weeks in clinical trials, suggesting a relatively quick onset of benefits.
Can Dolichos lablab seed extract be used for conditions other than functional dyspepsia?
Preliminary in vitro evidence suggests antioxidant and antiviral potential, but clinical efficacy for conditions beyond functional dyspepsia is currently unproven.
Is it effective for weight control or diabetes management?
Some in vitro evidence indicates α-amylase inhibition, which might suggest metabolic effects, but there are no high-quality clinical trials to confirm efficacy for weight control or diabetes.
Research Sources
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/b/bean+dolichos+lablab – This source provides general information about Dolichos lablab, confirming its scientific and common names. It serves as a foundational reference for the plant's classification and general characteristics, supporting the overview section.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11474556/ – This article, likely a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on NOVAponin, demonstrates significant improvement in mild functional dyspepsia symptoms, especially in the epigastric pain syndrome subtype and in females. It also highlights the extract's good safety profile and mechanistic insights into Nrf2 activation and mucosal protection.
- https://www.jnmjournal.org/journal/view.html?uid=1941&vmd=Full – This journal article, likely the full publication of the RCT on NOVAponin, provides detailed results on the efficacy and safety of Dolichos lablab L. extract in patients with mild functional dyspepsia. It supports the claims regarding symptom improvement, particularly in specific patient subgroups, and confirms the extract's tolerability.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c01478 – This in vitro study from ACS Omega investigates the antiviral activity of methanolic Dolichos lablab seed extracts. It reports dose-dependent antiviral effects against certain viruses with low cytotoxicity, providing preliminary evidence for its antiviral potential, though clinical relevance is not established.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7417803/ – This PMC article details an animal study showing the protective effects of aqueous Dolichos lablab seed extract against stress-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. It provides histological evidence of mucosal protection, supporting the extract's potential as a preventive nutraceutical for gastric health.