Herb's Introduction
Vigna unguiculata (Linn). Walp, often known as Horse Gram or Cowpea, is a highly significant annual herbaceous legume belonging to the family Fabaceae (also known as Papilionaceae). It is one of the most widely cultivated crops globally, especially in semi-arid and arid regions of Africa and Asia, due to its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils. Beyond its importance as a food crop—rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals—it holds a prominent place in various traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. The plant, particularly its seeds, is valued for its therapeutic properties, which are often attributed to its rich content of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. It is known to possess antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and hypocholesterolemic activities, making it a functional food with immense health benefits.
Name in Different Countries
The common and vernacular names of Vigna unguiculata reflect its widespread cultivation and cultural significance across various regions: Language/Region Name English Horse Gram, Cowpea, Black-eyed Pea Sanskrit Khalva, Vardhipatraka, Kulattha Hindi Kulathi, Kurathi Bengali Kulattha, Kalaya Tamil Kollu (கொள்ளு), Kaanam (காணம்) Telugu Ulavalu (ఉలవలు) Malayalam Mudiraa, Muthirai (മുതിര) Kannada Huruli, Hurali (ಹುರಳಿ) Marathi Kulitha Gujrati Kalathi, Kulathi Punjabi Lodhar German Pferdebohne Export to Sheets In Nepal, varieties of the species are known and cultivated, and may sometimes be locally referred to as Bodi or Bori, particularly referring to the Cowpea type (Vigna cylindrica Skeels is a synonym for a related type, often called Cowpeas in Nepal).
Terminology
Botanical Name: Vigna unguiculata (Linn). Walp. Synonym: Dolichos biflorus Backer (Often used for the type traditionally known as Horse Gram). Family: Fabaceae (also Papilionaceae) - The pea or bean family. Ayurveda Terminology: Used for conditions like Asmari (calculi/stones), Mutrasmari (urinary calculi), and Nasartava (amenorrhea/menstrual disorders). It is considered to have properties that balance Pitta and Kapha doshas, increase Vata, promote strength (Balya), and increase intestinal mobility (Sarak). Siddha Terminology: Used to address conditions such as Aiyanoyikal (Kapha disorders), Kalichhal (diarrhea), and to reduce fat (Koluppai Kuraikkum).
Availability
Vigna unguiculata is widely available globally, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a staple crop and a major source of protein in many developing countries, thriving in arid and semi-arid environments where other crops struggle. In Nepal: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important component of the cropping systems and is cultivated in various parts of the country. It is utilized both as food (for its seeds and leaves) and as livestock fodder. While detailed statistics on its use specifically as a medicinal herb in Nepal are limited, its prevalence as an edible legume ensures its availability for both dietary and traditional home remedy applications.
External Look
Vigna unguiculata is an annual herbaceous plant with a variable growth habit—it can be trailing, climbing, or semi-erect. Height: Typically ranges from 15 to 90 cm, with climbing varieties reaching up to 2-3 meters. Leaves: They are alternate and trifoliate (having three leaflets), with petioles (leaf stalks) that are 5–15 cm long. The leaflets are variable in shape, ranging from ovate to lanceolate. Young leaves and pods are often consumed as vegetables. Flowers: The flowers are typically pale yellow, purple, or white, borne on long peduncles (flower stalks) arising from the leaf axils. Fruits/Pods: The pods are linear, cylindrical, and contain the seeds. They can be of varying lengths and colors. Seeds: The seeds, which are the main part used as a pulse and medicine, are kidney-shaped and variable in color—ranging from white, cream, red, brown, to black, often with a prominent 'eye' (hilum) which gives rise to the common name "Black-eyed Pea" for some varieties. Horse Gram seeds are typically small and brownish.
Healing Properties
The therapeutic benefits of Vigna unguiculata are scientifically supported and recognized in traditional practices: Antioxidant: Rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, it helps neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress and potential age-related disorders. Antidiabetic and Hypoglycemic: Studies show its potential to lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes, partly because its carbohydrates pass slowly into the bloodstream. Hypocholesterolemic and Cardioprotective: It helps reduce 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) and supports heart health, preventing cardiovascular diseases. Diuretic: The seeds and their decoction/soup have a significant diuretic effect, aiding in the removal of excess fluids and promoting healthy urinary function. Antimicrobial: It exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, often attributed to its protein and peptide content. Anti-lithiasis (Stone Dissolving): In traditional systems like Ayurveda, it is specifically noted for its use in dissolving kidney and bladder stones (Asmari). Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic: Used traditionally to reduce fever and treat inflammatory conditions.
Advantages
Nutritional Powerhouse: It is an excellent source of plant protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins (especially Folate/B9), and essential minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc. Functional Food: It acts as a functional food, offering numerous health benefits beyond basic nutrition, particularly in managing lifestyle and metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Digestive Aid: The high fiber content aids digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain proper gastrointestinal balance. Strengthening and Nourishing: Traditional uses note its property as Balya (strength-promoting), nourishing tissues and improving stamina, especially when consumed with ghee and jaggery. Drought Tolerance: From an agricultural perspective, its ability to thrive in poor, dry conditions makes it a crucial crop for food security in arid regions.
Uses
Different parts of the plant are utilized for various purposes: Seeds (Main Use): Medicinal: Decoction or soup of the seeds is used to manage kidney stones (dissolving and expulsion), affections of the liver and spleen, intestinal colic, leucorrhoea, menstrual disorders (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea), and as a diuretic and antipyretic. Roasted seeds are used for neuritis, insomnia, and weakness of memory. Dietary: Consumed as a pulse, cooked into stews, curries (like the famous Kollu Rasam in South India), or ground into flour for various preparations. Plant/Leaves: Medicinal: The plant is used in treating measles, smallpox, adenitis, burns, and sores. Decoction of leaves is used for hyperacidity, nausea, and vomiting. Leaves are applied on burns or chewed for tooth ailments. Dietary: Tender leaves and pods are cooked and eaten as vegetables.
Using Way
The traditional and common ways of using Vigna unguiculata for its medicinal properties include: Decoction/Soup (Rasam/Yusha): The most common therapeutic preparation. The seeds are boiled, and the resulting liquid (decoction or soup) is consumed. Specific Use: A 100 ml decoction of the seeds taken orally twice a day for a period (e.g., 30 days) is traditionally recommended for dissolving kidney stones. Powder: Dried and powdered seeds, sometimes mixed with ingredients like black salt, are taken with warm water for conditions like worm infestation (anthelmintic action). Powdered roots are sometimes used in traditional remedies for epilepsy and chest pain. Poultice/External Application: A paste or poultice of the leaves and seeds is applied externally to treat swellings, infections, burns, and sores. Food Consumption: Consumed regularly as boiled or sprouted pulses for its general nutritional benefits, aiding in the management of anaemia and general weakness. Boiling the seeds with spices is considered a remedy for the common cold.
Conclusion
Vigna unguiculata, whether known as Horse Gram or Cowpea, stands out as a remarkable plant that perfectly embodies the concept of 'Food as Medicine'. Its rich nutritional profile—especially its high protein and fiber content—complements a spectrum of pharmacological activities, including potent antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective effects. Historically and contemporarily, it remains a vital component of traditional health systems, prominently featuring as a natural diuretic and as one of the most reliable herbal remedies for treating and expelling urinary calculi. As a resilient crop adapted to harsh climates, its cultivation not only offers a sustainable source of nourishment and livestock feed but also provides accessible, affordable, and scientifically-validated therapeutic benefits, cementing its indispensable role in both agriculture and traditional medicine globally, including in countries like Nepal.
