Shimbi (Pustashimbi, Pustakashimbika)

About

Shimbi, known as Lablab purpureus or Hyacinth Bean, is a legume used in Ayurveda for its sweet taste and cooling properties. It is mentioned in classical texts for its effects on Vata, Kapha, and Pitta doshas.

Properties

Antiviral activity against BoHV-1, Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, Hepatoprotective effects against fatty acid influx, Increase in hemoglobin percentage

Dosage

Dosage depends on the form of *Lablab purpureus* used. For roasted seed powder, a clinical trial used 15g daily to improve bowel regularity. A general recommendation is 10-20 g of roasted seed powder daily, mixed in warm water or ghee. In iron deficiency anemia, the plant has shown to increase hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized dosage recommendations.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Sweet
• Virya: ["Cooling"]
• Vipaka: ["Sweet"]

Benefits

• Digestive support
• Nourishing food
• Digestive tonic
• Supports Agni (digestive fire)
• Alleviates vata-related bloating or irregular digestion
• Strengthens the spleen
• Reduces internal dampness
• Relieves diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and food poisoning symptoms
• Promotes bowel regularity
• Reduces susceptibility to heart and kidney disease
• Lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics
• Antioxidant properties
• Antimicrobial properties
• Cytotoxic properties
• Insecticidal properties
• Anti-obesity properties
• Immune modulatory properties
• Hypolipidemic properties
• Antiviral properties
• Anticancer properties

Traditional uses

• Digestive aid
• Detoxification
• Treatment of diarrhea
• Treatment of bloating
• Treatment of nausea
• Treatment of food poisoning symptoms
• Treatment of cholera
• Reduction of uterine wall inflammation
• Increase menstrual flow
• Febrifuge
• Antispasmodic
• Treatment for phlegmatic disorders
• Postpartum recovery
• Used as an antidote for food poisoning

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: increasing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Boiling or roasting seeds: Seeds are typically boiled or roasted to reduce anti-nutrients and enhance digestibility.
• Soaking seeds: Soaking seeds for 6-8 hours before roasting or boiling is also recommended. Discard the soaking water.
• Fresh Juice (Svarasa): Crushing the fresh plant and straining the liquid.
• Herbal Paste (Kalka): Crushing the fresh or dried plant into a soft mass, sometimes mixed with honey, ghee, or oil.
• Decoction (Kvatha): Boiling dry herbs in water until the water reduces to one-quarter of its original amount.
• Hot Infusion (Phant): Adding herbs to boiling water and allowing to steep for a period of time.
• Cold Infusion (Hima): Soaking herbs in cold water for an extended period.
• Cooking Mature Seeds: Requires pre-soaking overnight, discarding the water, and boiling with multiple changes of water to remove toxins.

Contraindications

• Consumption of raw fruit and beans is toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides; thorough boiling with several water changes is essential.
• Avoid during pregnancy due to potential antifertility and abortifacient effects.
• Use caution with bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medications.
• Use caution if taking anti-inflammatory medications.
• Use caution if having low blood pressure, high blood pressure, liver disorders, edema, severe kidney insufficiency, low blood potassium, or heart disease.

Side effects

• Large doses may cause diarrhea and vomiting.
• Improper or excessive use may aggravate pitta, causing pitta- and blood-related disorders.
• May cause flatulence or lectin-related irritation if not properly prepared.
• Some varieties contain toxins or anti-nutritional compounds that can be harmful if not properly cooked.
• May loosen the bowels.

Interactions

• May interact with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and anticoagulants like aspirin, warfarin, and heparin.
• May increase bleeding.
• Astragalus (another herb) may interact with medications that suppress the immune system and may affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
• It is important to stop taking all herbs approximately one week before surgery.
• Use caution with hypertensive drugs and CNS depressants.

Active compounds

• Phenols
• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Coumarins
• Aloinoside
• Chrysophanol
• Rheinphenol
• Chikusetsusaponin IVa
• Kievitone
• Lectins
• Genistein
• Myoinositol
• Brassinolide
• Spermidine
• Spermine

Clinical evidence

Limited in vitro and animal studies suggest potential antiviral, anti-anemic, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects of Lablab purpureus. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Frequently asked questions