Medicinal Plants

Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

Kacang Panjang

Fabaceae

Location in the garden Vegetable
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Vigna unguiculata (Kacang Panjang) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Vigna unguiculata (Kacang Panjang) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Vigna unguiculata (Kacang Panjang)

Summary

Kacang panjang (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual vine up to ±2.5 meters tall of the Fabaceae family, native to India and China, now widely cultivated across tropical Asia including Indonesia. A newer red long bean hybrid variety is even believed to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Kacang panjang is also believed to be anticancer and to help prevent antibody disorders.

Agroecology

Kacang panjang grows well in medium to low elevations (less than 800 m above sea level), can be planted in rice fields, dry fields or yards in any season. This plant is drought tolerant. Prefers sandy loam soil (latosol) containing humus with a pH of 5.5-6.5.

Morphology

  • Root a light brown taproot.
  • Leaves compound, oblong, alternate, 6-8 cm long, 3-4.5 cm wide, green in color.
  • Flowers emerge in leaf axils, compound, cylindrical stalk, white or bluish in color, butterfly-shaped, one stalk consists of 4 to 6 florets.
  • Fruit pod-shaped, green in color, 15-25 cm long.
  • Seeds oblong, flat, light brown in color.

Cultivation

  • Propagated generatively (seed).
  • Seeds are soaked in water, then the sinking seeds are chosen and floating ones are discarded.

Chemical Content

Anthocyanin, quercetin, flavonoid, saponin, polyphenol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, thiamine, riboflavin.

Benefits

Anticancer, lowers breast cancer risk, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, eases urinary tract disorders, diabetes mellitus, diuretic, prevents antibody disorders, improves spleen function and red blood cells, dengue fever, lower back pain, swelling, boosts appetite, and treats constipation.

Simplisia

  • Collect fresh, non-rotten leaves.
  • Wash thoroughly with running water.
  • Dry in the shade for several days until dry.
  • Pack in a clean plastic bag/container.

Local Names

Kacang lanjaran (Java), Kacang turus (Sunda).

Traditional Recipes

The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Traditional recipe Diabetes mellitus from Kacang Panjang

1. Diabetes mellitus

  • Prepare 2 red long beans, 1 tomato.
  • Blend all ingredients using a blender then add 150 ml boiled water, strain the concoction and drink.
Traditional recipe Diuretic from Kacang Panjang

2. Diuretic

  • Wash 50 g fresh long bean leaves thoroughly.
  • Boil with 2 glasses of water for 30 minutes, strain once cool.
  • Drink twice a day, morning and evening.

Reference Sources

  1. Fern, Ken. (2014). Useful Tropical Plants. Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis. http://www.tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Vigna+unguiculata+sesquipedalis. 24-03-2021.
  2. Jagdish Reddy. (2019). Yard Long Beans Farming Cultivation Practices. https://agrifarming.in/yard-long-beans-farming-cultivation. 23-12-2020.
  3. Khatun. J.A, Azad.M.A.K, Ahmed.M.S. (2020). Asian Australasian Journal of Food Safety and Security.
  4. USDA NRCS. (2012). Plant Guide. https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_viuns2.pdf. 23-12-2020.
  5. USDA National Nutrient Database. (2019). Yard Long Beans Nutrition Facts. https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/yard-long-beans.html. 24-03-2021.