Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata)

Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) is a member of the Fabaceae family. It grows mainly in India, south Asia and Africa. It is commercially grown for its bean pods and is relatively fast growing producing its crop in 3 to 4 months.

The plant can withstand a range of rainfall which makes it admirably suited to growth on poor quality soils. It is often used in Africa as a green manure and cover crop, and has good nitrogen-fixing capabilities.

The dried beans of Sword Bean are good sources of protein (22–29%) and starch (35–45%), with a good balance of amino acids (Spoladore & Teixeria, 1987).

The seeds are highly toxic. They contain growth inhibiting protein substances called lectins, canavalin and concanavalin A (Con A) and the unusual amino acid, canavanine in the seeds and foliage (Eknayake et al., 1999).

References

Eknayake, S., Jansz, E. R., & Nair, B. M. (1999). Proximate composition, mineral and amino acid content of mature Canavalia gladiata seeds. Food Chemistry, 66, pp. 115–119.

Spoladore, D. S., & Teixeria, J. P. F. (1987). Chemical composition of seeds of Canavalia gladiata D.C. Bragantia, 46, pp. 133–139.

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