
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Scarlet Bean (Phaseolus coccineus) contains oligomeric globulin lectins and phenolic compounds that inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, specifically COX-1 (IC₅₀ = 1.2 µg/ml) and COX-2 (IC₅₀ = 38 µg/ml), reducing inflammatory mediators. These bioactive compounds also suppress lipoxygenase expression (15-LOX) with IC₅₀ values of 15.6 µg/ml while modulating NO/NF-κB pathways to decrease IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α production.

Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History

Scarlet Bean (Phaseolus coccineus) is a vibrant legume native to Central America, particularly Mexico and Guatemala. Revered for its striking appearance and robust nutritional profile, it thrives in temperate climates. This superlegume is a cornerstone of traditional diets, valued for its contributions to cardiovascular, digestive, and metabolic health.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Multiple studies, including those published on PubMed and ScienceDirect, validate Scarlet Bean's benefits for cardiovascular health, gut microbiome balance, and metabolic regulation. Research also highlights its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its role in chronic disease prevention.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
- Complete plant-based protein - Dietary fiber - B vitamins - Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium - Phytochemicals: Flavonoids, anthocyanins, polyphenols
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Scarlet Bean's oligomeric globulin lectins (43-53 kDa) trigger immunomodulatory signal transduction while phenolic compounds and saponins inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes with IC₅₀ values of 1.2 µg/ml and 38 µg/ml respectively. The bean's bioactive compounds suppress 15-lipoxygenase expression and modulate the NO/NF-κB inflammatory pathway, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Flavonoids and tannins contribute additional antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging mechanisms.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Clinical evidence for Scarlet Bean is primarily limited to in vitro studies rather than human trials, with most research focusing on related Phaseolus species. Laboratory studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects through enzyme inhibition, but quantified human clinical efficacy data is not currently available in peer-reviewed literature. Multiple studies on PubMed and ScienceDirect validate cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, though specific sample sizes and controlled trial outcomes for Scarlet Bean require further investigation. The current evidence base suggests therapeutic potential but lacks the robust clinical validation seen with other legumes.
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