Seeds of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek): Taxonomy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Uses and Pharmacology

Abstract

Background: Seeds of Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek) have been recognized as a 'Green pearl' of Asian cuisine due to abundance of dietary fibres, protein, minerals,vitamins and wide variety of bioactive agents. Methods: Literature has been collected through SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Pubmed, and a library. This review shares updated information on the botany, distribution, health benefits, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Mung bean seeds. Results: Bioactive components of mung bean seeds exhibited a wide array of activities such as anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, treatment of alcoholism, reducing obesity, increasing muscular strength, rheumatism, piles, liver and neurological diseases. This curative potential highlighted its various beneficial outcomes in the field of drug research and increasing scientific interest in the identification of bioactive compounds responsible for various pharmacological activities. This legume is gaining importance for its use in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic products. Conclusion: Existing literature authenticates the potential benefits of mung bean seeds from nutritional as well as medicinal perspective. This food grain needs to be explored for identification, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds against varied ailments.