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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    4-Winged Super-Legume, High-Protein Spleen-Tonifying & Glycemic-Modulating Sovereign (健脾补虚 / 益气生津降血糖清热明目润肺生肌抗疲劳 — 一身皆是宝之热带超级大豆)

    四棱豆 / 翼豆 / 四角豆 / 翅豆 / 热带大豆 / 杨桃豆 — Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.

    Pinyin: Sìléngdòu / Yìdòu / Sījiǎodòu · Malay: Kacang Botol / Kacang Kelor / Kacang Belimbing · Family: Fabaceae (豆科 / 蝶形花亚科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Neutral to Cool (平 / 微凉)

    Flavor

    Sweet, bland, crisp, slightly nutty (甘、淡、微甜、清脆爽口)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Liver (肝), Large Intestine (大肠)

    Traditional Edict

    Winged Bean (Kacang Botol / Si Leng Dou). 4-frilled winged pods hanging from lush vines. Ultimate tropical super-legume (entire plant edible: pods, leaves, flowers, tubers, seeds). Powerfully blunts diabetic blood sugar, tonifies Spleen, brightens eye vision.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Consume tender young pods before they become fibrous. Mature hard seeds must be soaked and cooked thoroughly (inactivates raw trypsin inhibitors). High culinary, dietary, and pediatric safety.

    Clinical Applications

    • Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (slowing carbohydrate absorption and enhancing insulin sensitivity), protein-energy malnutrition (PEM convalescence), hypercholesterolemia, and age-related visual fatigue.

    Quality Markers

    Crude Protein >= 30.0%-38.0% in seeds, Tocopherols (Vitamin E) >= 25.0 mg/100g, b-Carotene & Dietary Fiber >= 15.0%

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. High protein, soluble fibers, and bioflavonoids delay gastric emptying and inhibit intestinal a-glucosidase, blunting postprandial glucose surges. 2. Vitamin E and b-carotene protect retinal microvasculature. 3. Prebiotic colonic fermentation.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN KACANG BOTOL SAMBAL BELACAN ULAM: 50 to 100 g fresh tender young 4-winged pods sliced transversely into 4-pointed stars, eaten raw or blanched with Sambal Belacan as a daily functional antidiabetic salad. Roasted seeds: 15-30 g.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Nanyang Antidiabetic Ulam Salad with Momordica charantia (Peria Katak) and Lime. 2. High-Protein Convalescent Congee with Winged Bean Tuberous Roots and Shan Yao.

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only