Leucaena leucocephala vs Phaseolus vulgaris

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Leucaena leucocephala

Metabolic

Metabolic

Leucaena leucocephala

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Phaseolus vulgaris

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Pantropical legume tree; seeds used in folk medicine for diabetes, anthelmintic, and as food/fodder.

Most widely cultivated bean; pod extract (Phaseolamin) inhibits starch digestion for weight management.

Active Compounds

mimosine, leucenine, flavonoids, tannins, saponins

phaseolamin, phaseolin, lectins, polyphenols, protein, fiber

Traditional Uses

diabetes, worm expulsion, food source, birth control (historical)

diabetes, weight management, food source, constipation, digestive health

Modern Uses

anti-diabetic, anthelmintic, nutritive food (young pods/seeds)

anti-diabetic, weight management (starch blocker), nutritive food, anti-obesity

Adult Dosage

Young pods as food; seed tea (limited use)

As food; white kidney bean extract 445-1500mg before carb meals

Contraindications

pregnancy, excess consumption (mimosine)

raw bean lectins toxic (must cook), legume allergy

Side Effects

hair loss with excess (mimosine), thyroid effects

bloating, GI upset, lectin toxicity if raw

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E