CALABAR BEAN Meaning and
Definition
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Calabar bean refers to the seedpod of the West African climbing vine, Physostigma venenosum. It is a leguminous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to Nigeria and parts of Cameroon. The Calabar bean is widely known for its high toxicity and contains a potent poison known as physostigmine, which is also referred to as eserine.
The seedpod itself grows to approximately 3 to 5 centimeters in length and is covered in dense, short hairs. The bean is distinctly oblong or egg-shaped, and when dried, it takes on a brown and papery appearance. Inside the pod, there are usually one to four seeds, which are dark in color and contain the toxin.
Calabar beans have long been used for medicinal purposes. The physostigmine found in the bean has strong cholinesterase inhibiting properties, making it valuable in the treatment of certain medical conditions. It is commonly employed in the management of glaucoma due to its ability to reduce intraocular pressure. Additionally, it has been used to counteract the effects of certain poisons that disrupt normal nervous system function, such as atropine or scopolamine.
However, it is crucial to handle the Calabar bean with extreme caution due to its highly toxic nature. Ingestion of the raw bean can be fatal, as it affects the central nervous system and can lead to paralysis, convulsions, and respiratory failure. Therefore, it is primarily used under strict medical supervision and should never be consumed without professional guidance.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CALABAR BEAN
- xalabar bean
- valabar bean
- falabar bean
- dalabar bean
- czlabar bean
- cslabar bean
- cwlabar bean
- cqlabar bean
- cakabar bean
- capabar bean
- caoabar bean
- calzbar bean
- calsbar bean
- calwbar bean
- calqbar bean
- calavar bean
- calanar bean
- calahar bean
- calagar bean
Etymology of CALABAR BEAN
The word "Calabar" in "Calabar Bean" refers to the city of Calabar, which is located in present-day Nigeria. The bean is derived from a plant called Physostigma venenosum, commonly known as the Calabar bean or ordeal bean. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Calabar: The city of Calabar was a major trading center during the colonial era, known for exporting commodities like palm oil, timber, and slaves. The bean obtained its name from the fact that it was initially discovered and traded from the region surrounding Calabar.
2. Bean: Refers to the seed of the plant. The Calabar bean, specifically the seeds inside its pod, is small, rounded, and bean-shaped.
So, the term "Calabar Bean" essentially represents the origin of the bean and its physical characteristics.
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