Cluster Beans (Guar): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Siddharth Gupta

Introduction

You may see cluster beans on your plate and lose all motivation to eat. What if we tell you that cluster beans are much more than a bland vegetable?  

Cluster beans are a rich source of fiber and proteins. They are also packed with other nutrients and may provide potential health benefits. Scientifically known as Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, cluster beans are leguminous plants belonging to the Fabaceae family. They are commonly known as Guar in Hindi¹. 

To know more about cluster bean properties and nutritional value, continue reading!   

Nutritional Value of Cluster Beans

Cluster beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. In addition to these macronutrients, cluster beans provide essential minerals like calcium and iron.  

• Carbohydrates: 5.31g
• Proteins: 3g
• Lipids: 0.31g
• Fiber: 3.7g
• Sugar: 2g
• Calcium: 156mg
• Iron: 3.96mg
• Vitamin C: 2.3mg
• Vitamin A: 200IU
• Energy: 35kcal

Properties of Cluster Beans

Various potential beneficial properties of cluster beans are given below.  

• It may show anti-ulcer properties  
• It may help manage diabetes  
• It may show anticoagulant (prevent blood clots) property    
• It may show anticholinergic property    
• It may help with wound healing    
• It may show anti-inflammatory property  
•   It may show antimicrobial property    
• It may help manage blood cholesterol³    

Cluster beans are a rich source of dietary fibre. Dietary fibres are highly beneficial for digestive health. Therefore, consuming cluster beans might be helpful to increase bowel movements, provide relief from constipation, and help in removing toxins from the body⁶.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Cluster Beans for Overall Health

Potential uses of cluster beans for various medical conditions are given below.  So next time you see cluster beans on your plate, you might want to avoid skipping it. 

1. Potential Uses of Cluster Beans for Diabetes

Pod extract of cluster beans reduced blood glucose levels in rats with diabetes during an animal trial. The blood glucose-reducing activity of cluster beans has also been observed in other animal trials. Therefore, we might see use of cluster beans to help manage blood glucose levels in persons with diabetes with some more research³. However, these properties have been in animal studies and large human trials are required to support the use of cluster beans to manage diabetes. Therefore, you should not cluster beans as an alternative to medical treatment for diabetes without consulting your doctor first.  

2. Potential Uses of Cluster Beans for Blood Cholesterol

The use of cluster beans in the diet reduced blood cholesterol levels, with a substantial increase in good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, HDL)³. However, more research is required to support the use of cluster beans for increased blood cholesterol in humans. Therefore, avoid using cluster beans or other herbal remedies as an alternative to modern medical treatment.  

3. Potential Uses of Cluster Beans for Stomach Ulcers

Cluster bean extract could reduce the intensity of stomach lesions caused by stress. It could also strengthen the mucosal barrier and provide a protective action for the stomach lining. Cluster beans could also help reduce inflammation associated with ulcers, which may promote healing³. All of these benefits have been seen in studies. However, not enough research shows these benefits in humans. If you are suffering from stomach ulcers or any stomach condition, you need to consult your healthcare provider and receive appropriate treatment.   

4. Potential Uses of Cluster Beans for Wound Healing

Cluster bean extract could positively affect the healing process when tested for its wound-healing potential. It could promote healing and increase the tensile strength. The extract could also reduce inflammation, which may help accelerate wound healing³. Larger studies in humans could show us the true extent of benefit of cluster beans for wound healing. Before using them for wound healing, contact your doctor and receive proper treatment. Avoid using herbal remedies to treat your wounds without consulting your doctor first.  

5. Other Potential Uses of Cluster Beans

• Microbial infections: Cluster bean extract has shown antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, indicating the potential use of cluster beans in microbial infections with more research³.
• Asthma: The potential of cluster beans in asthma has been evaluated in animal studies. Cluster beans could reduce the levels of markers of asthma in guinea pigs³.  
• Anthelmintic activity: Cluster bean extract could help kill the worms present in the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, the fruits and leaves extract showed substantial anthemic activity. Therefore, the fruits and leaves of cluster beans may be used for their anthelmintic potential with more research evidence³.
• Anticholinergic activity (reducing the activity of acetylcholine): Cluster bean extract could reduce the muscle contractions induced by a hormone called acetylcholine, indicating the potential of cluster beans in reducing acetylcholine activity³.

Though studies show the benefits of cluster beans in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of cluster beans on human health.   

Cluster beans contain various vitamins and minerals. It contains minerals like calcium and phosphorus that might be beneficial for improving bone health. Similarly, cluster beans also contain vitamins like folic acid which might be beneficial for the normal growth of the foetus in the mother’s womb⁶.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Cluster Beans?

There are several ways to make cluster beans a part of your diet.  

• Leaves: You can cook the leaves as a vegetable 
• Seeds:  Seeds can be cooked as vegetables. You can also eat sprouted seeds raw.  
• Seedpods: You can add unripe seedpods in curries. The unripe seed pods can also be fried and salted¹. 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking cluster beans or herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Side Effects of Cluster Beans

Cluster beans are rich in fiber. Increasing your fiber intake suddenly may cause stomach pain and gas. Therefore, you are advised to consume cluster beans in moderation and increase your fiber intake gradually⁴. 

Also, before using cluster beans for their health benefits or against a disease condition, talk to a healthcare provider about the possible side effects of cluster beans.  

Precautions to Take with Cluster Beans

• Precaution for pregnant and breastfeeding women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women may eat cluster beans in moderation, which is a normal food amount⁵. However, avoid consuming cluster beans or other vegetables in excess.  
• Precaution for elderly: Cluster beans are high in fiber content. Therefore, elders should consume cluster beans in moderation, as it can lead to stomach pain and gas⁴. 
• Precaution for children: Children are advised to eat cluster beans under the guidance of their parents. Children should avoid consuming cluster beans in excess. Also, before using cluster beans for their medicinal properties, you should talk to your healthcare provider about their possible precautions. It will help you avoid unwanted side effects.    

Interactions with Other Drugs

There is a lack of data on the interactions of cluster beans with other drugs and medicines. Therefore, if you are taking medicines for any health conditions, consult your doctor about the possible interactions of the medicine with other herbs and drugs.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Guar, Cluster Bean PFAF Plant Database [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 21]. Available from: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cyamopsis+tetragonoloba 
2. FoodData Central [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 20]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1912769/nutrients 
3. Singh S, Jambheshwar G, Devi B. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L). Taub.: A Phyto-Pharmacological Review. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research. 2016;74. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342106658_Cyamopsis_tetragonoloba_L_Taub_A_Phyto-_Pharmacological_Review 
4. Better Health Channel. Dietary fibre [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fibre-in-food 
5. ​Mote G. Vegetables & its Health Benefits- Cluster Beans. 2022. 18–23 p. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ganesh-Shelke-3/publication/343054070_Potato_and_its_Health_Benefits/links/5f13d4b9299bf1e548c35ca4/Potato-and-its-Health-Benefits.pdf#page=37
6. Narayana Health. Health Benefits of Cluster Beans [Internet]. Narayana Health; [cited 2026 Jan 22]. Available from: https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/health-benefits-of-cluster-beans

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