Calabar bean

The calabarbean is a plant whose seeds are extremely poisonous, but are nevertheless used to make medicine. African tribes used the calabar bean, also known as the "judgment bean", to identify people who were possessed by evil spirits. It was believed that people who were able to eat the calabar bean and survive were innocent. The chance of survival could be increased by swallowing the bean whole, as chewing it releases the poison it contains. Despite a ban, such ritual use of the calabar bean still takes place occasionally in Africa today, and it is used as a medicine for eye problems, constipation, epilepsy, cholera and tetanus. The calabar bean contains the prescription drug physostigmine.

How does the calabar bean work?

Calabar bean contains chemicals that interfere with the transmission of signals between muscles and nerves. These chemicals can affect many areas of the body.

How effective is calabar bean?

There is not enough scientific information to assess the effectiveness of calabar bean for eye problems, constipation, epilepsy, cholera and tetanus. More scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of calabar bean for these conditions.

Safety and side effects

Calabar be an is not safe and harmless as it is extremely toxic. Possible side effects include excessive salivation, extreme sweating, diminished pupils, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias, changes in blood pressure, confusion, seizures, coma, extreme muscle weakness, paralysis, serious breathing problems and death.

Precautions and warnings

Although calabar bean is not safe or safe for anyone, certain individuals are at an even higher risk for serious side effects. These individuals include pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as people suffering from Parkinson's disease, heart disease, slow heart rate, asthma, diabetes, poor circulation and digestive tract blockages.

Interactions

Care should be taken when using Calabarbonene products in combination with the following medications:

Desiccant medications (anticholinergic agents) Calabar bean contains chemicals that can affect the brain and heart. Some anticholinergic drugs can also affect the brain and heart. However, calabar bean works by different mechanisms than these drugs and may reduce the effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of calabar bean products depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for different calabar bean products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.