Ordeal bean meaning

An ordeal bean is a legume used in traditional African cooking that requires hours of cooking to become edible.


Ordeal bean definitions

Word backwards laedro naeb
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division or-deal bean
Plural The plural form of the word "ordeal bean" is "ordeal beans."
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) o,e,a
Consonants (5) r,d,l,b,n

Ordeal bean, scientifically known as Andira inermis, is a tropical tree native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. This tree produces seeds that are commonly referred to as ordeal beans.

These beans contain toxic compounds that have been historically used in rituals as ordeals to determine someone's guilt or innocence. When ingested, the compounds cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration and potentially death.

Uses in Traditional Medicine

In traditional medicine, ordeal beans have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin diseases, asthma, and even snake bites. However, due to their high toxicity, the beans are not commonly used in modern medicine.

Chemical Composition

The toxic compounds found in ordeal beans are alkaloids, specifically a group of quinolizidine alkaloids. These compounds are responsible for the severe gastrointestinal effects when ingested.

Andira inermis has also been studied for its potential pharmacological properties, with researchers investigating its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Conservation Status

Due to deforestation and habitat destruction, ordeal beans are facing threats in their natural habitats. Conservation efforts are being made to protect these trees and ensure their survival for future generations.

In conclusion, the ordeal bean is a fascinating plant with a dark history and potential medicinal properties. While its toxicity limits its use, studying its chemical composition may lead to the development of new drugs and treatments in the future.


Ordeal bean Examples

  1. After the shipwreck, surviving on a deserted island became a harrowing ordeal.
  2. Completing the marathon was an exhausting ordeal for the first-time runner.
  3. Getting through the stressful week of exams felt like an endless ordeal for the students.
  4. The family's journey through the wilderness turned into a dangerous ordeal when they got lost.
  5. Rescuing the hiker trapped on the mountain was a challenging ordeal for the search and rescue team.
  6. Going through a long and complicated legal process can be an ordeal for those involved.
  7. Surviving a natural disaster can be a traumatic ordeal for those affected.
  8. Dealing with a difficult medical diagnosis can be an emotional ordeal for patients and their families.
  9. Getting trapped in an elevator for hours was a terrifying ordeal for the passengers.
  10. Enduring the extreme weather conditions during the expedition was a grueling ordeal for the climbers.


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  • Updated 16/04/2024 - 21:16:27