Lablab purpureus, commonly known as hyacinth bean, lablab, or Egyptian kidney bean, is a leguminous plant in the family Fabaceae. The genus name Lablab is derived from the Arabic lablab meaning "creeper," while purpureus refers to the plant’s purple flowers and pods. It is native to Africa but now widely cultivated in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and tropical regions worldwide. Archaeological and historical evidence indicates domestication in Africa, with subsequent spread to India over 1,500 years ago, where it became a culturally significant food and forage crop.

The plant is highly versatile: its immature pods, leaves, flowers, and seeds are edible after appropriate preparation. In India and Southeast Asia, the tender pods and seeds are incorporated into curries, stews, stir-fries, and lentil-like dishes. In Africa, both green and dried seeds are consumed, often boiled or fermented. The dried seeds require careful processing because they contain cyanogenic glycosides and anti-nutritional factors, which must be neutralized through soaking, boiling, or fermentation. Beyond its food role, Lablab purpureus has been employed in traditional medicine as a digestive aid and treatment for diarrhea, while also serving as a cover crop and forage plant due to its nitrogen-fixing ability and resilience in drought conditions. In modern contexts, the species has gained recognition as a multipurpose crop for food security, forage, soil improvement, and climate-resilient agriculture. It remains important in subsistence farming across Africa and Asia while also entering global health-food markets.