Cowpea, a leguminous plant of Rosaceae. Annual twining, herbaceous lianas or nearly erect herbs. Sometimes the top is twisted. Stems subglabrous. Pinnate compound leaves with 3 leaflets; Stipules are lanceolate, about 65438±0cm long, with short spacing and straight lines at the insertion place; Leaflets ovate-rhombic, 5- 15 cm long and 4-6 cm wide, with acute apex, entire or nearly entire margin, sometimes lavender and glabrous.

Racemes axillary, with long peduncles; 2-6 flowers are clustered at the top of inflorescence, and there are often fleshy dense glands between pedicels; Calyx light green, bell-shaped, 6- 10 mm long, teeth lanceolate; Corolla is yellowish white, slightly blue-purple, about 2 cm long, each petal has a stalk, the flag petal is oblate, about 2 cm wide, the top is slightly concave, the base is slightly ear-shaped, the wing petal is slightly triangular, and the keel petal is slightly curved; Ovary linear and hairy. The pods are drooping, erect or obliquely spreading, linear, 7.5-70(90) cm long and 6- 10 mm wide, slightly fleshy and swollen or solid, with many seeds; The seeds are oval or cylindrical or slightly kidney-shaped, 6- 12 mm long, yellow-white, dark red or other colors. Flowering period may-August.

Cowpea is flat, sweet and salty, and belongs to the spleen and stomach meridian; Has effects in regulating middle energizer, invigorating qi, invigorating stomach, tonifying kidney, regulating five internal organs, caring skin, nourishing body, nourishing essence, and quenching thirst. Indications: Vomiting, dysentery, frequent urination, etc.

B vitamins contained in cowpea can maintain normal digestive gland secretion and gastrointestinal peristalsis, inhibit cholinesterase activity, help digestion and stimulate appetite.

Vitamin C contained in cowpea can promote the synthesis of antibodies and improve the antiviral effect of the body.

The phospholipid of cowpea can promote insulin secretion and participate in glucose metabolism, which is an ideal food for diabetic patients.