Bioactive Compounds of Horse Gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum Lam. [Verdc.

Abstract

AbstractHorse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum Lam. [Verdc.]) is considered as an unexplored and underutilized legume which is mostly cultivated in South Asian countries, Africa, Australia, and the West Indies. It is an ample source of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and has good tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. The presence of nonnutritive bioactive compounds such as proteinase inhibitors, phenolic acid, and phytic acid has shown a significant effect on physiological and metabolic implications in human health. It possesses potent properties to scavenge free radicals. Horse gram is used as a therapeutic agent to treat common cold and fever, kidney stones, constipation, leucorrhea problems, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. Molecular docking studies have shown that DL-proline and geranyl geraniol phytoconstituents from horse gram sprouts and mixed sprouts, respectively, are novel antibiotic resistance breakers and can be recommended as a preventive measure for Shigellosis disease. In this chapter, research progress is presented on the bioactive compounds of horse gram, its nutritional composition, molecular docking studies, and potential health benefits. This underutilized crop can be further explored as a source of nutraceutical and functional food.KeywordsAnalytical determinationBioactive compoundsHorse gramMolecular dockingPotential benefits