Horse Gram - A Prospective Functional Food

Abstract

Horse gram ( Macrotyloma uniflorum ) - an underexploited poor man's pulse crop is a succulent, pubescent and drought resistant annual bushy herb which is an indigenous food crop of Indian peninsula gaining more importance for its high protein and fiber content. National Academy of Science recognized it as a potential food resource. This legume was commonly used by farmer community and low income group people due to its unacceptable taste and flavor in earlier days. But now, it can be consumed as whole, dehulled, splits, canned, boiled, roasted or ground into flour which occupied a very important place in human diet in many developing countries. Horse gram is not only having good nutritional profile but also occupies a prominent role both in traditional and modern medicine. It is always essential to have an in-depth knowledge of the plant with regard to its ecobiology, phytochemistry and nutritive values and all other applications before using the plant for any purpose so as to gain the maximum utility of the plant. The detailed information about the origin, distribution, morphology, ecological features and crop management of horse gram is discussed in this paper. Nutritional compositions, phytochemicals, significance of processing and product formulation are well summarized. This paper also briefs various medicinal properties and formulations of horse gram used to treat diseases. Putting into nutshell, this paper overviews the importance of poor man's pulse crop as food, nutraceutical and medicine which could get a prominent role in therapeutic food preparations for the global community.