Article: A REVIEW ON THE NUTRITIONAL POTENTIAL OF KULATTHA AS A DIETARY COMPONENT

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.174160

Pages: 185-188

Author: Varsha Ahirwar *, Saleha Zainab, Charu Bansal, Umesh Shukla

Abstract: Dietary diversity plays a vital role in disease prevention and management. Kulattha (Dolichos biflorus), commonly known as Horse gram, is a pulse of the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae) that is mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts under the Shamidhanya Varga and used as a key ingredient in several dietary and medicinal formulations. This underutilised neglected pulse, native to South India, is consumed worldwide in various forms, including sprouted or boiled seeds, ground flour, and health beverages, as well as in traditional Indian preparations such as yusha (soup), ladoo, snacks, and salads. kulttha is rich in carbohydrates and proteins and contains substantial amounts of trace minerals such as iron, molybdenum, and calcium, together with Vitamin A, protein, pentosan, and water-soluble gum; other notable constituents include collidine and genistein. Owing to its favourable amino acid profile, Kulattha is nutritionally superior to many other pulses and represents a valuable grain legume with considerable nutritional and therapeutic potential. This review compiles classical Ayurvedic descriptions and contemporary scientific evidence on the nutritional composition, therapeutic properties, and dietary applications of Kulattha, and highlights its promise as a functional food for preventing and managing lifestyle-related disorders.

Keyword: Horse Gram, Yusha, Nutrition, Dolichos biflorus, Neglected Pulse, Macrotyloma uniflorum