A critical review on the efficacy of Kodo, Sorghum, and foxtail millets in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects around 537 million people globally, with 77 million cases in India. Type 2 DM is primarily linked to poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles, leading to either insulin resistance or impaired insulin secretion. In Ayurveda this condition is referred to as Apathyanimmataja Prameha. To promote healthier food choices, the Indian government declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, emphasizing their significant health benefits. Historically, millets, known as "Shri Anna," were among the first domesticated crops in India and were a staple food across Asia. However, with the Green Revolution prioritizing the mass production of rice and wheat, millet cultivation declined. Millets are classified as "Nutri Cereal" due to their low glycemic index (GI), gluten-free nature, and rich content of flavonoids, vitamins (E, B complex), minerals, and antioxidants. They help prevent various lifestyle diseases and have demonstrated antidiabetic effects. Specifically, Kodo, Sorghum, and foxtail millets have shown significant impact on controlling hyperglycemia, as confirmed by studies. Ayurvedic texts also recommend these millets as a wholesome diet, particularly in managing conditions like Prameha (diabetes) and obesity. This article draws data from Ayurvedic texts, previous dissertations, and electronic databases like ResearchGate and PubMed and Google Scholar. It explores the pharmacodynamic properties of Kodo, Sorghum, and foxtail millets focusing on their preventive and therapeutic effects in managing type 2 DM by integrating both Ayurvedic and modern scientific research.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• health benefits of millets
• jowar benefits
• kanguni benefits
• kodo millet
• priyangu benefits
• sorghum millet