{"title":"Trinadhanya as a new era super-food: Revival of interest in traditional millet for their nutritional and therapeutic benefits","authors":"Adarsh Tiwari, Ankita Misra, Sharad Srivastava","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_267_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_267_23","url":null,"abstract":"There has been a remarkable revival of interest in traditional millets, collectively known as “ Trinadhanya ” in Ayurveda, due to their nutritional and medicinal properties and, have established themselves as a new era superfood. The present article enlightens Indian traditional millets, showcasing their diverse nutritional profiles comprising carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Further, the diverse range of phytochemical constituents present in millets has also been focused. Besides the nutritional value, the article also elucidates the biological efficacy of traditional millets, unveiling their positive impacts on various health conditions, such as glycemic control, cardiovascular diseases, and healthy gut microflora. The study also elaborates the millet-based recipes, showcasing their versatility in culinary applications. Furthermore, the article contextualizes the resurgence of traditional millets within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3) to combat malnutrition, ensure healthy lives, and promote well-being for all with indigenous crops.","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"75 2","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135514881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Innovations on millets research: Need of the hour","authors":"Rabinarayan Acharya","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_355_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_355_23","url":null,"abstract":"Millets, often referred to as nutri-cereals, are a category of small-seeded grasses well-suited for thriving in tropical and subtropical climates, even with minimal requirements for fertilizers and water. These are the first crop plants to be domesticated by humans. The short growing period is one of the unique characteristics of millets. India boasts a rich diversity of traditional millet crops with various quality and crop duration, namely Sorghum (great millet), Bajra (pearl millet), Ragi (finger millet) and minor millets like Korra (foxtail millet), Cheena (proso millet), Kodo (kodo millet), Sawa (barnyard millet), Kutki (little millet), and two Pseudo Millets Kuttu (buck-wheat) and Chaulai (Amaranthus). Millets have high nutritional content and are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, proteins, and minerals. Cultivated in numerous countries, millet serves as an essential dietary staple for billions of people across Asia and Africa.[1] Besides human consumption, millets are used in food processing industries to make animal feed, as well as in distilleries, and other value-added products. In the world market of millets, India is one of the top five exporting countries of millets, mainly Ragi, Jowar, and Bajra. As per the survey report 2021, nearly 18% of people consume millets for health reasons while 15% of people consume millets for weight loss.[2] To ensure food and nutritional security and to promote millet production and consumption, the Government of India declared the year 2018 as the National Year of Millets. Aiming at large-scale promotion and global demand creation, the Indian government proposed to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM). Seventy-two countries supported this proposal, and UNGA declared 2023 as the IYM on March 5, 2021. This declaration is an opportunity for all stakeholders to raise awareness among the general public about millet production, promotion, consumption, R&D, and marketing. In India, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare acts as the nodal Ministry for promoting the IYM objectives and keeping India as the “Global Hub of Millets.” The significance of millets in food and nutrition security was also highlighted at the BRICS agriculture minister's virtual meeting held in June 2022. Underutilization Despite their historical significance, the decline in the consumption and cultivation of millets in India can be attributed to several factors. After the Green Revolution, the government encouraged the development of high yield rice and wheat varieties and their large-scale production through implementation of various schemes, subsidies, and guaranteed procurement prices, which led to a shift from traditional crops like millets.[3] Consequently, the area under millet production in India decreased by two-thirds (33.9%) from 1951 to 2022. People in various socioeconomic groups predominantly favor rice and wheat as their primary staples over millets, o","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"74 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135514885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C K Saniya, Parvathy G Nair, A P Karthika, E Remya
{"title":"Sowing the seeds of millet revolution: The extraordinary odyssey of architect of the millet revival movement–– Dr. Khader Valli Dudekula","authors":"C K Saniya, Parvathy G Nair, A P Karthika, E Remya","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_176_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_176_23","url":null,"abstract":"This article highlights the extraordinary odyssey of Dr Khader Valli Dudekula, a visionary driving the Millet Revival Movement. Set amidst the backdrop of the International Year of Millet, the article aims to inspire and motivate readers by exploring the legacy of this millet reviver. Khader passionately propagates and preaches the manifold health benefits of millets, the significance of good agricultural practices, and the transformative power of a wholesome lifestyle. His life is an exemplary model, with 30 years of dedicated experiments with millets and advocacy, earning him the prestigious Padma Shri award. Data collected from online sources, newspapers, and government sites reveal the significant contributions of Dr Valli. Through his dedicated work, he explored the medicinal properties of various grains, which he named “Siridhanyalu.” This concept closely aligns with Ayurveda's ideology that “ahara” (food) acts as medicine, which is central to promoting overall health. Incorporating Dr Khader Valli Dudekula's wisdom reinforces the potential of traditional practices and millets to promote health and well-being. By embracing this perspective, it ignites the resurgence of millets and underscores disease-specific dietary plans. This integration yields remarkable healing outcomes, fostering a healthier, happier world through the potential of Ayurveda.","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"73 4","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135514889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and millets: A sustainable solution for food security","authors":"Chidanandamurthy Thippeswamy Swamy","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_216_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_216_23","url":null,"abstract":"Millets are grain crops of high agronomical importance in dry and semi-arid areas of the world. They are nutrient-rich minor cereals, resistant to pests, diseases, salt, heat, and drought stress. During the large-scale millet cultivation, farmers continue to deal with issues including poor soil fertility, scarce water supplies, climate change, and low production. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are very useful microbes; they colonize plant roots and promote plant growth and development. Furthermore, they improve the plant yield through a variety of activities, such as secretion of plant hormones and secondary metabolites, solubilization of nutrients, nitrogen fixation, and providing biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. In addition, PGPR increases the fresh weight, dry weight, root length, shoot length, chlorophyll content, proline content, and antioxidant activities, and decreases the malondialdehyde content as well as electrolyte leakage of millet seedlings. PGPR contributes to soil fertility by mineralizing organic matter, removing pollutants and pesticides, phytoextracting and detoxifying heavy metals, and mineralizing organic matter.","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"8 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135564440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Millets: Ayurveda’s time-honored wisdom","authors":"Mita Kotecha","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_350_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_350_23","url":null,"abstract":"Millets, once a staple in the Indian diet, gradually disappeared from our tables over the past few decades. However, they are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks to increasing health awareness and various government initiatives. In 2018, millets were officially recognized as “Nutri-cereals.” India even designated 2018 as the “National Year of Millets.” The country has played a pivotal role in the global efforts to revive millet production. As a result, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization declared 2023 as the International Year of Millet, underscoring the significant impact of India's initiatives on a global scale. In the past, millets were a common dietary choice. However, the focus shifted to wheat and rice as they were considered food security options, especially during famine conditions. This choice had its consequences, leading to the depletion of groundwater, excessive use of pesticides, and rigid grain production and procurement systems. Over time, these practices became less profitable for farmers. Millets hold a significant place in Ayurveda, meticulously detailed under Dhanya Varga. According to Ayurvedic principles, most of the millets possess specific qualities and effects, being Kashaya-Madhura in taste, katu in post-digestive taste (vipaka), sheeta in potency (veerya), and ruksha in texture (guna). They are classified as Kapha-Pittahara, Vatala, and Rakta Shaamaka in their effects on dosha.[1,2] In recent years, the resurgence of millets in our diets signifies a return to our roots and an acknowledgment of the timeless wisdom encoded in ancient texts. From a nutritional standpoint, millets are powerhouses of essential nutrients, boasting high levels of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions and the best option for gluten intolerance. Moreover, millets have a low glycemic index, making them ideal for managing blood sugar levels, a crucial aspect of modern health management.[3] The global scientific community has also recognized the potential of millets. Numerous studies have delved into their health benefits, confirming what Ayurveda has known for centuries. The Indian Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad, championing millet research, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science. In a significant move, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the importance of millets in her February 2023 Budget speech. She referred to them as “Shree Anna,” a term that roughly translates to “the best among grains,” emphasizing their value. additionally, she announced support for the Indian. Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad, recognizing it as a center of excellence for millet research and development. This acknowledgment marked a pivotal step in revitalizing millet cultivation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India. As we integrate millets into ou","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"76 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135514875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Policy support for the promotion of millets: Current status and its impact","authors":"Narayan Jadhav, Deepak J Londhe","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_181_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_181_23","url":null,"abstract":"The world is currently experiencing an agrarian crisis, nutritional crisis, and climate change catastrophe, leading to need for sustainable crop substitutes that require less water and have significant nutritional values. Millets are considered “climate savvy” and “Nutri-Cereals” due to their ability to adapt to dynamic climatic conditions and numerous health advantages respectively. They are crucial for maintaining people's health and well-being and can help in preventing disorders connected to modern lifestyles, such as diabetes and obesity. Various Government initiative have been taken to promoter millets. This paper discusses about some of the policies adopted by the Government for the promotion of millet, its impact, and future directions.","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"74 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135514887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A review on the use and scope of finger millet (Ragi) in prevention and management of non-communicable diseases","authors":"Prajakta Dhairyashil Sawant, Swagata Dilip Tavhare","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_126_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_126_23","url":null,"abstract":"Ragi (Eleusine coracana L.), or finger millet, is one of the ancient millets used as a staple food in India. Modernization has created an impact on the food habits of humans. Refined flours, polished grains, newly harvested grains, processed and preservative-added foods are causative factors for lifestyle diseases namely diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, lung disorders, gluten enteropathy, and hormonal imbalances. Good quality nutritional food is essential for maintaining health. The Indian government is endeavoring to introduce traditional food practices to the globe. International Year of Millets 2023 has widely gained the global attention toward millets and their health benefits. Millets are nutri-cereals and are vital part of grains in Indian foods. Ragi is a prime millet crop with nutritional, therapeutic, and commercial importance. Ragi contains high amounts of calcium, and protein with well-balanced essential amino acids. Thus, ragi is an ideal food for diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. Its high fiber content prevents constipation, high blood pressure, and gluten intolerance. It has demonstrated the ability to control blood glucose levels due to low glycemic index (54–68) and insoluble fibers, which helps to control blood glucose levels in hyperglycemia, making it an essential food for diabetes. It is pesticide-free, easy to grow, and cost-effective crop, hence a choice for commercial gains. The current review presents ragi’s significance in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases.","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"75 4","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135514879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comprehensive review on millets: Nutritional values, effect of food processing and dietary aspects","authors":"Rahul Maurya, Thirupataiah Boini, Lakshminarayana Misro, Thulasi Radhakrishnan, Aswani Pulikunnel Sreedharan, Dhanashree Gaidhani","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_123_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_123_23","url":null,"abstract":"Millets are a group of small-seeded grains cultivated for centuries as staple food crops in many parts of the world. In the recent years, there has been a growing interest in millet due to its exceptional nutritional and health benefits. Millets are rich in essential nutrients such as proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or diabetes. Studies have shown that regular millet consumption can contribute to several health benefits. The high fiber content in millet aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. Millets reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The antioxidants in millet help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are underlying factors in various conditions. Furthermore, millet has a positive impact on weight management. The combination of high fiber and low glycemic index in millets promotes satiety, regulates blood sugar levels, and helps to maintain a healthy body weight. Additionally, millet has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. In conclusion, millet offers a wide range of nutritional and health benefits. Their nutrient density, gluten-free nature, and low glycemic index make them valuable in a balanced diet. Incorporating millet into regular meals can contribute to improved overall health and well-being. Further research is needed to explore the full potential of millets and their specific health effects on different populations. This review discussed the various involved government bodies and their dietary guidelines. Policy development and dietary guidelines play a crucial role in promoting millet consumption.","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"25 5","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135564817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A critical review of the history and practices of millets in India","authors":"Vijayalakshmi Veerabadhran, Hema Raju Palakuru, Goli Penchala Pratap, Bommidi Rajeshwari, Goli Penchala Prasad, Narayanam Srikanth, Rabinarayan Acharya","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_113_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_113_23","url":null,"abstract":"Millets have a long-standing history in India, and one can trace their cultivation and consumption to ancient times. This critical review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the history, practices, significance, and diverse applications of millets in India by drawing information from a range of ancient texts. Millets have played a crucial role in India's agriculture and dietary landscape for millennia. However, despite their historical importance, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in millets due to their potential health benefits, climate-resilient nature, and sustainable agricultural practices. The literature on millets is scattered across various historical texts such as Veda , Purana , and Samhita , making it imperative to consolidate this information systematically. The review of historical sources reveals a rich diversity of millets in India, with over 28 distinct species. These include Balbaja , Kangu , Priyangu , Shyamaka , Kodrava , Nivara , Yavanala , Gavedhuka , Chinaka , Uddalaka , Charuka , Chanaka , Venuyava , Varuka , Varaka , Varattika , Todaparani , Madhulika , Nandimukhi , Nala , Nali , Mukunda , Sarabeejam , Shimbira , Nartaka , Prashatika , Ragi , and Kuri . Historical texts provide insights into millet cultivation techniques, traditional practices, and their importance in Indian diets. The consolidation of historical knowledge about millets is essential for understanding their potential as a sustainable and nutritional food source. Further research is needed to explore the mechanistic aspects of their nutritional and ecological significance.","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"75 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135514882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Consumption and perceptions associated with Nutri-Cereals: Major, minor, and pseudo millets—A study of urban households in Delhi, India","authors":"Charvi Kapoor, Akash Sondhi, Chubbamenla Jamir, Chandan Kumar","doi":"10.4103/jdras.jdras_271_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_271_23","url":null,"abstract":"Worldwide, millets, also known as nutri-cereals are regarded as nutritionally rich grains, but they are less explored. Millet grains have nutrient-dense properties and immense health benefits to offer. The emphasis on nutri-cereals is particularly relevant in the case of urban population due to changing dietary patterns and rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. The millet-based foods can play a crucial role in providing health benefits to urban communities facing such health challenges. To understand the consumption pattern and associated factors in the urban context, a cross-sectional study was conducted covering 574 middle-income households in different localities of Delhi, India. It was found that consumption of nutri-cereals was substantially lower, except for pearl millet and buckwheat. Most nutri-cereals, including finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet, little millet, amaranth, and sorghum, had a consumption rate below 50% (ever consumed), indicating their limited inclusion in household diets. The two prominent factors associated with household millet consumption include the health benefits and cultural significance of these nutri-cereals, as well as the practice of cooking and serving them at home, along with other health considerations.","PeriodicalId":484123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of drug research in ayurvedic sciences","volume":"7 4","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135564443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}