POTENTIAL OF BAJRA [PENNISETUM GLAUCUM (L.) R. BR.] IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

*N Kavya; B Kavya; Rama Rao V; Kishore Kumar R; Shubhashree MN; Shiddamallayya N; Sulochana Bhat

*N Kavya Senior research fellow (Ayurveda), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Metabolic Disorders G.C.P.Annexe, Ashoka Pillar, Jayangar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
B Kavya Junior research fellow (Botany), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Metabolic Disorders G.C.P.Annexe, Ashoka Pillar, Jayangar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Rama Rao V Research Officer (Botany), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Metabolic Disorders G.C.P.Annexe, Ashoka Pillar, Jayangar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Kishore Kumar R Research Officer (Ayurveda), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Metabolic Disorders G.C.P.Annexe, Ashoka Pillar, Jayangar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Shubhashree MN Research Officer (Ayurveda), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Metabolic Disorders G.C.P.Annexe, Ashoka Pillar, Jayangar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Shiddamallayya N Asst.Research Officer (Botany), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Metabolic Disorders G.C.P.Annexe, Ashoka Pillar, Jayangar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Sulochana Bhat Research officer, Scientist - 3 (Ayurveda), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Metabolic Disorders G.C.P.Annexe, Ashoka Pillar, Jayangar, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Keywords: Bajra, Nali, Pennisetum glaucum, Diet, Ayurveda, Gluten, Thyroid.

Abstract

Bajra, also known as pearl millet, African millet or spiked millet, originated in Northern-Central Sahel of West Africa, was introduced 2500 years ago into Indian subcontinent. However, it is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts from 14^th Century AD onwards as Nali under Truna dhanya or Kudhanya vargas. It is considered as a major source of Gluten free diet and is used in the management of Coeliac disease and other gluten allergy conditions worldwide. Indians are also including millet into their day to day diet in accordance with the global trend. However the conditions of Gluten allergy and Coeliac disease are not common in Southern India. Hence, the necessity of Gluten free diet in South Indian Population is under question. It is hypothesized that excessive millet usage could be a reason behind thyroid dysfunction and goitre. Regular millet only diet may also lead to a nutrition deprived state in people who are not gluten sensitive. Ayurveda also emphasizes on avoidance of regular use of Kudhanyas. This review comprises different aspects of dietary inclusion of Bajra. The properties and usability of Bajra as a gluten free diet, utility of Bajra in populations which are not gluten allergic and the effects of Bajra on health and disease form the core of this review.