K. J. Somaiya

Horse gram is lesser known legume grown in some parts of world. The plant can withstand adverse climatic conditions. It is rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins. Apart from this it has range of medicinal properties and reported as a effective neutraceutical legume due to presence of antinutritive substances. Horse gram has been already in use as a traditional medicine for the treatment of kidney stones, urinary diseases, piles, common cold, throat infection, fever, intestinal diseases, diabetes, coronary heart disease, dental problems etc. In recent years, isolation and utilization of potential antioxidants from legumes including horse gram are increased as it decreases the risk of several diseases. In the present study horse gram was analysed from a drought prone area of Maharashtra with respect to phenolic compounds. A comparison was done with some commonly used legumes which show higher polyphenols and tannins in horse gram as compared to other commonly used legumes.