Medicinal Value of Finger Millet, Sorghum Millet, and Foxtail Millet

Abstract
Millets, including finger millet (Eleusine coracana), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and foxtail millet (Setaria italica), are nutrient-dense, climate-resilient grains with profound medicinal value. Rich in dietary fiber, essential minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium), and bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins), these grains exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties. Finger millet stands out for its exceptional calcium content (344 mg/100 g), supporting bone health and diabetes management via α-glucosidase inhibition. Sorghum, a gluten-free grain, contains 3-deoxyanthocyanins and phenolic acids, demonstrating anticancer potential by inducing apoptosis in colon cancer cells and reducing cardiovascular risks through cholesterol modulation. Foxtail millet, a metabolic regulator, boasts a low glycemic index (~50) and high GABA levels (336.52 mg/100 g when germinated), aiding in lipid metabolism, neuroprotection, and immune modulation. Clinical studies highlight their efficacy in mitigating lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Despite their benefits, challenges like low agricultural productivity, consumer awareness gaps, and economic barriers hinder widespread adoption. Strategic interventions, including biofortification, public health campaigns, and policy support, are critical to leveraging millets as sustainable, functional foods.

Author
Dr. Gazala Parveen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-09502-2_23

ISSN
978-3-032-09502-2

Publish Date: 3-Feb-2026