Year: 2024 | Month: May | Volume: 11 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 372-379
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20240543
The Superfood Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) and its Therapeutic Activities - A Review
Ranjitha R Nayak1, Dr. Satish S2
1PG Scholar, Department of Pharmacology, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
2Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Corresponding Author: Ranjitha R Nayak
ABSTRACT
This comprehensive review article delves into the multifaceted aspects of the superfood finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and its therapeutic activities, with an emphasis on preclinical studies. Finger millet, commonly known as ragi, has a rich history of consumption across diverse regions, notably Africa and Asia, owing to its exceptional nutritional profile and associated health benefits. The paper meticulously examines the intricate nutritional composition of finger millet, elucidating its notable concentrations of essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, it meticulously scrutinizes the therapeutic properties of finger millet, including its documented antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer attributes, with an in-depth exploration of findings from preclinical investigations supporting these claims.
Throughout the review, special attention is devoted to dissecting the mechanisms underlying finger millet's therapeutic effects, drawing on insights garnered from preclinical studies. These investigations shed light on the molecular pathways and biological processes through which finger millet exerts its health-promoting actions, providing valuable mechanistic understanding. Additionally, the review assesses the potential applications of finger millet in preventing and managing various health conditions, based on the robust evidence gleaned from preclinical research endeavors.
In essence, this review underscores the pivotal role of finger millet as a functional food endowed with substantial potential for enhancing human health and well-being. By synthesizing and analyzing the wealth of data from preclinical studies, the paper not only accentuates the nutritional prowess of finger millet but also delineates its therapeutic prowess, thereby advocating for its integration into dietary regimes and health interventions.
Keywords: Finger millet, Eleusine coracana, superfood, therapeutic activities, preclinical studies, nutritional composition, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, functional food.
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