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: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19595564  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH  
Critical Evaluation of Role of Sushrutokta Kudhanyas (Millets) In The  
Management of Obesity and diabetes Mellitus On the Basis of Glycemic Index  
And Nutritional Value  
Dr. Nilesh Dalvi1, Prof. Dr. Subhash Waghe 2, Dr. Vishwanath Kakde3  
1 Dept. of Streeroga and Prasuti Tantra,Vaidya Yagyadatta Sharma, Ayurved Mahavidyalaya , Khurja – 203131  
2 Dept. of Rog Nidan, SAM College of Ayurvedic Sciences, Raisen (MP) – 464 551  
3Dept. of Samhita Siddhanta,Future Institute of Ayurvedic Medical Sciences, Bareilly (UP)  
Corresponding Author: Dr.Nilesh Dalvi  
E-Mail : Nilesh.dalvi1472@gmail.com  
Article Info: Article Received on : 31/03/2026  
Article Reviewed on: 03/04/2026  
Article Published on : 15/04/2026  
Cite this article as: - Dalvi, N., Waghe, S., & Kakde, V. (2026). Critical Evaluation of Role of Sushrutokta Kudhanyas (Millets) In  
The Management of Obesity and diabetes Mellitus On the Basis of Glycemic Index And Nutritional Value. International Journal of  
Diagnostics And Research, 3(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19595564  
Abstract  
Background: Obesity (Sthaulya) and Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumeha) are major metabolic disorders with increasing global  
prevalence and constitutes a foremost public health challenge of the twenty-first century. Conventional pharmacological  
approaches carry significant side-effect burdens and do not address underlying dietary aetiology. Ayurveda recommends  
Sushrutokta Kudhanyas (millets) as therapeutic dietary components for treating these disorders. The ancient Ayurvedic  
treatise Sushruta Samhita classifies a distinct group of minor low-grade cereals under the denomination Kudhanyas (inferior  
grains / millets). Out of the fifteen inferior grains enumerated in Sushrut Samhita, four are specifically indicated for Prameha  
(diabetes), Sthoulya (obesity), and Medoroga (dyslipidaemia). These are Kodrava (Kodo millet - Paspalum scrobiculatum),  
Shyamaka (Barnyard millet - Echinochloa frumentacea), Priyangu/Kangu (Foxtail millet - Setaria italica), and Sawa (Little  
millet - Panicum sumatrense). Objective: To critically evaluate the nutritional composition, glycemic index (GI), and  
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties of the four Sushrutokta Kudhanyas and assess their potential utility in the dietary  
management of obesity and DM in the light of classical Ayurvedic references and contemporary scientific  
evidence.Methods: Classical Ayurvedic literature and contemporary scientific studies were critically analyzed, including  
international GI datasets and peer-reviewed research.A systematic review of classical Ayurvedic texts particularly of Sushrut  
Samhita is done. For critically analysing the views of other authors Kudhanya related literature from Charaka Samhita,  
Ashtanga Hridayam and pharamacological lexiconssuch as bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Dhanvantari Nighantu, Raja Nighantu,  
Kaiyadeva Nighantu is also discussed. Present study is also supplemented by a structured search of PubMed, Google Scholar,  
ICMR databases, and WHO/FAO sources for peer-reviewed studies on the nutritional composition and glycemic properties of  
these four millets published between 1990 and 2025.Results: - All four Sushrutokta Kudhanyas demonstrate glycemic indices  
in the low-to-medium range (GI: 40–58), compared to white rice (GI: 72–89) and wheat bread (GI: 70–75). Their high dietary  
fiber content (7.6–9.8 g/100g), elevated resistant starch levels (14–22%), rich polyphenolic profile (250–415 mg GAE/100g),  
and superior micronutrient density are consistent with their classical description as Ruksha (dry/desiccating), Lekhana  
(scraping/lipolytic), and Kaphapittahara (mitigating Kapha and Pitta doshas) in Ayurvedic literature. Modern studies confirm  
inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, reduction of postprandial glycaemia, antilipidaemic, and anti-inflammatory  
actions.Conclusion: Based on convergent evidence from classical Ayurvedic references, nutritional data, and clinical  
research, the Sushrutokta Kudhanyas - Kodrava, Shyamaka, Priyangu, and Sawa - represent scientifically validated, safe, and  
culturally appropriate dietary interventions for the adjunctive management of obesity and diabetes mellitus.  
Keywords - Kudhanya, Millets, Glycemic Index, Madhumeha, Sthaulya, Nutrition, Kodrava; Shyamaka; Priyangu; Sawa  
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Introduction :  
1.2 Ayurvedic brief description of Kudhanyas  
Sushruta Samhita, classifies millets under a distinct  
category — Kudhanyas — and attributes to them  
properties of Ruksha (dryness), Laghu (lightness),  
and Lekhana Karma (scraping/lipolytic action) that  
1.1 Epidemiology and Magnitude of the problem  
Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus are categorized in  
Ayurveda under Santarpanottha Vyadhis, resulting  
from excessive caloric intake and sedentary  
lifestyle. Dietary regulation plays a pivotal role in  
their management. The global burden of diabetes is  
equally alarming. The Global Burden of Disease  
(GBD) Study 2021 estimated that approximately  
529 million people were living with diabetes  
mellitus worldwide, with projections indicating an  
are  
considered  
directly  
antagonistic  
to  
the  
pathological accumulation of Meda (adipose tissue)  
and Kleda (abnormal moisture) characteristic of  
Sthoulya and Prameha. [5] [6]  
Modern nutrition emphasizes the importance of  
carbohydrate quality, particularly the glycemic  
index (GI), in regulating blood glucose levels.  
increase to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by  
[2]  
2045.[1]  
India, China, and the United States  
Millets  
(Kudhanyas),  
described  
in  
classical  
collectively account for the highest absolute  
numbers of individuals with diabetes globally. The  
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Atlas 11th  
Edition (2024) projects that the worldwide diabetes  
prevalence among adults aged 20–79 years will rise  
to 10.9–11.3%, with significant concentration in  
low- and middle-income countries, where 95% of  
projected increase by 2050 is expected to occur.[3]  
The obesity landscape in India is equally  
concerning. The World Obesity Federation assigns  
India a National Obesity Risk Score of 7/10,  
indicative of a high and growing burden.⁷ Among  
adults aged 45 years and above, approximately four  
in ten are estimated to be at high risk of developing  
type-2 diabetes, with obesity and physical inactivity  
identified as primary modifiable risk factors.  
Ayurvedic texts, have recently gained scientific  
attention due to their low GI and high nutritional  
density.  
Kaphapittahara (mitigating Kapha and Pitta),  
Medohara (anti-lipidaemic) are collectively  
The  
pharmacological  
attributes  
like  
consistent with the modern understanding of  
millets' anti-obesity and antidiabetic mechanisms.  
With regard to lipid metabolism, phytosterols,  
policosanols, and insoluble dietary fibre in millets  
have been shown to reduce total cholesterol, LDL-  
cholesterol,  
improving the HDL-C:LDL-C ratio, thus validating  
the Ayurvedic concept of Medohara (anti-  
and  
serum  
triglycerides  
while  
lipidaemic) Karma.[7]  
Material And Methods :  
2.1 Review of Ayurvedic and Modern literature:  
This study employs a descriptive, analytical, and  
comparative research methodology constituting a  
critical review. Primary classical Ayurvedic textual  
data were gathered from authenticated scholarly  
editions of the Sushruta Samhita (Chaukhambha  
Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint 2021), and the  
Research  
demonstrates  
that  
modest  
weight  
reduction of 5–10% achieved through dietary  
changes and increased physical activity can reduce  
the incidence of type-2 DM by 40–60% in high-risk  
individuals. Childhood obesity in India is projected  
to contribute 11% of the global paediatric obesity  
burden by 2030.[4]  
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principal  
Nighantus  
Dhanvantari  
(Bhavaprakasha,  
Raja  
risks, quantified by BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² in international  
criteria (≥ 25 kg/m² for Asian populations). It  
results from a complex interaction of genetic  
Nighantu,  
Nighantu, Kaiyadeva  
Nighantu). All Sanskrit verses were referenced with  
precise chapter and verse numbers. Modern  
predisposition,  
environmental  
neuroendocrine  
dysregulation,  
patterns.  
literature  
was  
systematically  
reviewed  
from  
factors, and dietary  
PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of  
Science, Frontiers journals, and institutional  
databases of the International Crops Research  
Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT),  
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN, Hyderabad),  
WHO/FAO, and the Indian Council of Medical  
Research (ICMR). Publications from 1990 to  
February 2025 were included. Nutritional data were  
sourced from the Indian Food Composition Tables  
(NIN-ICMR, 2017), ICRISAT databases, USDA  
FoodData Central, and peer-reviewed publications.  
Glycemic index values were sourced from the  
International GI and Glycemic Load (GL) Database  
(University of Sydney), published meta-analyses,  
and primary clinical trials.  
Pathophysiologically, visceral adiposity drives  
insulin resistance through release of adipokines  
(TNF-α, IL-6, resistin) and free fatty acids that  
impair insulin signal transduction, precipitating  
hyperglycaemia and type-2 DM.[8]  
Diabetes mellitus Type-2 is characterised by  
progressive insulin resistance and relative insulin  
deficiency, resulting in chronic hyperglycaemia and  
long-term microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy,  
neuropathy) and macrovascular (ischaemic heart  
disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial  
disease) complications. India's unique 'Asian  
phenotype' — characterised by higher visceral fat,  
lower skeletal muscle mass, and earlier β-cell  
dysfunction  
renders  
the  
Indian  
population  
particularly susceptible to type-2 DM even at  
modest weight excess.[9]  
2.2 Criteria for Glycaemic Index (GI) and  
Glycaemic Load (GL):  
The  
glycemic  
index  
(GI)  
is  
a
validated  
3.2 Ayurvedic Literature About Millets:  
physiological measure of the blood glucose-raising  
potential of a food relative to a standard (glucose or  
white bread = 100 or 70 respectively). Foods with  
GI ≤ 55 are classified as low GI, 56–69 as medium  
GI, and ≥ 70 as high GI. The glycemic load (GL)  
integrates GI with carbohydrate content per  
serving, providing a more clinically relevant  
measure.  
Acharya Sushruta described Kudhanyas and its  
properties in his treatise ‘Sushrut Samhita’ in Sutra  
Sthana Chapter 46, verse no.21-24. Sushruta  
enumerated following Kudhanyas in the list.  
Kordush, Shyamak, Nivar, Shantanu, Varaka,  
Uddalaka, Priyangu, Madhulika, Nandimukhi,  
Kuruvinda, Gavedhuka, Sara, Varuk, Todaparni,  
Mukundaka. Further acharya sushruta mentioned  
that these kudhanyas are warm, astringent, little  
sweet, dry, have katu Vipaka , Kapha-hara (which  
alleviated Kapha). [10]  
Review Of Literature :  
3.1 Obesity & Diabetes – A Brief Synopsis:  
Obesity is defined by the WHO as abnormal or  
excessive fat accumulation that presents health  
Acharya Sushruta had suggested these Kudhanyas  
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for the management of obesity and diabetes in the  
sutra sthana of his treatise Sushrut Samhita,  
chapter 15, verse no. 37. [11]  
acids (gallic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid),  
flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, quercetin), tannins,  
and proanthocyanidins — confers significant  
Acharya  
Vagbhata  
in  
Ashtanga  
Hridayam  
as  
antioxidant,  
anti-inflammatory,  
and  
enzyme-  
(Sutrasthana 6/11,  
13) classifies millets  
inhibitory properties directly relevant to diabetes  
and obesity management. [14] [15]  
Trinadhanya within the broader Shuka Dhanya  
Varga. He specifically mentions Kangu (Priyangu),  
Kodrava, Nivara, Shyamaka and affirms that all of  
them are Laghu (light to digest), increase Vata,  
reduce Kapha and Pitta, and have Lekhana Karma  
— a scraping/fat-reducing action of profound  
relevance to the management of obesity and  
dyslipidaemia. [12]  
Millets and Glycemic Index Response :  
The  
four  
Sushrutokta  
Kudhanyas  
uniformly  
demonstrate low-to-medium GI values (40–58),  
compared to the high GI of polished white rice (72–  
89) and refined wheat bread (70–75).[16] [17]  
Anti-Obesity & Anti-lipid Role of Millets :  
Anti-obesity and anti-lipidaemic mechanisms of  
millets are multifactorial. High dietary fiber content  
promotes satiety by slowing gastric emptying and  
3.3 Modern Literature About Millets :  
Millets belong to the botanical family Poaceae and  
include a heterogeneous group of small-seeded  
annual grasses. The Sushrutokta Kudhanyas under  
review correspond to the following modern  
botanical identifications: Kodrava — Kodo millet  
(Paspalum scrobiculatum); Shyamaka — Barnyard  
millet (Echinochloa frumentacea); Priyangu/Kangu  
— Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauvois); and  
Sawa / Little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth).  
Nutritional Value of Millets :  
suppressing  
appetite-stimulating  
hormones  
(ghrelin), while simultaneously increasing satiety  
hormones (GLP-1, PYY). Resistant starch serves as  
a prebiotic substrate for colonic fermentation,  
generating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs —  
butyrate, propionate, acetate) that inhibit hepatic  
cholesterol synthesis, improve insulin sensitivity,  
and modulate inflammatory pathways. [18]  
Phytosterols in foxtail millet competitively inhibit  
cholesterol absorption at intestinal brush-border  
Millets are characterised by a nutritionally superior  
profile compared to major cereal staples such as  
polished rice and refined wheat. They are rich in  
complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber (including  
both soluble and insoluble fractions), resistant  
starch, protein (with better essential amino acid  
profiles than rice), fat (predominantly unsaturated  
fatty acids), and a dense micronutrient matrix  
receptors,  
reducing  
LDL-cholesterol  
levels.  
Policosanols, particularly abundant in barnyard  
millet, have been demonstrated to inhibit HMG-  
CoA reductase — the primary enzyme target of  
statin drugs — thereby reducing hepatic cholesterol  
synthesis. The presence of phytochemicals like  
phenolics and proanthocyanidins further contributes  
to anti-obesity effects through inhibition of  
pancreatic lipase, prevention of fat absorption, and  
reduction of adipogenesis. [14]  
including  
phosphorus, and B-vitamins.[13]  
calcium,  
iron,  
zinc,  
magnesium,  
Their polyphenolic content — including phenolic  
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Table 3: Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties of  
Observations:  
Sushrutokta  
Kudhanyas  
and  
Their  
Modern  
Table 1: Nutritional Composition of Sushrutokta  
Kudhanyas per 100g Edible Portion (Dry Grain)  
Compared with Reference Cereals  
Pharmacological Correlates  
Vipaka  
(Post-  
Millet  
Karma (Action)  
– Disease  
Guna  
Virya  
(Sanskrit  
Name)  
Rasa (Taste)  
Kodo  
Barnyar Foxtail  
White  
Rice  
(Referen  
ce)  
(Quality) (Potency)  
digestive  
effect)  
Little  
Millet  
(Sawa)  
Wheat  
(Referen  
ce)  
Indication  
Nutrient (per  
100g)  
Millet  
d Millet Millet  
(Kodrav (Shyama (Priyang  
Kaphapittahara,  
Vatakara, Grahi;  
Prameha,  
a)  
309  
65.9  
8.3  
1.4  
9.0  
27  
ka)  
307  
65.5  
6.2  
2.2  
9.8  
20  
u/Kangu)  
331  
60.9  
12.3  
4.0  
Kashaya,  
Madhura  
Ruksha,  
Kodrava  
Laghu  
(Dry,  
Sheeta  
(Cold)  
Katu  
Energy (kcal)  
Carbohydrates (g)  
Protein (g)  
329  
67.0  
7.7  
4.7  
7.6  
17  
345  
78.2  
6.4  
341  
71.2  
11.8  
1.5  
(Kodo Millet) (Astringent,  
(Pungent)  
Sthoulya,  
Sweet)  
Light)  
Medoroga  
Fat (g)  
0.5  
Kashaya,  
Shyamaka  
Madhura  
Laghu,  
Ruksha  
(Light,  
Dry)  
Kaphapittahara,  
Lekhana;  
Dietary Fiber (g)  
Calcium (mg)  
Iron (mg)  
8.0  
0.2  
1.9  
Sheeta  
(Cold)  
Katu  
(Barnyard  
(Astringent,  
Millet)  
31  
10  
41  
(Pungent)  
Madhumeha,  
Sthoulya, Atisara  
Kaphahara,  
Balya (strength-  
giving);  
0.5  
147  
188  
170  
1.4  
5.0  
82  
2.8  
9.3  
92  
0.7  
3.5  
Sweet)  
Magnesium (mg)  
Phosphorus (mg)  
Potassium (mg)  
Zinc (mg)  
81  
25  
138  
306  
363  
2.7  
280  
210  
3.0  
290  
250  
2.4  
220  
195  
2.0  
130  
115  
Kashaya,  
Priyangu/Kan  
Madhura  
Ruksha  
(Dry),  
Ushna  
(Hot)  
Katu  
gu (Foxtail  
1.1  
(Astringent,  
Millet)  
Sweet)  
Guru  
(Pungent)  
Prameha,  
(Heavy)  
Raktapitta,  
Resistant Starch High (18– High (16– Moderate Moderate Low (2– Low (2–  
Fracture healing  
Kaphapittahara,  
Lekhana;  
(%)  
22)  
20)  
(12–15) (14–18)  
4)  
3)  
Total Polyphenols  
(mg GAE/100g)  
320–415 290–380 280–350 250–330  
40–60  
80–110  
Kashaya,  
Sawa/Shyama  
Madhura  
Laghu,  
Ruksha  
(Light,  
Dry)  
Sheeta  
(Cold)  
Katu  
Prameha,  
ka variant  
Sources: National Institute of Nutrition (NIN-ICMR)  
Indian Food Composition Tables 2017; ICRISAT Grain  
Quality Database; Frontiers in Nutrition (Jacob et al.,  
2024); USDA FoodData Central, 2023. Values  
represent mean estimates; ranges may vary by variety,  
growing conditions, and processing method. GAE =  
Gallic Acid Equivalents.  
(Astringent,  
(Little Millet)  
Sweet)  
(Pungent)  
Sthoulya,  
Santarpanajanya  
Vyadhi  
Sources: Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana 46/21-24;  
Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 27/16-18; Ashtanga  
Hridayam Sutrasthana 6/11,13; Bhavaprakasha  
Nighantu Dhanya Varga 9/74-79; Raja Nighantu  
Shalyadi Varga 9/126-127. Classical property  
Table 2: Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load  
(GL) of Sushrutokta Kudhanyas — Comparison  
Across Published Studies  
designations  
literature.  
translated  
as  
per  
Dravyaguna  
GI Value  
GI  
Glycemic  
Key Studies /  
References  
Millet (Ayurvedic Name)  
Discussion :  
(Range) Category Load (GL)  
Malavika et al.  
(2020); Anitha et al.  
(2021)  
Kodo Millet – Kodrava  
Charkokta list of Kudhanyas includes several  
millets under Shukadanya Varga: Koradusha,  
Shyamaka, Hastishyamaka, Nivara, Gavedhuka,  
Priyangu, Mukunda, Varuka, Varaka, among  
others. Charaka (Sutrasthana 27/16–18) establishes  
the general properties of this group as Kashaya-  
Madhura Rasa, Laghu (light), Vatakara (Vata-  
aggravating), Kaphapittahara (mitigating Kapha  
49–55  
Low  
Low  
15–18  
(Paspalum scrobiculatum)  
Barnyard Millet –  
Shyamaka (Echinochloa  
frumentacea)  
Mbithi et al. (2019);  
Anitha et al. (2021);  
ICRISAT  
40–50  
12–16  
Foxtail Millet –  
Malavika et al.  
(2020); Patil et al.  
(2015)  
Low–  
Priyangu/Kangu (Setaria  
italica)  
50–57  
52–58  
72–89  
70–75  
14–19  
16–20  
29–37  
24–29  
Medium  
Little Millet – Sawa  
(Panicum sumatrense)  
Low–  
Patil et al. (2015);  
Anitha et al. (2024)  
WHO/FAO GI  
Database; Jenkins et  
al.  
Medium  
White Rice (Reference  
cereal)  
High  
High  
Wheat Bread (Reference  
cereal)  
Atkinson et al. (2008);  
Foster-Powell et al.  
and  
Pitta).  
Charaka  
explicitly  
prescribes  
Sources: Anitha et al., Front. Nutr. 2021; Malavika M  
et al., Indian J Med Res. 2020; Patil KB et al., J Food  
Sci Technol. 2015; Foster-Powell K et al., Am J Clin  
Nutr. 2002; Atkinson FS et al., Diabetes Care 2008;  
ICRISAT Reports 2019. GI values expressed relative to  
glucose = 100. Low GI ≤ 55; Medium GI: 56–69; High  
GI ≥ 70.  
Trindhanya with Sasti rice and Sarshapa oil as  
Pathya Ahara in Prameha — an early evidence-  
based  
management.[19]  
dietary  
prescription  
for  
diabetic  
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Analysis of the nutritional data in Table 1 reveals  
several key observations. First, all four millets  
demonstrate markedly higher dietary fiber content  
(7.6–9.8 g/100g) compared to polished white rice  
(0.2 g/100g) and even refined wheat (1.9 g/100g),  
four, consistent with its highest dietary fiber  
content (9.8 g/100g) and elevated resistant starch  
fraction.  
Kodo  
millet  
(Kodrava)  
similarly  
demonstrates a low GI (49–55) alongside the  
highest resistant starch content (18–22%) and  
conferring  
significant  
satiety-promoting  
and  
richest  
polyphenolic  
profile  
(320–415  
mg  
glycaemic-moderating  
advantages. Second,  
GAE/100g), rendering it particularly suitable for  
diabetic dietary management. These findings are  
corroborated by the 2020 study by Malavika et al.  
(Indian Journal of Medical Research) which  
assessed GI of unpolished little millet and foxtail  
millet in healthy subjects and found GI values of  
52–58, and by the 2015 study of Patil et al. which  
evaluated GI of little millet flakes (52.3) in  
comparison with high-GI breakfast cereals.[20] [21]  
A landmark systematic review and meta-analysis  
by Anitha et al. (2021), encompassing 80 studies in  
11 countries and 4,702 participants (including  
individuals with diabetes, pre-diabetes, and healthy  
resistant starch content — a critical determinant of  
glycemic response and prebiotic function — is  
substantially higher in Kodrava (18–22%) and  
Shyamaka (16–20%) than in major cereals. Third,  
the total polyphenolic content (250–415 mg  
GAE/100g) of Sushrutokta Kudhanyas far exceeds  
that of rice and wheat, underpinning their  
antioxidant  
and  
enzyme-inhibitory  
properties.  
Fourth, foxtail millet (Priyangu) provides the  
highest protein content (12.3 g/100g) among the  
four, surpassing even wheat (11.8 g/100g) and  
substantially  
exceeding  
rice  
(6.4  
g/100g),  
supporting its classical description as Balya  
(strength-giving) in Ayurveda.  
subjects),  
established  
that  
regular  
millet  
consumption reduced fasting blood glucose by  
approximately 12%, postprandial blood glucose by  
15%, and HbA1c by approximately 0.5% compared  
to rice and wheat-based diets.[16]  
The glycemic data in Table 2 demonstrate that all  
four Sushrutokta Kudhanyas fall within the low GI  
category (Kodrava: 49–55; Shyamaka: 40–50) or  
the low-to-medium boundary (Priyangu: 50–57;  
Sawa: 52–58). This is in stark contrast to polished  
white rice (GI: 72–89) and refined wheat bread (GI:  
70–75), which qualify as high GI foods. The  
glycemic load values of the four millets (12–20 per  
serving) are similarly lower than those of white rice  
The Ayurvedic pharmacological framework for  
Kudhanyas  
finds  
remarkable  
translational  
resonance with modern nutritional and mechanistic  
evidence. Each key classical property can be  
mapped to a specific modern mechanism:  
Ruksha  
Guna  
(Dryness):  
The  
Ruksha  
(29–37)  
and  
wheat  
bread  
(24–29),  
further  
(dry/desiccating) quality of millets reflects their  
low moisture content, minimal oily/unctuous  
component, and high fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio. In  
modern terms, this translates to the ability of millet  
dietary fiber and resistant starch to absorb water in  
substantiating their role in attenuating postprandial  
hyperglycaemia.  
It is noteworthy that barnyard millet (Shyamaka)  
displays the lowest GI range (40–50) among the  
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the gastrointestinal tract, increase stool bulk, reduce  
Kleda (excess moisture), and decrease the  
addresses  
the  
pathogenic  
substrate.  
Modern  
mechanistic evidence supports this: millets reduce  
inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) that drive  
Kapha-type metabolic dysfunction, improve gut  
microbiota composition by promoting Lactobacillus  
bioavailability of simple sugars and lipids. These  
properties are mechanistically anti-adipogenic and  
anti-diabetogenic.  
and  
Bifidobacterium  
species  
(reducing  
Lekhana Karma (Scraping/Lipolytic Action):  
This classical concept, attributed to all Trinadhanya  
in Ashtanga Hridayam, refers to the capacity of a  
drug or food to scrape, remove, or reduce  
accumulated Meda (adipose tissue), Kapha, and  
Kleda from bodily channels. The modern correlate  
of Lekhana Karma encompasses inhibition of  
lipogenesis, promotion of lipolysis, reduction of  
total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and anti-  
inflammatory action. Multiple studies confirm that  
proinflammatory Kapha-associated dysbiosis), and  
modulate the NF-κB inflammatory signalling  
pathway.[18]  
Sheeta Virya (Cold Potency) of Kodrava and  
Shyamaka: The cold potency of Kodrava and  
Shyamaka, counterintuitive in the context of  
digestive function, may be interpreted as a Pitta-  
moderating property in the context of inflammatory  
hyperglycaemia. Modern evidence demonstrates  
that the phenolic acids and flavonoids in these  
millets exert significant anti-inflammatory (Pitta-  
mitigating) effects by reducing prostaglandin  
synthesis and inhibiting COX-2 pathways —  
consistent with their Pittahara classical designation.  
regular  
millet  
consumption  
reduces  
serum  
triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C, while  
improving HDL-C — the precise biochemical  
signature of Lekhana Karma in lipid metabolism.  
The high insoluble dietary fiber in millets binds bile  
acids in the intestinal lumen, promoting their faecal  
excretion and consequently increasing hepatic  
cholesterol conversion to bile acids — a well-  
established mechanism of dietary cholesterol  
reduction consistent with Medohara Karma (anti-  
lipid action)  
Several  
landmark  
studies  
have  
generated  
quantitative evidence on the metabolic impact of  
Sushrutokta Kudhanyas. Vedamanickam et al.  
(2020, Biomedicine) conducted a clinical study  
comparing millet versus non-millet diets in diabetic  
subjects  
demonstrated significant reductions in fasting blood  
glucose, postprandial glucose, HbA1c, total  
with  
metabolic  
syndrome  
and  
Kaphapittahara  
pathophysiology, both Sthoulya (obesity) and  
Prameha (diabetes) are classified as  
Santarpanajanya (diseases of over-nourishment)  
with Kapha-dominant and Pitta-contributory  
pathogenesis. The therapeutic principle is  
Karma:  
In  
Ayurvedic  
cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and BMI in the millet  
group. Agrawal et al. (2023, Cureus) systematically  
reviewed evidence on millets as a dietary solution  
for diabetes mellitus and confirmed that the  
combination of low GI, high fiber, polyunsaturated  
fatty acids (PUFA), non-acid-forming potential,  
and gluten-free composition makes millets superior  
Apatarpana (depletion/reduction therapy) using  
Ruksha, Laghu, and Kaphahara foods and drugs.  
The Kaphahara property of millets thus directly  
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to refined cereal staples in diabetic dietary  
management.[22]  
(Barnyard  
millet,  
Echinochloa  
frumentacea),  
Priyangu/Kangu (Foxtail millet, Setaria italica),  
and Sawa (Little millet, Panicum sumatrense) —  
are scientifically validated, nutritionally superior,  
and therapeutically relevant dietary interventions  
for the adjunctive management of obesity and  
diabetes mellitus.  
With respect to Kodo millet (Kodrava), a 2018  
clinical trial (n=60) comparing Kodo millet  
porridge versus rice porridge in pre-diabetic  
subjects demonstrated a 15% lower postprandial  
glucose elevation in the millet group over a two-  
week period, along with anecdotal improvements in  
satiety.[23]  
Acknowledgements :  
Authors acknowledge the contributions of the  
scholars of classical Ayurvedic literature and  
modern nutritional science whose work has been  
synthesised in this review. No funding was received  
for this study.  
Studies on Barnyard millet (Shyamaka) confirm its  
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity through  
high DPPH free-radical scavenging capacity,  
attributed to its polyphenol content. The Shyamaka  
group exhibited significantly lower total cholesterol  
and triglyceride levels in animal models compared  
to high-fat diet controls.  
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2. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]  
17. Malavika M, Shobana S, Vijayalakshmi P, et al.  
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Declaration :  
Conflict of Interest : None  
ISSN: 2584-2757  
19. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana  
DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19595564  
Dr. Nilesh Dalvi Inter. J.Digno. and Research  
This work is licensed under Creative  
Commons Attribution 4.0 License  
27/16–18. In: Yadavji Trikramji Acharya,  
editor.  
Varanasi:  
Chaukhamba  
Subharati  
Prakashan; 2016. p. 181.  
Submission Link : http://www.ijdrindia.com  
20. Malavika M, Shobana S, Vijayalakshmi P, et al.  
Assessment of quality of minor millets  
available in the south Indian market and  
glycaemic index of cooked unpolished little and  
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millet.  
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index and quality evaluation of little millet  
(Panicum miliare) flakes with enhanced shelf  
life. J Food Sci Technol. 2015;52(9):6078–  
6082. doi:10.1007/s13197-014-1663-5.  
22. Agrawal BR, Gajbe U, Kalambe MA, Bankar  
M. Managing diabetes mellitus with millets: a  
new  
solution.  
Cureus.  
2023;15(9):e44908.  
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