Sorghum bicolor(Poaceae) - Jowar

Sorghum bicolor (Sorghum)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Sorghum bicolor

Family: Poaceae

Genus: Sorghum

Related Herbs from the same family:

Cynodon dactylon (Durva/Dub): A sacred grass in Ayurveda, primarily used as a cooling hemostatic agent to stop bleeding (e.g., in epistaxis) and to treat skin disorders, ulcers, and urinary tract infections.

Saccharum officinarum (Sugarcane/Ikshu)

Hordeum vulgare (Barley/Yava)

Oryza sativa (Rice/Dhanya)

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Sorghum bicolor | English: Sorghum | Sanskrit: Yavanala, Jowar | Hindi: Jowar | Tamil: Cholam | Telugu: Jonna | Kannada: Jola | Malayalam: Cholam | Marathi: Jowari | Bengali: Jowar | Urdu: Jowar |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Antioxidant, Gluten-free alternative for Celiac disease, Potential Anti-cancer properties.

Medicinal Parts:The whole grain is used, ground into flour for flatbreads (Jowar ki Roti).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

3-Deoxyanthocyanidins (Luteolinidin, Apigeninidin): Unique, stable pigments found in sorghum bran, especially in black and brown varieties. Their actions are potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory, with studied Anti-cancer potential.

Tannins (Condensed, in high-tannin varieties): Can reduce protein digestibility but are powerful Antioxidants and may contribute to the grain's Hypoglycemic effect by slowing starch digestion.

Phenolic Acids (Ferulic, p-Coumaric Acid): Widespread antioxidants in the bran. Their action is Antioxidant, protecting against cellular damage.

Dietary Fiber: High in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Its actions are Laxative, Prebiotic, and it contributes to Hypoglycemic and Hypocholesterolemic effects.

Plant Proteins (Kafirins): The main storage proteins, which are gluten-free, making it safe for Celiac Disease.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Prameha (Diabetes)

Formulation: Jowar roti.

Preparation & Use: Replacing wheat or rice with jowar in the daily diet is a common dietary strategy for managing blood sugar levels.

Reasoning: The high fiber and tannin content in some varieties slow down the release of sugars into the bloodstream, providing a lower glycemic index compared to other grains.

Gara Visha (Chronic Toxicity) & Cancer Prevention

Formulation: Whole grain jowar, especially darker varieties.

Preparation & Use: Regular consumption of jowar as a staple grain is believed to have a detoxifying effect and potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Reasoning: The unique 3-deoxyanthocyanidins and other polyphenols have demonstrated strong chemopreventive properties in scientific studies.

Gluen Asahishnuta (Celiac Disease)

Formulation: Jowar flour.

Preparation & Use: Jowar flour is used to make gluten-free flatbreads, porridges, and other baked goods for individuals who cannot tolerate wheat, barley, or rye.

Reasoning: It is a whole grain that is naturally gluten-free, providing a safe and nutritious alternative.

Vibandha (Constipation)

Formulation: Jowar roti.

Preparation & Use: Consuming jowar roti regularly adds significant bulk to the diet, promoting regular bowel movements.

Reasoning: The high insoluble fiber content helps prevent and relieve constipation.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Sorghum is a staple in many parts of India and Africa.

Jowar Roti for Daily Nutrition

Purpose: A nutritious, gluten-free staple.

Preparation & Use:

• Make a dough from jowar flour and hot water.

• Roll into rotis and cook on a griddle.

• Serve with vegetables, dal, or curries.

Jowar Upma for Breakfast

Purpose: A healthy, filling breakfast.

Preparation & Use:

• Dry roast jowar rava (grits) until fragrant.

• Sauté with mustard seeds, curry leaves, vegetables, and then add water to cook into a porridge-like consistency.

Popped Jowar as a Snack

Purpose: A healthy alternative to popcorn.

Preparation & Use:

• Heat a pan and add jowar grains.

• Cover and shake until the grains pop like miniature popcorn.

• Season with salt or spices.

7. Disclaimer:Sorghum bicolor is a very safe and nutritious grain. However, certain varieties with high tannin content can reduce the bioavailability of iron and other minerals. Soaking, sprouting, or fermenting the grain can reduce tannin levels. Individuals with digestive sensitivities should introduce it gradually due to its high fiber content. This information is for educational purposes only.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Panicum miliaceum (Proso Millet/Chena)* Species: Panicum miliaceum | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Panicum* Similarities: Both are gluten-free millets with a balanced nutrition profile. Proso millet is also light, easy to digest, and has a cooling energy, making it a good alternative for those who find Pearl Millet (Bajra) too heating.

2. Fagopyrum esculentum (Buckwheat/Kuttu)* Species: Fagopyrum esculentum | Family: Polygonaceae | Genus: Fagopyrum* Similarities: Although not a grass, buckwheat is used like a grain and is gluten-free. It shares a similar role as a nutritive, fiber-rich, and antioxidant-packed flour used to make rotis (during Navratri). Both are considered beneficial for cardiovascular health and blood sugar management.

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