Phytopharmaceutical millets: nutraceutical potential and health benefits of bioactive compounds

Millets, small-seeded cereal grains, are being recognized as sources of phytopharmaceuticals, bioactive compounds derived from plants with significant therapeutic benefits. These phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, tannins, terpenes, alkaloids, sterols, and glycosides, contribute to the unique health-promoting profile of millets. These compounds address chronic health concerns like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. Millet-derived phytopharmaceuticals, such as polyphenols, reduce oxidative stress, while saponins and sterols manage cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health. With the global demand for natural and functional foods increasing, millets are emerging as sustainable, plant-based solutions to lifestyle diseases. This aligns with regulatory shifts in India, where phytopharmaceuticals are being recognized as equivalent to synthetic drugs. Incorporating millets into daily diets can provide a natural, cost-effective approach to disease prevention and management, contributing to personal and public health.