Antioxidant Properties of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), also known as Bajra, is one of the four most important millets grown in tropical semi-arid regions of the world primarily in Africa and Asia. Pearl millet is rich in several nutrients as well as non-nutrients such as phenols. It has high energy, high fiber, has less starch, low glycemic index and is gluten free. The protein content ranges from 8 to 19 per cent and the lipid content is about 3 to 6 per cent. It can be used in a variety of ways including both leavened and unleavened breads, in porridges and can also be boiled or steamed. It is also utilized as an ingredient in alcoholic beverages. Even though this millet is cost effective and abundantly available, it is underutilized and the health facts of bajra remain unknown to every person. Owing to the benefits of pearl millet, its consumption should be encouraged among the people of all age groups to improve their dietary habits and nutritional status. Moreover, literature on antioxidant properties of millets is scanty. Therefore the present review reports the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of pearl millet.