Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a cereal belonging to the Poaceae family. Native to Africa, sorghum is cultivated in many parts of the world, particularly in arid areas where other grass crops struggle to grow. It is valued for its resistance to drought and high temperatures.

Synonyms:  jowar, milo, durra, imphee, guinea corn, great millet, broomcorn.

Uses:

Nutritional Value: Sorghum is rich in nutrients, including protein, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, tannins, flavonoids (1), and B vitamins. It's also high in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Gluten-Free: Sorghum is naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It can be used to make gluten-free flours, breads, and other baked goods.

Versatile Culinary Uses: Sorghum can be consumed in various forms – whole, ground into flour, or popped like popcorn. It's used in cereals, pilafs, soups, and stews, as well as in baking.

Energy Efficiency: Sorghum is an energy-efficient grain that requires less water and can grow in arid conditions where other grains might not thrive, making it a sustainable choice for agriculture.

Supports Digestive Health: The high fiber content in sorghum helps promote digestive health, improve bowel regularity, and can aid in weight management by keeping you feeling full longer.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Sorghum has a low glycemic index, which helps manage blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes (2) and those looking to control their blood sugar.

Sustainable Agriculture: Sorghum's resilience to drought and its ability to grow in a variety of soils make it an environmentally friendly crop that supports sustainable farming practices.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Dykes L. Sorghum Phytochemicals and Their Potential Impact on Human Health. Methods Mol Biol. 2019;1931:121-140. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9039-9_9. 

Abstract. Sorghum contains a wide array of phytochemicals and their levels are affected by the genotype. Phytochemicals identified in sorghum include phenolic acids, flavonoids, condensed tannins, polycosanols, phytosterols, stilbenes, and phenolamides. Most of these phytochemicals are concentrated in the bran fraction and have been shown to have several potential health benefits, which include antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This chapter gives an overview of sorghum genetics relevant to phytochemicals, phytochemicals identified in sorghum grain, and their potential health benefits.

Awika JM, Rooney LW. Sorghum phytochemicals and their potential impact on human health. Phytochemistry. 2004 May;65(9):1199-221. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2004.04.001. 

Abstract. Sorghum is a rich source of various phytochemicals including tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, phytosterols and policosanols. These phytochemicals have potential to significantly impact human health. Sorghum fractions possess high antioxidant activity in vitro relative to other cereals or fruits. These fractions may offer similar health benefits commonly associated with fruits. Available epidemiological evidence suggests that sorghum consumption reduces the risk of certain types of cancer in humans compared to other cereals. The high concentration of phytochemicals in sorghum may be partly responsible. Sorghums containing tannins are widely reported to reduce caloric availability and hence weight gain in animals. This property is potentially useful in helping reduce obesity in humans. Sorghum phytochemicals also promote cardiovascular health in animals. Such properties have not been reported in humans and require investigation, since cardiovascular disease is currently the leading killer in the developed world. This paper reviews available information on sorghum phytochemicals, how the information relates to current phytonutrient research and how it has potential to combat common nutrition-related diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

(2) Oh KK, Adnan M, Cho DH. Network pharmacology of bioactives from Sorghum bicolor with targets related to diabetes mellitus. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 31;15(12):e0240873. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240873. 

Abstract. Background: Sorghum bicolor (SB) is rich in protective phytoconstituents with health benefits and regarded as a promising source of natural anti-diabetic substance. However, its comprehensive bioactive compound(s) and mechanism(s) against type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have not been exposed. Hence, we implemented network pharmacology to identify its key compounds and mechanism(s) against T2DM. Conclusion: Our study overall suggests that the four key compounds detected in SB might ameliorate T2DM severity by activating the PPAR signaling pathway.