Legumes · Legume
Horse Gram (Kulthi)
Macrotyloma uniflorum · also called Kulthi, hulga, horsegram
Horse gram, also called kulthi, is a small, flat, brown to reddish pulse eaten cooked in India and nearby countries. It is protein-rich. It is used in traditional medicine for kidney stones, but the evidence we found is from test tubes and rats, not people. The main cautions are to cook it fully, allergy (reported in a small study), and asking a doctor if you form calcium oxalate stones.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Horse Gram (Kulthi)
Horse gram, or kulthi, is a small pulse of India and nearby countries, eaten cooked. It is rich in protein. It is a food, not a proven remedy: the kidney stone and blood sugar claims come from test tubes and rats. Little research exists, so this page is short.
What it is
Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum, family Fabaceae) is the small, flat, brown to reddish seed of a climbing legume. It is a dry-land crop of India and nearby countries. PROTA says the seeds are eaten poached, boiled or fried, sprouted seeds are widely eaten in India, and the seeds are also fed to horses and cattle, usually after boiling. It is also used in traditional medicine.
USDA FoodData Central has no horse gram entry. Per 100 g of dry seed, a 2026 review gives 329 kcal, 21.73 g protein, 7.88 g fibre, 269 mg calcium, 12.14 mg iron and 1065 mg potassium. PROTA gives 22.5 g protein and 4.7 g fibre. The sources do not fully agree, so treat the numbers as approximate. Dry seed is not a cooked portion, and we found no cooked values.
What the research shows
For horse gram itself, the research is mostly laboratory and animal work. Seed extracts blocked sugar-digesting enzymes and kidney stone crystals in test tubes and reduced stone formation in rats. Seeds and seed fat protected rat livers and stomachs. A 2026 review says only a limited number of human studies exist, and we found no trial of eating horse gram.
Pooled trials of whole pulses in general (beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas) found LDL cholesterol about 0.14 mmol/L lower and lower fasting glucose. Horse gram was not named in those abstracts, so they do not show an effect for horse gram.
In the laboratory, germination for 72 hours, fermentation for 48 hours and pressure cooking lowered natural antinutrients in horse gram. That is a food-processing result, not a health result.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Eaten cooked, as sprouts, ground into flour or in soups and curries
- Used in traditional medicine for kidney stones, urinary problems, colds and piles
- Long use is not proof that it treats any condition
Studied for research
- Protein, calcium and iron, moderate certainty (food analysis, two sources)
- Kidney stones, insufficient (test tubes and rats only)
- Blood sugar for horse gram, insufficient (test tubes and rats only)
- Cholesterol, insufficient for horse gram (pulses as a group lowered LDL slightly)
- Lowering natural antinutrients by cooking and sprouting, moderate (lab measurement)
- Liver and ulcer protection, very low (rats only)
Main compounds
- Protein
- Phenolics, flavonoids and tannins
- Phytic acid
- Lectins and trypsin inhibitors
- Oxalic acid
- Calcium, iron and potassium
Common forms
- Cooked whole or split seed as food
- Sprouted seed (safety of raw sprouts not read)
- Flour and fermented seed (different products)
- Extracts and supplements are different products and are not covered
Research links: 2026 review: horse gram as a functional legume · 2024 systematic review: traditional uses and pharmacology · 2006 study: horse gram lectin as an allergen · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Macrotyloma uniflorum
- Naming authority
- (Lam.) Verdc. (GBIF accepted name, exact match)
- Synonyms
- Name: Dolichos biflorus; Note: An older name used in some papers, including the 2006 allergy study (it names horse gram as Dolichos biflorus). Not checked in GBIF.
- Common names
- Horse gram (English); Kulthi (Hindi); Hulga (Kannada); Horsegram (English)
- Family or group
- Fabaceae (the legume family), per GBIF and the existing nutrient summary.
- Classification
- Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Fabales > Fabaceae > Macrotyloma > Macrotyloma uniflorum
- Native range
- PROTA says it is recorded wild or naturalised in Central, East and Southern Africa and cultivated as a food crop and green manure in various tropical African countries; the 2026 review describes it as a dry-land crop of India with significant cultivation in several Indian states. A full native range was not stated in a source we read.
- Habitat
- A dry-land crop grown in adverse climates (2015 review abstract; 2026 review).
- What it looks like
- Roots: PROTA: perennial fibrous rhizome.; Stems: PROTA: climbing herb, stems up to 60 cm tall, annual.; Leaves: PROTA: alternate, three-leaflet.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: The small, flat, brown to reddish seed is eaten (existing nutrient summary).
- Cultivation
- Grown as a pulse, fodder and green manure or cover crop (PROTA).
- Harvest and processing
- Eaten whole or ground, poached, boiled or fried, as sprouts, or fermented; in Myanmar boiled, pounded with salt and fermented into a sauce-like product (PROTA).
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Other pulses such as moth beans, lentils and chickpeas; Note: Other pulses with their own pages; pooled trials mix pulses together.; Name: Horse gram flour and extracts; Note: Different products; not covered by the food results here.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
Photographs
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| p39656760 and s-prota |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | protein | Seed Review: 21.73 g per 100 g dry seed; PROTA: 22.5 g | Nutrient content only; trypsin inhibitors lower protein digestibility until processed. 9 14 | Nutrient database |
| Phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins | polyphenols | Seed (more in the seed coat) Tannin 7.9 mg per g in unprocessed flour (review) | Antioxidant activity in laboratory assays. 9 2 | Laboratory research |
| Phytic acid | antinutrient | Seed (cotyledon) 0.96 mg per g in one paper cited by the review; other papers may give different values, so we state no single value | Binds minerals; lowered by germination, fermentation and dehulling. 9 3 | Laboratory research |
| Lectins and trypsin inhibitors | antinutrient proteins | Seed No amount read | Lectins can irritate the gut when raw; trypsin inhibitors reduce protein digestion. Cooking lowers them. 14 9 | Laboratory research |
| Oxalic acid | organic acid | Seed No amount read | Binds calcium; relevant to calcium oxalate stones. 14 9 | Laboratory research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha-amylase inhibition by seed-coat phenolics | Not specified | The 2026 review says phenolics from the seed coat inhibited alpha-amylase in kinetic tests. Laboratory only; not shown in people. 9 | Laboratory research |
| Calcium oxalate crystal formation | Not specified | Seed extracts reduced crystal formation in test-tube assays and stone formation in rats (per the review and PROTA). Laboratory and animal only. 9 14 | In vitro and animal |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not found.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Not found.
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- The 2026 review lists bioavailability as a knowledge gap.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The nutrient values are for whole dry seed. The laboratory benefit findings are for extracts, flour or fractions, and the pooled cholesterol and sugar results are for whole pulses as a group. Flour, extracts and supplements are different products and are not covered.
Nutritional composition
USDA FoodData Central has no horse gram entry, so there is no USDA table and no household portion. Raw dry seed per 100 g from two sources that do not fully agree. The 2026 Halder review (Table 2): 329 kcal, protein 21.73 g, fat 0.62 g, carbohydrate 57.24 g, fibre 7.88 g, moisture 9.28 g, calcium 269 mg, iron 12.14 mg, phosphorus 298 mg, magnesium 152 mg, potassium 1065 mg, zinc 2.71 mg, folate 163 micrograms. PROTA (a 1968 analysis): 333 kcal, protein 22.5 g, fat 1.0 g, carbohydrate 60.5 g, fibre 4.7 g, water 9.7 g. The review's text gives other fibre (28.8%) and moisture (11.55%) figures than its own table, so treat all numbers as approximate and expect them to vary by variety and growing place. Dry seed is not a cooked portion; cooked beans hold much more water. We did not find values for cooked or sprouted horse gram.
2 moderate certainty1 very low certainty3 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 6 benefits and uses checked for Horse Gram (Kulthi), each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Protein, calcium and iron (nutrition)Moderate certainty
- Kidney stones (traditional use)Not enough evidence
- Blood sugar (horse gram itself)Not enough evidence
- Cooking, soaking, sprouting and fermenting lower natural antinutrientsModerate certainty
- Liver and stomach ulcer protection (rats)Very low certainty
- Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other lab effectsNot enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
LDL cholesterol (pulses as a group)Fasting blood glucose (pulses as a group)Phytic acid in horse gram seed (food-analysis measure)
What is Horse Gram (Kulthi) good for?
The main studied uses and how strong the evidence is. For horse gram itself most findings are from test tubes and animals; results for pulses as a group are labelled.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Protein, calcium and iron (nutrition)
Moderate certaintyDry horse gram is a protein-rich pulse. A 2026 review gives about 21.7 g of protein, 269 mg of calcium and 12.1 mg of iron per 100 g of dry seed. PROTA gives 22.5 g of protein. The sources do not agree on every number.
2 studiesDry seed as food. Cooked values were not found.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of what eating horse gram does for protein or mineral status was read. The values come from food analysis in the review (Table 2) and from PROTA.
Results
It is a protein-rich pulse by two sources. Absorption of the iron and calcium was not read.
Effect sizes as reported
Per 100 g dry seed (review): protein 21.73 g, calcium 269 mg, iron 12.14 mg, potassium 1065 mg. PROTA: protein 22.5 g. USDA has no horse gram entry.
Why this rating
Two sources agree that dry horse gram is about 22 g protein per 100 g. The review contradicts itself on fibre and moisture elsewhere in the text, so exact numbers are approximate.
Form and dose studied
Dry seed as food. Cooked values were not found.
Who was studied
General adult diet.
Limits
Dry seed is not a cooked portion. No cooked or sprouted values were found. Mineral absorption was not read.
Why researchers looked
People ask whether this small, cheap pulse is a good source of protein and minerals.
Traditional use
Horse gram is eaten cooked as a pulse in India and nearby countries and is also used in traditional medicine. Long use is not proof that it treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism Established nutrition
Nutrient content only. Protein digestibility is reduced by trypsin inhibitors that cooking and processing lower (see the Benefits tab, processing).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Raw seed has antinutrients; see the Safety tab.
Kidney stones (traditional use)
Not enough evidenceHorse gram is used in traditional medicine for kidney stones. The evidence we read is from test tubes and rats given a stone-causing chemical. No trial in people was found, so it is not shown to help.
4 studiesWater or other extracts of seed in lab and rat work. Not the same as …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial found. The 2026 review says a limited number of human population studies exist and none is cited for stones. PROTA reports in-vitro anti-stone activity of extracts.
Results
Laboratory and rat results only. They cannot tell us what a bowl of cooked horse gram does for stones.
Effect sizes as reported
No human effect sizes.
Why this rating
Only laboratory and animal results on extracts; no human evidence in the sources read.
Form and dose studied
Water or other extracts of seed in lab and rat work. Not the same as eating cooked seed.
Who was studied
Test tubes and rats.
Limits
Extracts and animal models. The review says oxalic acid is also present in the seed.
Why researchers looked
Traditional Indian medicine uses horse gram for stones, so researchers have tested seed extracts in the laboratory.
Traditional use
Horse gram is eaten cooked as a pulse in India and nearby countries and is also used in traditional medicine. Long use is not proof that it treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism Lab and animal
Seed extracts reduced calcium oxalate crystal formation in test-tube assays and lowered stone formation in rats (per the 2026 review). Not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
People with a history of calcium oxalate stones are told to ask a doctor about oxalates in beans (National Kidney Foundation). Do not treat stones on your own.
Blood sugar (horse gram itself)
Not enough evidenceTest-tube studies show horse gram extracts can block sugar-digesting enzymes, and rat studies used diabetic rats. No trial in people was found for horse gram.
2 studiesSeed extracts in tests; not the cooked food.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2026 review says there is an abundance of in vitro, in vivo and preclinical data but a limited number of human population-based studies. A 2024 systematic review describes antidiabetic effects of horse gram extracts and compounds in vivo and in vitro.
Results
Lab and animal findings only for horse gram.
Effect sizes as reported
No human effect sizes.
Why this rating
No human trial of horse gram for blood sugar was read; results are laboratory and animal.
Form and dose studied
Seed extracts in tests; not the cooked food.
Who was studied
Test tubes, rats.
Limits
Extracts and animal models; no human data.
Why researchers looked
reviews describe antidiabetic effects of its extracts, so researchers tested them.
Traditional use
Horse gram is eaten cooked as a pulse in India and nearby countries and is also used in traditional medicine. Long use is not proof that it treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism In vitro and animal
Phenolics in the seed coat inhibited alpha-amylase in test tubes (per the review), which in theory slows sugar release.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
If you take medicine for diabetes, do not use horse gram in place of it.
Cooking, soaking, sprouting and fermenting lower natural antinutrients
Moderate certaintyIn laboratory work on horse gram flour and seed, germination, fermentation, dehulling and pressure cooking lowered compounds that block nutrient absorption (phytic acid, tannins, oxalates, trypsin inhibitor). This is a food-processing measurement, not a measured health benefit.
2 studiesFlour and seed processed in the laboratory.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Not a study in people. In one lab study of 12 lines, dehulling and germination lowered phytic acid, tannin and oxalic acid, and germination lowered trypsin inhibitor units by 26.79%. The 2026 review reports germination for 72 hours lowered phytic acid by 61.6%, tannins by 54.6% and oxalates by 61.6%; fermentation for 48 hours lowered phytic acid by 69.5%, tannins by 69.3% and oxalates by 66.7%; pressure cooking lowered trypsin inhibitor by about 79 to 82%.
Results
The seed contains antinutrients and processing lowers them. Whether this improves anything in a person was not measured in the sources read.
Effect sizes as reported
Germination 72 h: phytic acid -61.6%, tannins -54.6%, oxalates -61.6%. Fermentation 48 h: phytic acid -69.5%. Germination: trypsin inhibitor units -26.79%.
Why this rating
Consistent lab measurements in two sources. They are not human outcomes.
Form and dose studied
Flour and seed processed in the laboratory.
Who was studied
Seed and flour, not people.
Limits
Laboratory conditions. Values differ between studies. The sources give no cooking time for home use.
Why researchers looked
Raw horse gram has several natural compounds that reduce protein and mineral absorption, so researchers test how processing changes them.
Traditional use
Horse gram is eaten cooked as a pulse in India and nearby countries and is also used in traditional medicine. Long use is not proof that it treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism Established nutrition
Soaking, sprouting, fermenting and heat break down or wash out these compounds in the seed.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Because raw seed has lectins, cook it fully; see the Safety tab.
Liver and stomach ulcer protection (rats)
Very low certaintyPROTA reports that horse gram seeds protected rat livers from a toxic chemical and that fat from the seed protected against ulcers in rats. Nothing in people was found.
2 studiesSeed or seed lipid in rats.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human data. The 2026 review also describes liver-protective effects in animals.
Results
Animal evidence only.
Effect sizes as reported
No human effect sizes.
Why this rating
Rat studies only, reported in a reference work and a review.
Form and dose studied
Seed or seed lipid in rats.
Who was studied
Rats.
Limits
Animals only; the dose and method differ from eating the food.
Why researchers looked
Traditional uses and plant references list these effects, so they were tested in rats.
Traditional use
Horse gram is eaten cooked as a pulse in India and nearby countries and is also used in traditional medicine. Long use is not proof that it treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Antioxidant compounds in the seed are proposed as the reason (per the review); not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other lab effects
Not enough evidenceReviews describe antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and other effects of horse gram phenolics and extracts in test tubes and animals. They also say there are few studies of how these work, and none in people were found.
2 studiesExtracts and compounds.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2024 systematic review says extracts or fractions showed a wide range of effects in vivo and in vitro, and that mechanistic studies are scarce. The 2026 review says human studies are limited.
Results
Laboratory and animal findings only.
Effect sizes as reported
No human effect sizes.
Why this rating
Laboratory and animal research only.
Form and dose studied
Extracts and compounds.
Who was studied
Test tubes, cells and animals.
Limits
Extracts are not the same as eating cooked seed. No human trial of any of these was found.
Why researchers looked
Horse gram seed contains phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins, which have antioxidant activity in the laboratory.
Traditional use
Horse gram is eaten cooked as a pulse in India and nearby countries and is also used in traditional medicine. Long use is not proof that it treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism In vitro and animal
Radical-scavenging in test-tube assays; effects in macrophage cell tests and rodent paw-swelling tests (per the review).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Cancer, nerve-protection and similar claims on the web are from laboratory work; they are not shown for people.
Connections to the rest of health
How Horse Gram (Kulthi) connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced Nutrition | Moderate certainty | Protein, calcium and iron (nutrition): Dry horse gram is a protein-rich pulse. A 2026 review gives about 21.7 g of protein, 269 mg of calcium and 12.1 mg of iron per 100 g of dry seed. PROTA gives 22.5 g of protein. The sources do not agree on every number. | 9 14 | |
| Kidney Urinary | Not enough evidence | Kidney stones (traditional use): Horse gram is used in traditional medicine for kidney stones. The evidence we read is from test tubes and rats given a stone-causing chemical. No trial in people was found, so it is not shown to help. | 9 14 2 5 | |
| Blood Sugar Balance | Not enough evidence | Blood sugar (horse gram itself): Test-tube studies show horse gram extracts can block sugar-digesting enzymes, and rat studies used diabetic rats. No trial in people was found for horse gram. | 9 2 | |
| Digestive Support | Moderate certainty | Cooking, soaking, sprouting and fermenting lower natural antinutrients: In laboratory work on horse gram flour and seed, germination, fermentation, dehulling and pressure cooking lowered compounds that block nutrient absorption (phytic acid, tannins, oxalates, trypsin inhibitor). This is a food-processing measurement, not a measured health benefit. | 3 9 | |
| Liver Support | Very low certainty | Liver and stomach ulcer protection (rats): PROTA reports that horse gram seeds protected rat livers from a toxic chemical and that fat from the seed protected against ulcers in rats. Nothing in people was found. | 14 9 | |
| Healthy Aging | Not enough evidence | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other lab effects: Reviews describe antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and other effects of horse gram phenolics and extracts in test tubes and animals. They also say there are few studies of how these work, and none in people were found. | 2 9 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | Biological association | Moderate certainty | Studied for: Protein, calcium and iron (nutrition) | 9 14 |
| Urinary System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Kidney stones (traditional use) | 9 14 2 5 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Blood sugar (horse gram itself) | 9 2 |
| Digestive System | Biological association | Moderate certainty | Studied for: Cooking, soaking, sprouting and fermenting lower natural antinutrients | 3 9 |
| Hepatic System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Liver and stomach ulcer protection (rats) | 14 9 |
| Cellular | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other lab effects | 2 9 |
C. Body parts and organs
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food allergy | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | A 2006 study found skin-test sensitisation to horse gram lectin in 10 of 48 allergic people and confirmed allergy in two. Preparation or compound: Horse gram lectin (DBA) in the seed |
4 |
| Kidney stones | Documented risk | People with a history of calcium oxalate stones are told to ask about oxalates in beans. Preparation or compound: Oxalic acid in the seed |
13 14 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDL cholesterol (pulses as a group) | Biological association | Moderate certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| Fasting blood glucose (pulses as a group) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
| Phytic acid in horse gram seed (food-analysis measure) | Biological association | Moderate certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 3 |
K. Biological pathways
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Preliminary mechanism | Nutrient database | Horse gram is a protein-rich pulse. | 9 14 |
| Iron | Preliminary mechanism | Nutrient database | 12.14 mg per 100 g dry seed per the review. | 9 |
| Potassium | Preliminary mechanism | Nutrient database | 1065 mg per 100 g dry seed per the review; relevant to potassium-limited diets. | 9 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Biological association | Nutrient database | Nutrient content only; trypsin inhibitors lower protein digestibility until processed. Preparation or compound: Seed |
9 14 |
| Phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins | Biological association | In vitro | Antioxidant activity in laboratory assays. Preparation or compound: Seed (more in the seed coat) |
9 2 |
| Phytic acid | Biological association | In vitro | Binds minerals; lowered by germination, fermentation and dehulling. Preparation or compound: Seed (cotyledon) |
9 3 |
| Lectins and trypsin inhibitors | Biological association | In vitro | Lectins can irritate the gut when raw; trypsin inhibitors reduce protein digestion. Cooking lowers them. Preparation or compound: Seed |
14 9 |
| Oxalic acid | Biological association | In vitro | Binds calcium; relevant to calcium oxalate stones. Preparation or compound: Seed |
14 9 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Horse Gram (Kulthi). Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing horse gram page, re-read the 2026 Frontiers review in full, PROTA, PubMed abstracts and the FDA, Harvard, National Kidney Foundation, NIDDK and MedlinePlus pages, and checked the plant name against GBIF. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
Study library: every study we checked 14
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back 2026 Effect of Different Types of Whole Dietary Pulses on Established Therapeutic Lipid Targets for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: An Updated Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Heart Assoc · PMID 42132198 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
2095 2,095 adults in 38 randomised trials (52 comparisons) |
Whole dietary pulses (beans, chickpeas, lentils, dried peas) as food Pulses as food Median 130 g a day (trial detail, not advice) Median 6 weeks (at least 3 weeks) · vs Diets without pulses |
Whole pulses lowered LDL cholesterol by 0.14 mmol/L (95% CI -0.19 to -0.08), non-HDL by 0.22 mmol/L, and apoB by 0.08 g/L, and lowered HDL cholesterol very slightly. Results were similar for each type of pulse. The authors rated the certainty of evidence as moderate to high for all outcomes except apoB (very low). The abstract does not list horse gram as a pulse studied. LDL -0.14 mmol/L (95% CI -0.19 to -0.08) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, apoB, HDL cholesterol Limitations: Pulses as a group, not horse gram. Short trials. The review is registered (CRD42023432826). Horse gram is not named in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract; it carries a 'Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't' tag. Read: abstract |
| Oli 2024 Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and nutraceutical potential of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum): A systematic review. J Food Sci · PMID 39656760 · DOI |
Systematic review lab and animal (as described) |
Systematic review of horse gram research, mostly laboratory and animal work | Horse gram seed and crude extracts or fractions Seed and extracts |
The abstract says horse gram has been used as a pulse and traditional remedy in the Himalayan Mountains for kidney and bladder stones, bronchitis, asthma, piles, leukoderma and heart disease. It says its compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins) showed antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and other effects, and that the extracts were tested in vivo and in vitro. It also says there is a scarcity of structure-activity and mechanistic studies. No numbers in the abstract (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Traditional uses, compounds and pharmacology Limitations: Read as an abstract only. The effects described are from laboratory and animal work on extracts, not from trials of eating horse gram. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Pal 2016 Impact of dehulling and germination on nutrients, antinutrients, and antioxidant properties in horsegram. J Food Sci Technol · PMID 26787953 · DOI |
Lab food processing none (seed flour) |
12 advanced lines of horse gram seed tested in the laboratory (no people) | Horse gram seed flour, raw, dehulled and germinated Seed flour · vs Raw seed flour |
Dehulling and germination significantly lowered phytic acid, tannin and oxalic acid. Trypsin inhibitor units fell by 26.79% after germination. Calcium, iron and copper were higher in germinated flour than in raw or dehulled flour. The authors conclude that germination combined with dehulling improved quality by raising nutritive value and lowering antinutrients. Trypsin inhibitor units -26.79% after germination (p <= 0.05); other percentages are in the abstract and are not repeated here (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Nutrients, antinutrients and antioxidant measures after dehulling and germination Limitations: A laboratory measurement of seed flour. It does not test what happens in the body of a person who eats it. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Pramod 2006 Effect of horse gram lectin (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin) on degranulation of mast cells and basophils of atopic subjects: identification as an allergen. Int Immunopharmacol · PMID 16979126 · DOI |
Controlled clinical study human (plus rat cells) |
68 48 people with allergic (atopic) conditions and 20 without; also rat cells |
Horse gram lectin (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, DBA) used for skin prick and blood tests Seed lectin (a purified protein, not the cooked food) 100 microgram per mL in the skin prick test (test detail) Single tests · vs Non-atopic people |
10 of 48 allergic (atopic) people (21%) had a positive skin prick test to the horse gram lectin and none of the 20 non-atopic people did. Two of the ten had specific IgE antibodies and higher histamine release; the authors identified these two as having food allergy to horse gram. The authors state this is the first report of food allergy to horse gram and name the lectin DBA as an allergen. 10 of 48 skin test positive; 2 with IgE and histamine release (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin prick test, specific IgE, histamine release from white blood cells Limitations: Small study of a purified protein; it shows horse gram allergy can occur, not how common it is. Only 2 people had confirmed allergy. Done in a group with other allergies. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract; it carries a 'Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't' tag. Read: abstract |
| Prasad 2015 Horse gram- an underutilized nutraceutical pulse crop: a review. J Food Sci Technol · PMID 25892749 · DOI |
Narrative review review of plants and lab work |
Review of horse gram as food and nutraceutical (no new participants) | Horse gram seed (food and compounds) Seed |
The abstract says horse gram is rich in protein, minerals and vitamins and contains phytic acid, phenolic acids, fibre and proteinase inhibitors. It says folk medicine has used horse gram for kidney stones, urinary diseases, piles, colds, throat infection and fever. It describes these as possibilities to explore, not proven treatments. No numbers in the abstract (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Nutrition, bioactive compounds and traditional uses Limitations: A narrative review read as an abstract only. It does not report trials in people, so the traditional uses it lists are not evidence of benefit. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Sievenpiper 2009 Effect of non-oil-seed pulses on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled experimental trials in people with and without diabetes. Diabetologia · PMID 19526214 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
41 randomised trials in people with and without diabetes | Non-oil-seed pulses (chickpeas, beans, peas, lentils and others), alone or in low-GI or high-fibre diets Pulses as food Trial detail not given in the abstract At least 7 days · vs Control diets |
Pulses alone (11 trials) lowered fasting blood glucose (SMD -0.82) and insulin (-0.49). Pulses in low-GI diets (19 trials) lowered HbA1c or fructosamine (-0.28). The authors say differences between trials were large and mostly unexplained, and they call for larger well-designed trials. Fasting glucose SMD -0.82 (pulses alone) (95% CI -1.36 to -0.27) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fasting blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c or fructosamine Limitations: Pulses as a group, not horse gram. Large unexplained differences between trials. Published in 2009. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract; it carries a 'Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't' tag. Read: abstract |
| s-fda-natural-toxins FDA: Natural Toxins in Food (phytohaemagglutinin in raw or undercooked beans) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-gbif-macrotyloma GBIF Backbone: Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (usageKey 2976931) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-halder-2026 Halder A, Das U, Gada Chengaiyan J. Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) as a climate-resilient legume with functional and nutraceutical potential. Front Plant Sci 2026;17:1891496 · Source |
Narrative review n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-harvard-lectins Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source: Lectins · Source |
Educational page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-medlineplus-foodallergy MedlinePlus: Food allergy · Source |
Government page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-niddk-gas NIDDK: Gas in the digestive tract, eating, diet and nutrition · Source |
Government page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nkf-beans National Kidney Foundation: Beans · Source |
Patient organisation page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-prota PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa): Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No trial of eating horse gram in people was found for kidney stones, blood sugar, cholesterol or weight; the kidney, sugar, liver and ulcer findings are from test tubes and rats.
- Pulse results are for pulses as a group; horse gram is not named in those abstracts.
- Nutrient values come from a review and a 1968 analysis that disagree in places; USDA has no entry and no cooked or sprouted values were found.
- Oxalate amount, FODMAP rating, cooking time, raw sprout safety, pregnancy and children guidance and medicine interactions were not found for horse gram.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Metabolic 2
LDL cholesterol (pulses as a group)
Lowered in trials
The 'bad' cholesterol carried in the blood. Higher levels are linked to more heart disease.
Moderate certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It is the usual blood marker used in diet trials for heart risk.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A small average fall in short trials of pulses as a group, rated moderate to high by the authors. Horse gram was not named, so for horse gram itself the evidence is insufficient.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LDL -0.14 mmol/L (95% CI -0.19 to -0.08); non-HDL -0.22; apoB -0.08 g/L; HDL -0.03 | 2,095 adults in 38 trials | Whole pulses (all types pooled), median 130 g/day, median 6 weeks |
Fasting blood glucose (pulses as a group)
Lowered in trials
Blood sugar measured after not eating overnight.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A basic measure of blood sugar control.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Lower sugar markers in pooled trials of pulses, with large differences between trials. Horse gram is not named in the abstract.
Safety implication
Ask your clinician before diet changes if you take diabetes medicine.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Pulses alone: fasting glucose SMD -0.82 (95% CI -1.36 to -0.27); insulin -0.49 (-0.93 to -0.04) | 41 trials (pulses alone: 11 trials) | Non-oil-seed pulses, at least 7 days |
Other 1
Phytic acid in horse gram seed (food-analysis measure)
Lowered in trials
A natural compound in seeds that binds minerals such as iron and zinc and can reduce how much the body absorbs.
Moderate certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It is a standard measure of how much processing improves the nutritional value of a pulse.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A laboratory measure of the seed, not a human health outcome.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Dehulling and germination significantly decreased phytic acid, tannin and oxalic acid; trypsin inhibitor units -26.79% after germination | 12 advanced lines of horse gram seed (laboratory) | Dehulling and germination of seed flour |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 3
- Cook it fully. Raw seed has lectins and trypsin inhibitors.. The sources list lectins, trypsin inhibitors, phytates, tannins and oxalic acid in horse gram seed. PROTA says seed fed to horses and cattle is usually boiled first. The FDA describes nausea, severe vomiting and diarrhoea from the lectin in raw or undercooked kidney beans, and Harvard says boiling or stewing inactivates most lectins while low-heat simmering such as a slow cooker does not remove all of them. We found no report of horse gram poisoning and no agency cooking time for horse gram, so we give none. Do not copy kidney bean times. Authoritative guidance 14 7 10 9
- Allergy to horse gram has been reported. A 2006 study in 48 people with allergic conditions found 10 (21%) had a positive skin prick test to horse gram lectin, and two had IgE antibodies and higher histamine release, so were identified as allergic. The authors call it the first report of horse gram food allergy. Horse gram is a legume, like peanut and soy. For trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat, call emergency services. Observational 4 11
- Kidney stones: do not treat on your own. The evidence for horse gram and stones is from test tubes and rats. The National Kidney Foundation says people with a history of calcium oxalate stones should ask a doctor or kidney dietitian about oxalates, and many beans are high in them. Oxalic acid is among horse gram's antinutrients, but we read no amount. Authoritative guidance 13 14 9
Side effects 3
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic reaction to horse gram lectin (skin test positive, and in two people allergy confirmed by antibodies and histamine release) A small laboratory-and-skin-test study. It shows allergy exists; it does not show how common it is. | 10 of 48 allergic (atopic) people had a positive skin test; 2 of those had IgE antibodies. None of 20 non-atopic people were positive. | Not described in the abstract; legume food allergy can be severe Not studied | Observational 4 |
| Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea from raw or undercooked beans (lectin) The FDA wrote this for raw red kidney beans. No source read describes it for horse gram, but horse gram contains lectins. | Not found for horse gram. | Can be severe for kidney beans (FDA) Not stated | Authoritative guidance 7 10 |
| Extra gas and bloating NIDDK lists legumes among foods whose carbohydrates can cause excess gas. | Not found for horse gram. | mild Not studied | Authoritative guidance 12 |
Liver
No liver injury from eating horse gram was found in the sources read. A liver-safety source such as LiverTox was not checked. Rat studies describe liver protection, not harm.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Horse Gram (Kulthi) supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicines for diabetes prescription | Pulses lowered blood sugar markers a little in pooled trials, and horse gram extracts lowered sugar in rats; a big change in diet could in theory add to a medicine's effect. | No source read ties horse gram to a specific medicine interaction. This is a general caution, not a documented interaction. | Theoretical Not enough evidence 6 9 | Ask your clinician or pharmacist before big diet changes if you take diabetes medicine. Do not stop or replace medicine. |
| Medicines for kidney stones or kidney disease prescription | Not described in the sources read. | No source read names an interaction. Horse gram is not shown to treat stones. | None found Not enough evidence 13 | Do not use horse gram as a replacement for treatment. Ask your doctor or kidney dietitian. |
| Warfarin (blood thinner) prescription | Not described for horse gram. Vitamin K content of horse gram was not read. | No source read names horse gram as a concern for warfarin. | None found Not enough evidence | Ask your warfarin clinic about big changes in diet. Do not change medicine on your own. |
Who should check first 3
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Known or suspected allergy to horse gram or to other legumes | Avoid it until an allergist has advised you. People with one legume allergy sometimes react to others, but not always. | Observational 4 11 |
| History of calcium oxalate kidney stones | Ask your doctor or kidney dietitian about oxalates in beans before making horse gram a regular food. | Authoritative guidance 13 |
| Kidney disease, especially on dialysis | The National Kidney Foundation says most people with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans for potassium and phosphorus, while dialysis patients should plan with a kidney dietitian. Horse gram has about 1065 mg of potassium per 100 g of dry seed (review); ask your kidney team. | Authoritative guidance 13 9 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No toxicity from properly cooked horse gram as ordinary food was found in the sources read. Raw seed contains lectins, trypsin inhibitors, phytates, tannins and oxalic acid.
Animal. Not reviewed for harm. Seeds are fed to horses and cattle, usually after boiling (PROTA).
Human doses studied. No trial of horse gram in people was found.
Overdose response. Not found.
Genotoxicity. Not researched.
Toxic or hazardous parts. Raw or undercooked seed: lectins and trypsin inhibitors. Other plant parts were not read.
We found no source on mould, heavy metals or pesticide residues in horse gram as sold for food.
Cooking dry legumes. The FDA and Harvard describe boiling or stewing as the way to inactivate lectins in dry beans. We found no agency cooking time for horse gram. 7 10
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| FDA (US) (United States) | Natural Toxins in Food: lectin in raw or undercooked beans can cause nausea, severe vomiting and diarrhoea; soak at least 5 hours and boil at least 30 minutes for kidney beans. Written for kidney beans, not horse gram. source | 2024-09-26 |
| National Kidney Foundation (United States) | Beans: calcium oxalate stone history, ask about oxalates; most people with CKD not on dialysis need not limit beans for potassium or phosphorus. source | 2023-01-02 |
When to get medical help
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, face or throat, widespread hives, repeated vomiting or collapse after eating horse gram or any legume: call emergency services
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea after eating undercooked beans: seek medical advice
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is horse gram (kulthi)?
Does horse gram dissolve kidney stones?
Does horse gram help with diabetes or weight loss?
Does horse gram lower cholesterol?
Not shown for horse gram. Pooled trials of whole pulses as a group found LDL cholesterol about 0.14 mmol/L lower.
Is horse gram high in protein?
Is raw horse gram safe?
Are horse gram sprouts safe to eat raw?
We did not read a source on raw horse gram sprouts, so we cannot say. PROTA says sprouted seeds are widely eaten in India.
Can you be allergic to horse gram?
Does cooking or sprouting change horse gram?
Is horse gram OK with kidney disease or kidney stones?
The National Kidney Foundation says most people with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans for potassium and phosphorus, and dialysis patients should plan with a kidney dietitian. People with calcium oxalate stones should ask about oxalates. Horse gram has about 1065 mg potassium per 100 g dry seed in one review.
Does horse gram cause gas?
Possibly. NIDDK lists legumes among foods whose carbohydrates can cause extra gas. We found no horse gram study of this.
Is horse gram safe in pregnancy or with medicines?
We found no official guidance or documented medicine interaction for horse gram. Ask a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take diabetes or kidney medicine.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing horse gram page, re-read the 2026 Frontiers review in full, PROTA, PubMed abstracts and the FDA, Harvard, National Kidney Foundation, NIDDK and MedlinePlus pages, and checked the plant name against GBIF. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 14
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Back S, Yang S, Rossi A, et al.. Effect of Different Types of Whole Dietary Pulses on Established Therapeutic Lipid Targets for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: An Updated Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.. J Am Heart Assoc. 2026. PMID 42132198. DOI 10.1161/JAHA.125.046659. (abstract)
- Oli P, Joshi K, Punetha S. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and nutraceutical potential of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum): A systematic review.. J Food Sci. 2024. PMID 39656760. DOI 10.1111/1750-3841.17594. (abstract)
- Pal RS, Bhartiya A, ArunKumar R, et al.. Impact of dehulling and germination on nutrients, antinutrients, and antioxidant properties in horsegram.. J Food Sci Technol. 2016. PMID 26787953. DOI 10.1007/s13197-015-2037-3. (abstract)
- Pramod SN, Krishnakantha TP, Venkatesh YP. Effect of horse gram lectin (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin) on degranulation of mast cells and basophils of atopic subjects: identification as an allergen.. Int Immunopharmacol. 2006. PMID 16979126. DOI 10.1016/j.intimp.2006.07.006. (abstract)
- Prasad SK, Singh MK. Horse gram- an underutilized nutraceutical pulse crop: a review.. J Food Sci Technol. 2015. PMID 25892749. DOI 10.1007/s13197-014-1312-z. (abstract)
- Sievenpiper JL, Kendall CW, Esfahani A, et al.. Effect of non-oil-seed pulses on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled experimental trials in people with and without diabetes.. Diabetologia. 2009. PMID 19526214. DOI 10.1007/s00125-009-1395-7. (abstract)
- . FDA: Natural Toxins in Food (phytohaemagglutinin in raw or undercooked beans). . . (full-text)
- . GBIF Backbone: Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (usageKey 2976931). . . (full-text)
- . Halder A, Das U, Gada Chengaiyan J. Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) as a climate-resilient legume with functional and nutraceutical potential. Front Plant Sci 2026;17:1891496. . . (full-text)
- . Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source: Lectins. . . (full-text)
- . MedlinePlus: Food allergy. . . (full-text)
- . NIDDK: Gas in the digestive tract, eating, diet and nutrition. . . (full-text)
- . National Kidney Foundation: Beans. . . (full-text)
- . PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa): Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.. . . (full-text)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- A recent packed-on date: very old dried beans cook unevenly
- Organic or not, and the country of origin
- Whether you want dried or canned
- Soak and cook thoroughly; some raw beans are unsafe
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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