Background: The seeds of Lens culinaris Medikus belong to family Leguminosae and are
commonly known as masoor pulses, Lentils, and Lens esculenta Moench.
Objective:
The present review provides an up-to-date information on the therapeutic potential of Lentil
seeds including its synonyms, taxonomical classification, geographical distribution, cultivation,
pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology and reported biological uses.
Updated Information:
Geographically, L. culinaris seeds are grown throughout North India. They are
lens shaped, grayish brown in color with mucilaginous taste and characteristic odor. They are well
known for their nutritional properties and are also considered as a vital part of a balanced diet. Besides
their contribution to health due to the presence of essential macro- and micro- nutrients, they also contain
various bioactive phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds, saponins, etc. which are responsible
for exhibiting various pharmacological properties. The Lentil seeds are traditionally used to treat
gastrointestinal problems such as dysentery, diarrhea, constipation, strangury, cardiac disorders, skin
diseases, anemia, etc. Due to such an attractive ethnopharmacological profile, various studies have
been conducted on Lentil seeds which recommend the use of Lentil seeds as antioxidant, antibacterial,
antifungal antihyperlipidemic, etc.
Conclusion:
This would assist the researchers to get a better insight into Lentil seeds.
Study of physicochemical, cooking and nutritional properties of promising rice varieties of Tamil Nadu
