Abstract The Food and Agriculture Organization and the United Nations declared 2023 as the “International Year of Millet” to increase awareness about its health and nutritional benefits. Millet is consumed as a staple food in parts of India and among various cultures. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the nutritional values of millet are well described. Pearl millet (PM) is widely accepted and consumed across India, prized for its taste and nutritional benefits. Its advantages are described in various disease conditions, and it is also recommended as a nutritional supplement. However, consumption of PM is restricted in certain seasons and under certain conditions, as it may not be beneficial or may need to be consumed with other dietary factors. Being cost-effective, PM has proven beneficial in animals and birds for enhancing milk and egg production. Given these facts, it is necessary to review the studies conducted on PM and describe its benefits along with any reported toxicity and adverse effects. The review emphasizes the botanical, pharmacognostic, pharmacological, and toxicologic merits and demerits of PM.
Gurav et al. (Sat,) studied this question.