Horse Gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does horse gram help dissolve kidney stones?

Horse gram seeds contain polyphenols and flavonoids which exhibit anti-urolithiatic properties. These compounds are believed to inhibit the crystallization of calcium oxalate and other stone-forming minerals in the urinary tract. Additionally, the diuretic effect of the herb increases urine volume, helping to flush out small stones and prevent new formation. While specific molecular pathways are still being studied, traditional use and preliminary research (Evidence Level C) support its ability to modulate urinary pH and reduce stone aggregation.

Does horse gram interact with any medications?

Currently, there are no well-documented severe drug interactions for horse gram. However, due to its potential diuretic effect, it may theoretically interact with diuretic medications (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), increasing the risk of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Patients taking antihypertensives should also monitor their blood pressure, as the diuretic action might potentiate the drug's effect. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining herbal supplements with prescription medications (Evidence Level D).

What is the recommended dosage of horse gram for kidney stones?

The standard adult dosage for managing kidney stones is a decoction prepared from approximately 100 grams of seeds boiled in 500 ml of water, consumed daily. This preparation is traditionally used to maximize the extraction of active polyphenols. For culinary use or supplementation, follow package instructions, but the decoction remains the primary Ayurvedic recommendation. Evidence supporting specific dosages is limited (Evidence Level C), so it is best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance.

Is horse gram safe to consume during pregnancy?

No, horse gram is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is classified as having 'heating' properties which may increase internal body heat (ushna potency), potentially leading to complications or discomfort during gestation. Additionally, its strong diuretic effects may place undue stress on the renal system during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid this herb and seek alternative dietary options for urinary health (Evidence Level D/Traditional).

Can I eat horse gram if I have high uric acid or gout?

Individuals with gout or high uric acid levels should avoid horse gram. As a legume, it contains moderate to high levels of purines, which the body metabolizes into uric acid. Consuming purine-rich foods can trigger gout flares or exacerbate hyperuricemia. While beneficial for kidney stones, the risk of aggravating gout symptoms outweighs the benefits for this specific population. Common side effects for others include gastrointestinal bloating and flatulence due to its high fiber content (Evidence Level C/Traditional).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is a nutrient-dense legume used traditionally in the Himalayan region for treating various ailments and recognized for its pharmacological properties [PMID:39656760, PMID:31115659].

Background

Macrotyloma uniflorum, also known as horse gram or kulthi bean, is an underutilized pulse crop primarily cultivated in South Asian countries including India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka [PMID:38005699, PMID:36837784]. It is characterized by high resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly drought [PMID:38005699, PMID:24059455].

Traditional uses

Since ancient times, it has been used as a traditional remedy in the Himalayan Mountains for curing kidney and bladder stones, bronchitis, asthma, piles, leukoderma, and heart diseases [PMID:39656760]. It is also recognized in folk and alternative medicine for treating common cold, throat infections, and fever [PMID:25892749].

Active compounds

Horse gram contains bioactive compounds including phenolic acids (such as p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid), flavonoids, tannins, phytic acid, and proteinase inhibitors [PMID:39656760, PMID:27091200, PMID:25892749]. It is also a source of proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals [PMID:36837784, PMID:38005699].

Mechanism of action

Bioactive compounds in horse gram demonstrate antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, and neuroprotective effects [PMID:39656760]. In rodent models of metabolic syndrome, it modulates adipokines and PPARs (including AMPK-α, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ) and affects gene expression of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, UCP2, NF-κB, and IL-6 [PMID:33368458].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DUrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)

Aqueous extract of seeds increased urine volume and levels of calculus inhibitors (magnesium, citrate) while decreasing promoters (calcium, oxalate, uric acid, urea) and preventing kidney pathological changes in rats [PMID:32637686].

Evidence DMyocardial Infarction

Seed extract and phenolic acids (p-coumaric and ferulic acid) attenuated elevated serum marker enzymes (AST, LDH, CPK-MB), cholesterol, and triglycerides, while restoring antioxidant enzymes in the hearts of isoproterenol-induced rats [PMID:27091200].

Evidence DMetabolic Syndrome

Treatment in high-fat diet-induced rats decreased serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL-c, and body weight, while increasing HDL-c [PMID:33368458].

Evidence DLeukemia

Ferulic acid extracted from horse gram demonstrates antileukemic properties, with efficacy further enhanced by selenium-supplemented fermentation in HL-60 human leukemia cells and mouse models [PMID:42003100].

Evidence DOxidative Stress

Supplementation in rats significantly increased activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase [PMID:28987361].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with some systematic reviews (Level A) summarizing traditional uses and general pharmacology. There is a scarcity of human clinical trials and mechanistic research on isolated compounds.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 39656760 (2024) — Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and nutraceutical potential of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum): A systematic review. · Journal of food science
2.PMID: 34591246 (2022) — In vitro exposed magnesium oxide nanoparticles enhanced the growth of legume Macrotyloma uniflorum. · Environmental science and pollution research international
3.PMID: 41271812 (2025) — Multi-model-based validation of multi-environment trial results in horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum Lam. Verdc.). · Scientific reports
4.PMID: 41076892 (2025) — Dual modification of horse gram protein (Macrotyloma uniflorum) via acetylation and ultrasonication: Enhancing functional and digestibility properties. · Food chemistry
5.PMID: 32180644 (2020) — Engineering properties of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) varieties as a function of moisture content and structure of grain.

Horse Gram

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Horse Gram