Glossary of Dolichos biflorous - A Legume with Miraculous Activities

The Dolichos biflorus (Family Leguminosae) is a well known medicinal plant which has been used in folklore for its medicinal properties since ages. It is known as Kuktha in Sanskrit, Horsegram in English, Kulthi in Hindi and Kalthi in Gujarati. Traditional use as anti-urolithiatic has been confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as by clinical studies. Various mechanisms are postulated for its powerful anti urolithiatic action for the treatment of Kidney stone. It is found as a single drug formulation or as one of the main ingredient of most of the Polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations available for the treatment of kidney stone. It has also exhibited Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-Hyper Lipidemic, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, Astringent, Antipyretic and Pesticidal Activity. It has been used in the treatment of leucorrhoea and menstrual disorders. It is found to be reducing Tumor incidence (up to 33 %) and tumor multiplicity (up to 61 %). Its effective role in the Weight Reduction in human volunteers has also generated a new interest among the dieticians. It is found to contain various amino acids, Vitamins, Minerals, Phytosterols and Flavanoids. The consumption of seeds is found to be nontoxic. We have tried to compile all the related documents pertaining to this miraculous legume. If the people in the society can either switchover or start including this legume in their existing menu of their regular diet then the chances of occurrence of kidney stone will definitely decrease over the time and those with the existing kidney stone will get immediate encouraging results.