# Kulattha

> Kulattha (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (syn. Dolichos biflorus L.)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. Not listed in WHO monographs as a medicinal plant; widely recognized as a functional food legume; Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia documents its medicinal properties.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (syn. Dolichos biflorus L.)
- **Family:** Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs as a medicinal plant; widely recognized as a functional food legume; Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia documents its medicinal properties

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kulattha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (syn. Dolichos biflorus L.)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Phenolic acids (gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [myricetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myricetin))
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) (condensed tannins)
- Phytic acid
- Dietary fiber (high content)
- [Proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) (22-25%)
- Iron and calcium (high mineral content)
- [Phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols)
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/)
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) [peptides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#peptides)

## How does it work?

- Antilithiatic (anti-kidney stone) mechanism through inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and growth, with [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) action promoting stone fragment passage
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) action through alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition by [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols), combined with high fiber content slowing carbohydrate absorption
- [Cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) mechanism involving reduction of oxidative LDL modification and improvement of lipid profiles through phytosterol and fiber-mediated cholesterol reduction

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-urolithiatic (kidney stone dissolving) activity validated through in vitro and in vivo studies, confirming premier Ayurvedic use in Ashmari (renal calculi)
- Antidiabetic potential confirmed through enzyme inhibition and in vivo blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) studies, supporting traditional use in Prameha
- Bronchodilatory and anti-asthmatic properties supported by preliminary studies, partially validating traditional use in Shwasa (respiratory conditions)

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Oli P, Joshi K, Punetha S 2024. [Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and nutraceutical potential of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum): A systematic review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39656760/). *Journal of food science*. PMID [39656760](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39656760/) · [doi:10.1111/1750-3841.17594](https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.17594)  
  Comprehensive systematic review documenting antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/), antidiarrheal, and [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) effects of horse gram bioactive compounds.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Widely consumed as a dietary legume across South and Southeast Asia with long-established culinary safety; contains anti-nutritional factors (phytic acid, tannins) that are significantly reduced by traditional cooking methods (soaking, boiling, sprouting)
- Excessive consumption may aggravate gout due to moderate purine content; Ayurvedic texts advise against use in Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) and Pitta-dominant conditions due to its heating nature

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Flavonoids
- Kaempferol
- Quercetin
- Myricetin
- Tannins
- Proteins
- Phytosterols
- Saponins

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Yusha (medicated soup), Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Kvatha concentrate

**Standard Dosage:** 20-40 g whole seeds for Yusha preparation; 5-10 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction; seed soup (200-300 mL) once daily

**Bioavailability:** Polyphenols (gallic acid, [catechin](/reference/catechin/), [epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin)) show 20-35% oral bioavailability. Anti-nutritional factors (trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid) reduce protein and mineral bioavailability — traditional soaking and cooking methods (Yusha preparation) reduce these by 60-80%. [Isoflavones](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavones) have moderate absorption enhanced by gut microbiome metabolism to equol. Iron and calcium bioavailability improved with ascorbic acid co-administration.

**Optimal Timing:** Yusha: at lunch (mid-day meal) for optimal digestion; decoction: morning on empty stomach for urinary calculi; powder: after meals

**Standardized Extract:** Seed extract standardized to minimum 5% total polyphenols (as gallic acid equivalents) and 0.3% total isoflavones; protein content >22%

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for whole dried seeds; 12 months for powder (nutrient oxidation); 24 months for capsules; Yusha consumed same day

**Storage:** Whole seeds in airtight containers at 15-30°C, protected from moisture and insects. Powder in nitrogen-flushed packaging due to lipid oxidation. Cool, dry storage essential.

**Marker Compounds:** Gallic acid, Catechin, Epicatechin, [Genistein](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#genistein), [Daidzein](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#daidzein), Phytic acid (to be minimized), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)

### Extraction Methods

- Traditional Yusha (soup): soaked seeds boiled with spices and reduced
- Water decoction of whole/split seeds
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Germination/sprouting for enhanced nutrient profile
- Roasting followed by grinding for Churna

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Yavakshara](/herb/yavakshara/) ([potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) carbonate) for urinary calculi dissolution synergy
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) for comprehensive urinary health
- [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) for renal stone management
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for kidney support
- Pashanbheda for lithotriptic formulations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/kulattha/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.