Nutritional and phytochemical profiling of little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. ex Roem & Schult.) genotypes

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense) is an underutilized cereal with the potential to enhance nutritional security, particularly in areas facing malnutrition. Despite its resilience and adaptability, its nutritional profile has not been characterized comprehensively across genotypes.

This study presents the nutritional and phytochemical profiling of little millet genotypes conserved by local farmers and tribal communities in South Gujarat, India. Proximate analysis revealed substantial variation, with mean values for moisture (812 ± 1.1 g kg^-1), carbohydrate (681.4 ± 2.9 g kg^-1), protein (62.5 ± 0.5 g kg^-1), fat (16.9-40.2 ± 0.4 g kg^-1), fiber (32.3 ± 0.7 g kg^-1), and ash (43.3 ± 0.9 g kg^-1). Mineral profiling indicated diverse micronutrient levels: Zn (39.4 ± 1.9 mg kg^-1), Fe (48.4 ± 2.7 mg kg^-1), Mn (2.5 ± 0.2 mg kg^-1), P (1146.4 ± 168.8 mg kg^-1), K (2386.7 ± 622.1 mg kg^-1), Ca (184.6 ± 11.4 mg kg^-1), Cu (50.6 ± 0.9 mg kg^-1), and Mg (1331.9 ± 283.2 mg kg^-1). Phytochemical profiling showed that total phenol content (1021.9 ± 1.4 mg kg^-1) was ~1.5 times higher than that in foxtail millet and was also rich in flavonoids, phytic acid, tannins, cyanide, oxalate, and trypsin inhibitors. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) identified the WV-151, WV-153, and WV-158 genotypes as rich in essential amino acids. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomics detected 120 metabolites, including oleic acid and flavonoids with cardiovascular benefits.

Little millet genotypes possess substantial nutritional and phytochemical diversity. These findings emphasize their potential for inclusion in dietary interventions and crop improvement programs aimed at enhancing food and nutritional security. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.