Dolichos biflorus

Botanical

What is it

Dolichos biflorus (now classified as Macrotyloma uniflorum), the horse gram or kulthi, is a legume widely used as a food and traditional medicine in India for kidney stones, weight management, and metabolic health.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Lipid profile

Limited Evidence

Small clinical studies of horse gram consumption suggest modest improvements in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Kidney stones (traditional use)

Mixed Evidence

Ayurvedic medicine uses horse gram for kidney stone prevention. Controlled human clinical evidence is limited.

How it works

Horse gram seeds are rich in fiber, protein, polyphenols, and bioactive peptides. Preclinical studies have examined effects on lithogenic processes (kidney stone formation), lipid metabolism, and antioxidant activity. Small human studies on horse gram suggest modest effects on lipid profiles.

Dosage

No standardized supplement dose. Traditional preparations use whole seed decoction. Supplements typically supply 250-1,000 mg of seed extract or powder per day.

When and how to take it

No formal timing for supplements. Food preparations follow normal meal patterns.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Horse gram seed (whole or powder)

Traditional food and supplement form.

Cooking reduces antinutrients

Seed extract

Standardized supplement format.

Concentrated polyphenol and peptide content

Safety

Generally well tolerated as a food. Concentrated extracts have limited published safety data. Contains protease inhibitors that are reduced by cooking.

Who should be cautious

Use caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding with concentrated extracts (food-level intake is generally fine). Discuss with clinician if managing kidney stones or diabetes.

Interactions

Possible modest effects on blood glucose and lipids; coordinate with relevant medications.

Food sources

Horse gram (cooked)

Amount
1/2 cup
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is horse gram safe to eat?⌄

Yes, when cooked it is a nutritious legume widely consumed in India.

Will it prevent kidney stones?⌄

Traditional Ayurvedic use suggests benefits, but rigorous clinical evidence is limited.

References

Dolichos biflorus on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dolichos biflorus on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dolichos biflorus (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Dolichos biflorus with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.