Horse Gram

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum), known as Kulath or Kulthi in Ayurveda, is a small drought-tolerant legume used both as a food and a traditional medicinal herb, especially for kidney stones, weight management, and metabolic support.

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Plant protein and fiber intake

Strong Evidence

Horse gram is a well-established food source of protein, fiber, iron, and polyphenols.

Calcium oxalate kidney stone risk

Mixed Evidence

Animal and small human studies suggest possible benefit for stone risk, but rigorous trials are limited.

How it works

Horse gram is rich in plant protein, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and minerals. It contains protease inhibitors and oligosaccharides that may slow digestion and reduce glucose absorption. Animal and small human studies suggest possible effects on calcium oxalate stone formation, lipid metabolism, and postprandial glucose. Most evidence relates to whole legume consumption rather than concentrated extracts.

Dosage

Culinary intake is typically a serving size of cooked legume. Supplement extracts vary; the DSLD does not list a standardized median. Ayurvedic decoctions (Kulath Kwath) use 20-30 g of dried legume.

When and how to take it

As food, no specific timing. As supplement, often taken with meals.

2 commercial forms

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

Whole legume (food)

Used in soups, dals, and porridges.

Iron is non-heme; pair with vitamin C

Powder or extract

Used in Ayurvedic formulas for stones and metabolic support.

Unstandardized in most products

Safety

Generally safe as food. People with legume allergies should avoid. Concentrated extracts have not been extensively studied for long-term safety.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in legume allergy. People with gout may need to moderate intake due to purine content. People with kidney disease should consult a clinician.

Interactions

Theoretical additive effects with diabetes and lipid medications when consumed in large amounts. As food, no significant interactions reported.

Food sources

Cooked horse gram

Amount
1/2 cup
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Does horse gram dissolve kidney stones?⌄

Traditional use is for stone support, and some small studies suggest possible benefit. It should not replace medical evaluation.

Is it good for weight loss?⌄

As a high-protein, high-fiber legume, it can support satiety in a balanced diet. It is not a quick-fix weight loss food.

References

Horse Gram on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Horse Gram on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Horse Gram (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Horse Gram with Pilora

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

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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.