Kulthi

Kulthi is the Hindi name for the legume known in Sanskrit and classical Ayurvedic texts as Kulattha, from which the common name derives. In English, it is called horse gram, a reference to its historical use as animal fodder as well as human food. Kulthi is a small, brownish seed native to the Indian subcontinent, where it has been cultivated and eaten for centuries, particularly in drier regions where it grows well with limited water (Prasad & Singh, 2015).

In Ayurveda, Kulattha carries a bitter, pungent and astringent taste (tikta-katu-kashaya rasa), a heating potency (ushna virya) and a pungent post-digestive effect (katu vipaka). It is traditionally considered to pacify aggravated Kapha and Vata dosha (Gaikwad & Jain, 2025). It is traditionally used to support kidney and urinary health, digestion and general nourishment, and continues to be a staple pulse in South Indian and Himalayan cooking today.

Kulthi is known by several names across botany, Ayurveda and regional Indian languages. The main ones are:

• Botanical name: Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.
• English name: Horse gram
• Hindi name: Kulthi, Kulath
• Sanskrit name: Kulattha
• Kannada name: Huruli, Hulge
• Tamil name: Kollu
• Telugu name: Ulavalu
• Malayalam name: Muthira
• Marathi name: Kulith
• Uttarakhand / Pahari name: Gahat, Kulath

Kulthi is a nutrient-dense legume, particularly valued for its protein and iron content. Approximate values per 100 grams of dried, uncooked Kulthi are shown below (Prasad & Singh, 2015):

These nutrients contribute to Kulthi's traditional role in the diet, including nutritional support for muscle and bone health and general nourishment. Its comparatively high protein content, for a plant-based food, makes it a useful addition to a varied, balanced diet.

Kulthi is a nutritious legume that may support digestion, healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and general weight management when included in a balanced diet. It also has traditional use for urinary health, while early research has explored its potential effects on kidney stone formation. However, evidence for specific health benefits varies, and Kulthi should not replace medical treatment for diagnosed conditions.

May Support Kidney and Urinary Health

Kulthi has a traditional and researched reputation as a mild diuretic, meaning it may increase urine output. Laboratory research suggests compounds in horse gram may help reduce calcium oxalate crystal formation, the type involved in most kidney stones (Gautam et al., 2020), though this evidence is currently from laboratory studies rather than human trials, and it should not replace medical treatment for a diagnosed kidney condition.

Supports Healthy Digestion

Kulthi is rich in dietary fibre, which is traditionally believed to support regular bowel movements and help ease occasional constipation. Its fibre content is also associated with supporting beneficial gut bacteria, which may contribute to overall gut health (Oli et al., 2024).

Supports Immune Function

Kulthi provides protein, iron and a range of vitamins and minerals that the body needs for normal immune function. Including it as part of a varied, balanced diet may help support normal immune function.

May Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Kulthi has a comparatively low glycaemic index, meaning it is broken down more slowly and is less likely to cause a sharp rise in blood sugar than many refined carbohydrates (Oli et al., 2024). It may be a useful addition to the diet of someone with diabetes, but only alongside, never instead of, medication and monitoring prescribed by their doctor.

Supports Healthy Weight Management

Kulthi is high in protein and low in fat for a plant food, which may help increase feelings of fullness after a meal. As part of a balanced, calorie-appropriate diet, this may support general weight management, though it is not a stand-alone solution for weight loss.

May Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Kulthi's fibre and plant compounds are associated in early research with supporting healthy LDL cholesterol levels (Oli et al., 2024). Most of this evidence comes from animal and laboratory studies, so it should be seen as a traditional, complementary dietary measure rather than a treatment for diagnosed high cholesterol.

Kulthi is commonly used as a nutritious food and traditional home preparation. It is eaten as dal, added to soups and other dishes, and used as a plant-based protein source. Traditionally, Kulthi is also prepared as a decoction for urinary and kidney support and may be included alongside medically supervised diabetes or cholesterol care.

As Part of Everyday Cooking

Kulthi is cooked as a dal, added to soups and stews, or ground into flour to add to chutneys, snacks and rasam mixes, providing protein and iron as part of everyday meals.

As a Traditional Kidney-Support Drink

A Kulthi decoction, made by boiling soaked seeds in water, is traditionally taken as part of home-based support for urinary and kidney health, alongside any care recommended by a doctor.

Alongside a Doctor-Led Diabetes or Cholesterol Plan

Under medical guidance, Kulthi may be included as a traditional, complementary part of an existing prescribed diabetes or cholesterol management plan, never as a replacement for it.

As a Protein Source in Vegetarian Diets

Because of its relatively high plant protein content, Kulthi is traditionally used to help people following vegetarian or vegan diets meet their protein needs.

Kulthi is generally well tolerated as part of a normal diet, but the following precautions should be followed:

• Consult a healthcare professional: Speak to a doctor or dietitian before adding Kulthi regularly to your diet if you have an underlying medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking regular medication.
• Moderation: Eating large amounts of Kulthi may cause bloating, gas or digestive discomfort in some people. Keeping to a moderate, regular serving size may help reduce these effects.
• Existing kidney or blood sugar medication: Kulthi is not a drug, but its effects on kidney function and blood sugar levels are not well established in humans. Tell your doctor you are eating it regularly if you are taking medication for either.
• Not a substitute for medical treatment: Kulthi should not be used to self-treat a diagnosed kidney, metabolic or hormonal condition, and it does not replace prescribed medication.

Note: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak to your doctor or dietitian before making significant dietary changes, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition.

Kulthi can be added to the diet in a few different ways:

Cooking Kulthi as a Dal

Soak the seeds overnight, then boil them until soft with turmeric, cumin and coriander, in the same way as any other dal. It can be used in curries, stews and soups.

Preparing a Kulthi Decoction

Soak 3 to 5 grams of Kulthi seeds overnight, then simmer them in water. Strain the liquid and drink it, or mix it with warm milk, if advised by an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Eating Kulthi as Sprouts or a Roasted Snack

Kulthi seeds can be soaked and sprouted, or dry-roasted, and eaten as a light, protein-rich snack.

Herbs Traditionally Used With Kulthi

In traditional Ayurvedic practice, Kulthi is often combined with other herbs known for traditional use in supporting kidney and urinary health. Some commonly paired herbs include:

The right amount of Kulthi depends on age, health status and how it is being used. As a general guide:

Children: Small amounts of well-cooked Kulthi dal can be included as part of a varied diet; a paediatrician or dietitian should be consulted for specific portion guidance.

Teenagers: About 1 tablespoon of cooked Kulthi a few times a week is a reasonable general portion as part of a balanced diet, adjusted with a dietitian's advice if there is a specific health condition.

Adults: Typically 1 to 2 tablespoons of cooked Kulthi daily, or a decoction as advised by a practitioner.

Elderly: Older adults, especially those with reduced kidney function or on regular medication, should use smaller portions initially and consult their doctor first.

Kulthi is generally well tolerated when eaten in normal dietary amounts, but it may cause side effects in some people. Common concerns include digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas or indigestion, while allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals. Eating moderate amounts may help reduce digestive discomfort, and severe allergic symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Eating large amounts of Kulthi may cause bloating, gas or indigestion, mainly due to natural sugars called oligosaccharides. Keeping to a moderate serving size may help reduce this risk.

Allergic Reactions

A small number of people may develop itching, a rash or other signs of a food allergy after eating Kulthi.

When to Seek Medical Help

Stop eating Kulthi and seek medical advice if you notice swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, severe stomach pain, or a widespread skin reaction after eating it.

Kulthi is a food, not a drug, but its effects on the body may be relevant when taken with certain medications. The following should be discussed with a doctor:

Diuretic Medication

Kulthi may have a mild diuretic effect. Taking it regularly alongside prescribed diuretic medication may add to fluid and electrolyte loss, so this combination should be monitored by a doctor.

Diabetes Medication

Kulthi's low glycaemic index means it may have a more gradual effect on blood sugar levels. Combined with insulin or other diabetes medication, this could affect blood sugar control, so monitoring is advised.

Note: This is not a complete list of possible interactions. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about significant dietary changes if you are on regular medication, particularly medicines that affect kidney function or diabetes.

Storage of Kulthi

• Store dry, uncooked seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigerate cooked Kulthi and use it within 2 to 3 days.
• Check dry seeds for signs of moisture, insects or an unusual smell before cooking.
• Store Kulthi out of reach of children.

• Kulthi (horse gram) is a protein-rich, fibre-rich legume traditionally used in Ayurveda and Indian cooking.
• It is traditionally associated with supporting kidney and urinary health, healthy digestion, and healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Much of the research behind these traditional uses is laboratory or animal-based, so Kulthi should complement, not replace, medical treatment for a diagnosed condition.
• Eating large amounts may cause bloating or digestive discomfort, and its effects on kidney function and blood sugar levels are not well established in humans, so anyone with a kidney condition, diabetes or on regular medication should consult a doctor first.