Evaluation of Nutritional Profile, Phytochemical Content, and Antioxidant Potential of Finger Millet Landraces from the Tribal Belt of Chhattisgarh, India

With global food demand rising and dietary deficiencies widespread, nutrient-dense, climate-resilient crops such as finger millet offer promising alternatives to conventional staples. This study investigates the nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents, and antioxidant potential of 8 finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] landraces cultivated in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, India. Our analysis revealed that the landrace F4 possessed the highest amount of protein (10.13 ± 0.12%) and dietary fibre (14.88 ± 0.61%) with low carbohydrate content (56.77 ± 0.86%) in comparison to other landraces. Similarly, calcium content (1477.73 ± 0.37 mg/kg) was found to be higher in F5, whereas the highest iron content (121.38 ± 0.23 mg/kg) was recorded in F7. High levels of phenolics (26.03 ± 0.19 mg GAE/g dw) and flavonoids (35.39 ± 0.76 mg QE/g dw) were observed in F2 landrace, underscoring the potent nutraceutical attributes of this traditional variety. Furthermore, the antioxidant potency was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, with the lowest IC₅₀ values recorded for F2 landrace. The findings highlight the potential of indigenous finger millet landraces to not only combat nutrient deficiencies but also support metabolic health through their antioxidant and functional properties. This also underscores the importance of promoting and conserving traditional millet varieties to enhance nutrition and food security, particularly in underserved tribal communities