Sorgho

Related Terms

Acid phosphatase, amino acids (lysine, tryptophan), ether extract, fiber, glutamine synthetases, Guinea corn, iron, jowar, kunu, molybdenum, phytates, polyphenols, protein, proteinase inhibitors, Sorghum saccharatum (Moench), sorghum seeds, Sorghum vulgare, starch (including amylase), sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose).

Background

Sorghum vulgare, commonly known as broom corn, is thought to have originated in central Africa, though it has been grown in both Africa and Asia for centuries. For many cultures, the grains from broom corn are used to make essential foods, such as flat bread. Broom corn is also used to make kunu, a nonalcoholic cereal beverage commonly consumed in Nigeria. According to a survey, only millet is considered to be a better option for making this beverage.
The growth of broom corn was first described in Italy in the 1500s. Approximately 200 years later, Benjamin Franklin may have brought broom corn to the United States. According to secondary sources, Franklin planted a seed that he had found on a small whisk broom given to him by a friend in France. Broom corn was initially grown only in Philadelphia. However, after a man in Massachusetts planted half an acre and began selling brooms, broom corn farming and broom making developed into an important industry.
Broom corn has a course, fibrous seed head that has been used to make various types of brooms, whisk brooms, and brushes for hundreds of years. In addition, broom corn is now commonly used to make decorative items, such as wreaths, swags, floral arrangements, baskets, and autumn displays.
In addition to being used to make household items, some cultures have used broom corn for nutritional or medicinal purposes. From a nutritional standpoint, it has been observed that the carbohydrate content of broom corn may change as the plant grows, indicating that the nutritional value of broom corn changes as it ages. In addition, one study evaluated the energy balance of adult farmers (both male and female) for whom broom corn is a diet staple. Results showed that, on average, women consumed fewer calories than they burned each day, indicating that diets relying on broom corn may not provide enough energy.
Although broom corn has not been well studied in humans from a medicinal standpoint, studies conducted in India have stated that eating broom corn may not protect against the formation of stomach ulcers when an abnormally high amount of stomach acid is present.
There is currently a lack of evidence and safety information from human studies to support the use of broom corn for any indication.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for broom corn in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Insufficient available evidence.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Bhatia IS, Gumber SC, and Singh R. Metabolism of free sugars in relation to starch synthesis in the developing SORGHUM vulgare grain. Physiologia Plantarum 1980;49(2):248-254.
Bleiberg, F. M., Brun, T. A., Goihman, S., and Gouba, E. Duration of activities and energy expenditure of female farmers in dry and rainy seasons in Upper-Volta. Br.J Nutr 1980;43(1):71-82.
Bleiberg, F., Brun, T. A., Goihman, S., and Lippman, D. Food intake and energy expenditure of male and female farmers from Upper-Volta. Br.J Nutr 1981;45(3):505-515.
Deosthale, Y. G. and Gopalan, C. The effect of molybdenum levels in sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.) on uric acid and copper excretion in man. Br.J.Nutr. 1974;31(3):351-355.
Derman, D. P., Bothwell, T. H., Torrance, J. D., Bezwoda, W. R., MacPhail, A. P., Kew, M. C., Sayers, M. H., Disler, P. B., and Charlton, R. W. Iron absorption from maize (Zea mays) and sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) beer. Br.J.Nutr. 1980;43(2):271-279.
Gaffa, T., Jideani, I. A., and Nkama, I. Traditional production, consumption and storage of Kunu--a non alcoholic cereal beverage. Plant.Foods Hum.Nutr 2002;57(1):73-81.
Gillooly, M., Bothwell, T. H., Charlton, R. W., Torrance, J. D., Bezwoda, W. R., MacPhail, A. P., Derman, D. P., Novelli, L., Morrall, P., and Mayet, F. Factors affecting the absorption of iron from cereals. Br.J Nutr 1984;51(1):37-46.
Gustafson, G. L. and Gander, J. E. Uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase from Sorghum vulgare. Purification and kinetic properties. J Biol.Chem. 3-10-1972;247(5):1387-1397.
Hemalatha, S., Platel, K., and Srinivasan, K. Influence of heat processing on the bioaccessibility of zinc and iron from cereals and pulses consumed in India. J Trace Elem.Med Biol. 2007;21(1):1-7.
Hirel B and Gadal P. Glutamine synthetase isoforms in leaves of a C<sub>4</sub> plant: SORGHUM vulgare. Physiologia Plantarum 1982;54(1):69-74
Jayaraj, A. P., Tovey, F. I., and Clark, C. G. Possible dietary protective factors in relation to the distribution of duodenal ulcer in India and Bangladesh. Gut 1980;21(12):1068-1076.
Kumar A. Chemical examination of SORGHUM vulgare roots. Q.J.Crude Drug Res 1978;16:119-120
Pawar SS. Allergen-specific immunotherapy in SORGHUM vulgare (Jawar) pollen-induced allergic bronchial asthma [Abstract] 2003. The Cochrane Library 2009;(2)
Rengasamy, A., Selvam, R., and Gnanam, A. Isolation and properties of an acid phosphatase from thylakoid membranes of Sorghum vulgare. Arch Biochem.Biophys. 1981;209(1):230-236.
Tuna, E. and Bressani, R. [Chemical composition of 11 varieties of sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) before and after popping the kernels]. Arch Latinoam.Nutr 1992;42(3):291-300.