Finger Millet Seed Coat—A Functional Nutrient-Rich Cereal By-Product

Finger millet (FM) is one of the little millets grown in Asia and Africa. Although still classified as an “orphan crop”, there is an increasing interest in the research of FM seed coat (FMSC), also known as bran. It houses 90% of the seed’s polyphenols and dietary fibre. The calcium and phosphorus content of FMSC is about 6- to 25-fold that of other cereals. FMSC is specifically beneficial for its polyphenols, arabinoxylans, phytates, and flavonoids content. Evidence of the hypoglycaemic, nephroprotective, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-cataractogenic effects of FMSC has been substantiated, thereby supporting the health claims and validating its nutraceutical potential for diabetics. This article discusses FMSC extraction and nutritional properties, focusing on arabinoxylan and polyphenols, their potential health benefits, and their application in food formulations. Although there is a dearth of information on using FMSC in food formulation, this review will be a data repository for further studies on FMSC.