By Dr Renita D’SouzaPeanut, also well known as groundnut is an important oilseed crop and the best natural source for fat and protein. It is used as food for both humans and animals. It also possesses medicinal value and used to treat inflammation, diabetes, cancer, alzheimer’s and gallstone. They are also used as paints, lubricants and insecticides. Groundnut seeds contain 44-56% oil. Dry seed contains 22-30% of protein.Read – Ayurveda Mahodadhi: Legumes Green Gram, Chickpea, Peas
Introduction
Botanical Name – Arachis hypogaea L.Synonyms – Arachidna hypogaea (L.) Moench, Arachis africana Lour, A. americana Ten, A. asiatica Lour.Family – Leguminosae
Botanical Description
Arachis hypogaea L. is an annual erect/prostrate/ spreading crop which grows up to 30-50 cm in height. Leaves compound and arranged opposite. Leaflets are even in number and elliptical in shape.  Flowers are yellow in color, arranged in axillary clusters. Pods develop underground contain one to three seeds. Each seed is surrounded by thin papery seed coat.Read – Green Pea (Matar) Medicinal Qualities, Uses, Research
Distribution
Arachis hypogaea L. is found native to South America. It is cultivated in all tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Pharmacological Activities
Arachis hypogaea L possess Panaleptic, Antiaggregant, Antiapoptotic, Anticariogenic, Antidiabetic, Antidote, Antidote, Anti-inflammatory, Antiischemic, Antioxidant, Antiparkinsonian, Antiradicular, Antitumor, Anxiolytic, Aperient, Aphrodisiac, Apoptotic, Astringent, Bechic, Cardio protective, Cerebro protective, Chemo-preventive, COX-2-Inhibitor, Cyanogenetic, Demulcent, Diuretic, Emollient, Estrogenic, Febrifuge, Fungicide, Goitrogenic, Hemostat, Hypocholesterolemic, Hypotensive, Hypothermic, Hypotriglyceridemic, Ios-Inhibitor, Lactagogue, Laxative, Litholytic, Neuro protective, Noinhibitor, Osteogenic, Pancrea protective, Pectoral, Peptic, Radioprotective, Serotoninergic, Tonic, Vasoconstrictor and Vasorelaxant.Read – Chickpea (Bengal gram) – Qualities, Uses, Remedies, Types, Research
Nutritional values
Arachis hypogaea L. seeds contain palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. It also possesses Vitamins E, K, and B and other essential minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium
Part Used
Oil, Seeds, Leaves
Peanut oil/Groundnut oil
Peanuts have high oil content. Peanut oil is stable at high temperature and has higher smoke point due to which it is used worldwide as the best cooking oil. It has high ratio of oleic and linoleic fatty acids which results in a better storage quality of oil and longer shelf-life of the products. (Read more)
Chemical Constituents
Arachis hypogaea contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, alkaloids and stilbenes.
Research
Antifungal Activity – A research study conducted to evaluate antifungal efficacy of UPL-Pn-2 peanut seed extract against dandruff causing fungus, Malassezia globose have shown its maximum antifungal activity against Malassezia globos.
Formulations
Patanjali Tasty Peanuts Namkeen – Healthy tasty snackPatanjali Ground Nut Oil – It is low in saturated fat and free from cholesterolHairbac Hair Oil – It is used for hairfall, dandruff and grey hairs.
Scientific Classification
Domain – EukaryotaKingdom – Plantae Phylum – Spermatophyta Subphylum – Angiospermae Class – Dicotyledonae
Vernacular Names
English Name – Peanut, Monkey nutSanskrit Name –Hindi Name – Chinabadam, MungphaliKannada Name – NelagadaleGujarati Name – Magaphali, SingdanaMalayalam Name – Kappalanti, NilakatalaMarathi Name – Badamchini, BhuimugaTamil Name –  Nila Kadalai, Nilakkadalai, Verkkadalai, Ver Kadalai, Kadalai, Kadalai KottaiTelugu Name – NelakadaleFrench Name – ArachideSpanish Name – Mani, CacahueteItalian Name – Pistacchio di terraGerman Name – ErdnussPortugese – AmendoimArabic Name – Fustic Swdani, Fustik AbeedClick to Consult Dr Renita D’Souza
