Prospects and challenges of neglected oilseed crop Niger[Guizotia abyssinica(L.f.)Cass]for nutrition,health and industryOA

Niger(Guizotia abyssinica(L.f.)Cass.),an underutilized oilseed crop widely cultivated by tribal communities in India and Ethiopia.It represents a promising crop at the interface of nutrition,health and industry.Despite its nutritionally importance,it remains scientifically and commercially neglected compared with major oilseeds.This review synthesizes current knowledge on the nutritional composition,bioactive constituents,ethnomedicinal relevance and emerging industrial applications of niger,emphasizing its potential contribution to food and nutritional security.Niger seeds contain good quality oil,rich in linoleic acid,β-sitosterol,tocopherols and phylloquinone(vitamin K1),alongside essential minerals,proteins,and balanced amino acids.The presence of diverse bioactive compounds like phenolics,flavonoids and sterols,underpins its antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,cardioprotective,antidiabetic and antimicrobial effects,corroborating its traditional medicinal uses among indigenous communities.Industrially,niger oil finds applications in food,pharmaceuticals,cosmetics,paints and biodiesel sectors.The crop''s suitability for rainfed,low-input systems highlight its value for sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods.However,limited genomic resources,breeding programs and processing technologies constrain its wider utilization.Future research should focus on genetic improvement,bioactive compound characterization and value-added product development.By bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific innovation,niger can be repositioned as a climate-resilient,nutritionally superior and industrially versatile oilseed crop with substantial implications for health,economy and sustainability.