Exploring the deciphering properties of <i>Cyamopsis tetragonoloba</i>: its food application, feasibility, and future aspects

Abstract Cyamopsis tetragonoloba belongs to the Fabaceae family and is an erect, drought-resistant, coarse-textured, annual legume. This species serves as a valuable source of nutrition for both livestock and humans. The purpose of this review is to explore the nutritional profile of C. tetragonoloba, highlighting its richness in dietary fibre, proteins, and essential minerals, alongside its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and polysaccharides, which demonstrate antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties and its applications. The potential of C. tetragonoloba in developing biodegradable packaging materials is also explored, highlighting its ability to enhance mechanical properties and food product storage stability, making it a viable alternative to petrochemical-based plastics. Additionally, this review addresses C. tetragonoloba cultivation’s environmental impact and sustainability, emphasising the importance of efficient byproduct valorization, pharma industry, and its role in circular economy practices. Key challenges and future research directions include improving processing technologies, exploring novel applications for C. tetragonoloba-based materials, and enhancing C. tetragonoloba cultivation and utilisation for environmental and economic sustainability.