All sorghums (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) contain
phenolic acids and most contain flavonoids. Only varieties
with a pigmented testa have condensed tannins. The types
and quantities of phenols present in the grain are
genetically controlled. There are a number of myths about
sorghum that exist in the scientific community. These
myths significantly and adversely affect sorghum use in
food and industrial products. These myths originate from
the misconceptions that consumption of sorghum with
tannins is toxic to animals and perhaps to humans. The
confusion exists because numerous publications allege that
sorghums with tannins cause a problem when fed to
livestock. We will discuss which sorghums have condensed
tannins and their effects on livestock rations and human
foods widely consumed in many areas of the world. In
addition, we show that sorghums have a large number of
bioactive compounds relevant to human health. We will
also summarize the limited information available on the
millet phenols and their contribution to health.