Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Bikramjit Singh, Lubhani, Masrika Binte Monzur, Maganti Bhavna Sri, Arshnoor, Jaspreet Kaur and Jyoti Singh

Abstract:
Lepidium sativum, belonging to family Brassicaceae, is also known by various common names including garden cress seed. Garden cress seeds are widely cultivated as a culinary, traditional medicine and oilseed crop all over the world. It is highly nutritious as it contains 30.7g carbohydrate, 24.2g protein and 23.2g lipids. Garden cress seeds have several pharmacological properties (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-asthmatic, diuretic, anti-anaemic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and chemo protective) as well. It has immense health benefits as it protects against cancer, helps in regulating menstrual cycle, prevents anaemia and also increases the breast milk production. Although it has many beneficial properties but it could be harmful due to the presence of teratogenicity effect which can cause allergy or toxicity if taken in excess amount. Traditionally, garden cress seeds are used to treat asthma, bronchitis, dysentery, diabetes, leprosy, diarrhea, dyspepsia, scurvy, leucorrhoea, seminal weakness and splenomegaly. Garden cress seeds are also used for the development of various value-added food products and are commercially available in the market. These value-added food products intended to improve the overall health of individuals include fortified health drinks, iron rich biscuits, noodles, nutrient rich cutlets, instant UPMA mix, fortified dahiwala bread and muffins. This review aims to highlight the various aspects of garden cress seeds viz. nutritional composition, pharmacological value, health benefits, toxicity, commercial utilization, traditional utilization and future perspectives.