Exploring the versatile potential of garden cress seeds: Therapeutic applications and industrial utilization: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The seeds of Lepidium sativum, commonly known as Garden Cress is an iron rich underutilized edible crop. Garden cress seeds have a variety of therapeutic properties, including antioxidants properties, anti-anemic properties, anti-diabetic properties, anti-inflammatory properties, hepatoprotective properties, antibacterial properties and chemoprotective properties. It may also be used in food supplementation to develop functional foods. Garden cress seeds have been utilized as medicine since ancient times. It is also used to treat conditions such as asthma, diarrhea, and numerous skin problems such as scurvy. However, it can also help to increase the milk supply in lactating mothers. Garden cress seeds have a high calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin C content. While, the seeds serve as a significant energy source due to high content of protein and fat. Also, these seeds are in use within the pharmaceutical, cosmetic industry and aroma therapy due to the presence of fatty acids, antioxidants and bioactive compounds in abundance. The current review is planned to give an overview about the functional, pharmacological properties and industrial uses of garden cress seeds to enhance the scope of this underutilized crop for human consumption.