Lepidium sativum, which is also known as garden cress, is an edible fast-growing herb.  Garden cress seed (GCS) possesses several medicinal properties like anti-anemic, antioxidant, galactagogues, etc., and was used in folk medicine for the treatment of hyperactive airways disorders, such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough ^[1].  GCS are loaded with plenty of nutrients including phytochemicals, iron, folate, Vitamin C, A, E, fibers, and protein. They are also supplemented in the diet of lactating women to increase the milk secretion of nursing women and also help regulate menstruation.

Garden cress seed oil (GCO) is generated from garden cress seeds through the method of cold pressing (hydraulic pressing). Garden cress seed oil (GCSO) has a balanced amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (46 %) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (37 %). It is also an excellent source of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which serves as an alternative source of omega-3 PUFA, especially for vegetarians ^[2]. Vitamin C in the oil protects it from rancidity and oxidation, giving it longer shelf life.

Cress seed oil also contains natural antioxidants like vitamin A, E, and eugenol, which protect the body from the harms of free radicals and perform free-radicals scavenging activities in the body ^[3]. Some studies suggested claim that the addition of cress oil in the salad could be beneficial in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

 

 

Potential Benefits of Cress Seed (Lepidium sativum)

 

     1. Garden Cress Seeds are beneficial in hyperactive airway disorders

Lepidium sativum is used in folk medicine for improving airway disorders like asthma and COPD. The symptoms of asthma can be remarkably lowered by taking Garden Cress seeds as the presence of an active compound aids in improving lung function. It serves as a good expectorant that helps in treating cough and sore throat. Cress seed mitigates hyperactive airway symptoms through unique bronchodilator activities (anticholinergic, Ca++ antagonist, and PDE inhibitory effects), which may explain its medicinal use in hyperactive airways disorders, such as cough and asthma

 

      2. Good for Gut Health

The abundance of fiber in Garden Cress seeds is a potent laxative that helps in relieving the symptoms of constipation and indigestion. It also improves gastrointestinal motility which in turn relieves the symptoms of indigestion and constipation. Eating it regularly helps in regularizing the bowel movements. Taking these seeds regularly can help clear the digestive tract effectively.

 

       3. Beneficial for Lactating Mothers

Breast milk is extremely beneficial for infants since it is ideal for their nourishment and strengthening of their immune system. Garden cress seed possesses galactagogues property. It helps in the production of breast milk. Therefore, these seeds are a great addition to the diets of lactating moms.

 

       4. Regulates Menstrual Cycle

Cress seed oil contains phytochemicals that are similar to estrogen, the hormone that plays various roles in the female body. The active ingredients in those seeds help in the regulation of the menstrual cycle

 

        5. Dermatological Treatment

Cress seeds oil blended with honey are an excellent treatment option for sunburn, irritated skin, and dry skin and soothe the skin. In addition, this blend can even be applied to your dry and chapped lips.

It is super rich in protein and other essential minerals such as iron and magnesium that prevent hair loss.

 

    6. Helps boost Hemoglobin

Garden cress consists of vitamin B6 which is required to create hemoglobin in the blood, which is transported by red blood cells throughout the body to help bring oxygen to cells and to mobilize iron. Consuming Garden Cress seeds helps in improving hemoglobin levels in the long run and treats anemia. The richness of iron in Garden Cress seeds promotes the production of red blood cells.

 

     7. Boosts Memory

Garden Cress seeds are abundant in essential fats linolenic acids and arachidonic fatty acids and this combination of good fats functions as an excellent memory booster.

 

 

 

References

1. Najeeb-ur Rehma, Arif-ullah Khan, Khalid M. Alkharfy. Pharmacological Basis for the Medicinal Use of Lepidium sativum in Airways Disorders. NCBI. [Online] June 15, 2012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265128/.

2. Okpala, lessing. 15 ASTONISHING BENEFITS OF GARDEN CRESS (HALIM SEEDS). Global Food Book. [Online] 2015. https://globalfoodbook.com/15-astonishing-benefits-of-garden-cress.

3. Garden Cress Seeds: Tiny Nutrient Powerhouses. Netmeds. [Online] 2018. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/garden-cress-seeds-tiny-nutrient-powerhouses.

4. Paswan, Chandra Shekhar Singh, and Vinod Kumar. The Potential of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) Seeds for Development of Functional Foods. [Online] 2017. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/57028.

 

 

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