Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) Seed - An Important Medicinal Source: A Review

Lepidium sativum, commonly known as garden cress is a fast growing annual herb that is native to Egypt and West
Asia, although it is now cultivated in the entire world. Its seeds are rich source of proteins, dietary fiber, omega-3
fatty acids, iron, other essential nutrients and phytochemicals. Garden cress is widely used in folk medicine for the
treatment of hyperactive airways disorders, such as asthma, bronchitis and cough. Seeds are considered to be
galactogogue, emmenagogue and recommenced in inflammation, bronchitis, muscular pain and rheumatism. The
present review deals with nutritional, phytochemical, antimicrobial, toxicology and medicinal potential of garden
cress seeds. It highlights anti-diabetic, laxative, hypocholesterolemic, fracture healing, analgesic, coagulant,
diuretic, hepatoprotective, antiashthamatic, antidiarrheal, antispasmodic and anti cancer activities of garden cress
seeds. It also focuses on food products developed using garden cress seed or its fractions.