**A review to investigate the nutrient profile of the nutrient-dense seed Lepidium sativum L.**

Author: Manju, Neetu Dobhal

Category: Review Article

Abstract:

Lepidium sativum is an annual, underutilized herb that belongs to the Brassicaceae family and has similar basic properties like mustard and water cress. Garden cress is grown throughout the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Garden cress seeds are known throughout history for their medicinal properties and are cultivated for a variety of culinary purposes. Seeds have been used to treat many disorders such as asthma, uterine tumours, ulcers, colds, wounds, skin problems, irregular menstrual cycles, ischias, and ethmoidal polyps because of their nutritional and antioxidant activity. Besides showing strong medicinal properties, garden cress seeds have a rich proximate profile with high concentrations of energy, protein, ash, fat, and fibre compared to the common staple cereals and millets. Various parts of garden cress plants like leaves and seeds are consumed in many forms such as salad, sprouts and spices. The seeds are bitter in taste, thus to improve taste and quality, different processing techniques like roasting, germination, soaking and boiling etc. are used. Malnutrition is currently a major concern in all segments of society and garden cress seeds being rich in protein and energy can be utilized to combat malnutrition. The objective of this review is to enhance community health by consolidating a scientific understanding of the nutritional composition of L. sativum.

Keywords: antioxidant, garden cress, malnutrition, nutritional composition, proximate composition