Abstract

ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF LEPIDIUM SATIVUM

Mrunal Patekar*, Vriddhi Kotian, Srushti Parab, Neha Patil, Shreya Khaire and Rupali Bhoje

ABSTRACT

Since ancient times Garden Cress (halim seeds) scientifically known as Lepidium Sativum has been used in Ayurvedic or Unani Medicines. Being a rich source of proteins, dietary fibres, omega-3 fatty acids, iron & other phytonutrients and phytochemicals, It has been used as a folk medicine that has several therapeutic activities including anti-asthmatic, antihypertensive, bone healing, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and anticancer properties. This article addresses the anticancer and cytotoxic traits of garden cress seeds. Compounds like tocopherols, carotenoids, eugenol, terpenoids, glucosinolates, alpha linolenic acid, organosulfur compounds, alkaloids and phenolic moieties that are present in the seeds act against the malignant cells. As it belongs to Brassicaceae family, the leaves and seeds contain large amounts of glucosinolates, a class of
thioglycosides which helps in keeping the carcinogenesis at bay & has chemoprotective properties against multiplication of necrotic cells. Lepidium sativum also has isothiocyanates, specifically benzyl isothiocyanates, which induces enzymes that detoxify carcinogens. In this article we comprehend the effects of various extracts of Lepidium sativum using copious solvents against different types of cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer and so on.

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