Nutritional composition, nutraceutical aspects, and medicinal benefits of garden cress ( Lepidium sativum) seeds - A geographical and processing perspective

Background: Garden cress (GC) seed is a super seed because of its high nutritional value and various medicinal properties. It is an underutilized seed that can be promoted to use as a functional ingredient to develop functional food product in the food industry. Scope and approach: In this review, a complete overview about garden cress seed is described. The purpose of this review is to provide up to date summary of research findings related to garden cress seed. The current review discussed the nutritional composition of garden cress seed, effect of processing on nutritional composition, various medicinal properties and utilization of garden cress seed in the functional food product development in details. This study highlights the importance of raising awareness about garden cress seeds, which could help mitigate environmental and economic impacts while supporting food security. Key findings and conclusions: Garden cress seeds are a promising source of macro and micronutrients. These seeds contain essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, bioactive compounds such as phenolic and flavonoid compound, and many minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Different processing methods affect the nutritional composition of garden cress seed and increase its sensory acceptability. GC seeds have many medicinal properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, hepato-protective, neuro-protective etc. These seeds are also used to develop various functional foods with therapeutic benefits. If GC seeds are utilized in their full potential, it can eradicate the hunger and malnutrition.