Lepidium sativum
Garden cress
Lepidium sativum, commonly known as garden cress, is a nutrient-dense annual herb prized for its peppery flavor and medicinal properties. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it has been traditionally used to support digestion, hormonal balance, and bone health, making it a powerful functional food in various cultures.
- Scientific name: Lepidium sativum
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Lepidium satiivum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Brassicales and the family Brassicaceae. Its specific taxonomic placement concludes within the genus Lepidium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Brassicaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lepidium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Lepidium sativum, is referred to by various names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is called 水芹 (shuǐqín), while in Polish, it is known as pieprzyca siewna. The Quechua language uses the name Willk'uyuyu, and in French, it is identified as Cresson alénois. Additionally, it is sometimes referred to by the Spanish name Lepido.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 水芹 | Wikidata |
| pl | pieprzyca siewna | Wikidata |
| qu | Willk'uyuyu | Wikidata |
| fr | Cresson alénois | Wikidata |
| es | Lepido | Wikidata |
| lbe | Гьумалаккиж | Wikidata |
| frr | Klaker | Wikidata |
| hu | kerti zsázsa | Wikidata |
| it | crescione di giardino | Wikidata |
| de | Gartenkresse | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can be found growing in Austria. It also maintains a significant presence within the borders of Belgium. Finally, its geographical range extends through the regions of Czechia and Slovakia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as garden cress, is a versatile medicinal herb where various components are utilized for their nutritional properties. The small, dark seeds of Lepidium sativum are perhaps the most well-known part, frequently consumed for their high mineral content. Whether used as whole seeds or ground into a powder, each individual seed provides a concentrated dose of nutrients. In addition to the seeds, the tender green leaves are also edible and can be incorporated into culinary dishes to enhance their health benefits.- Total parts
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 21
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| Seeds | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| seeds of Lepidium sativum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried plant parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Whole fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| L. sativum ethanolic extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Lepidium sativum has 22 reported phytochemicals identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cd, Flavonoids, benzyl glucosinolate, caffeic acid, calcium.
- Total chemicals
- 22
- Scientific sources
- 22
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cd | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| benzyl glucosinolate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| calcium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| condensed tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumaric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fat | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Lepidium sativum has 25 reported activities identified across 34 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, Diuretic, Laxative.
- Total activities
- 25
- Scientific sources
- 34
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Laxative | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antianemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiasthmatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Lepidium sativum has 39 reported medicinal uses identified across 48 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, anemia, antiasthmatic, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal.
- Total uses
- 39
- Scientific sources
- 48
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| anemia | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antiasthmatic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiarrheal | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bone fracture | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacillus cereus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| COVID-19 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |