sign in sign up
<<
Home , Watercress

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(2): 2685-2691

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 02 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com

Review Article https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.702.325

Watercress ( officinale): A Potential Source of Nutraceuticals

Yamuna Pandey1*, Siddharth S. Bhatt2 and Nadia Debbarma3

1College of Horticulture (Thenzawl), Mizoram, Central agricultural university, India 2Dev Bhoomi Groups of Institution, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India 3Department of Horticulture, Sikkim University 6th mile Samdur-737102, Sikkim, India

*Corresponding author

ABSTRACT

K e yw or ds (N. officinale) is quick growing perennial that is native to Egypt and West Anti-cancer, Asia, although it is now cultivated in the entire world. Its and arial stem are rich Antidiabetic , Antimicrobial source of , dietary fibre, and minerals, other essential nutrients and . Watercress is generally used as traditional medicine for the treatment of activities , Medicinal properties diabetic, bronchitis, abdominal pain, asthma, anti- inflammatory, to purify blood, chest pain, stop Haemorrhages, liver, eliminate of excess bile, gallbladder, stimulant, kidneys, Article Info lungs, throat expectorant, skin afflictions, facial scars, deficiency and digestion. The

Accepted: present review deals with traditional uses, nutritional, , antioxidant, 24 January 2018 antimicrobial, and medicinal potential of watercress. It highlights anti-cancer, anti- Available Online: diabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-tuberculosis activities of watercress. 10 February 2018

Introduction scorch (Abu-Zinadah, 2008) etc. Watercress is a vital source of nutraceuticals and an N. officinale is a perennial semi-aquatic, high important detoxifying herb. Palaniswamy et value, wild herb use for culinary purpose by al., (2003) reported that the watercress people almost around the world, native to contains a huge amount of vitamins B1, B2, C, Western Asia, India, and Africa. pro- A, folic acid, , However, it is now distributed almost iodine, iron, , and especially globally. It has attractive dark green leaves, a and sulphur compounds which not only strong flavour and is rich in vitamins. influence its characteristic odour, but also Watercress, which is cultivated for its pungent adds to its nutritional benefits. The active leaves which are used in cooking especially in constituents of watercress extract may soups, garnishes and , is one of the most strengthen or stimulate the immune response important herbal medicines used for the by interacting with various parameters of the treatment of some diseases like diabetes in immune system. Watercress has been used for traditional treatment (Shahrokhi et al., 2009), so long to cure a number of ailments with oxidative stress (Yazdanparast et al., 2008), claims that it can improve blood circulation 2685

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(2): 2685-2691

(Matsushima et al., 2006), to cure renal colic, particularly significant for chronic illness. The liver disease (Guarrera et al., 2005) as a mild Vitamins and constituent of stimulate, a diuretic, an expectorant and a watercress according to different sources digestive aid. Being healthy food watercress is (FSA, 2002; Pradhan et al., 2015) are shown very popular and growing widely due to recent in Table 1 and 2, respectively. remarkable studies and reports of the anti- cancer compounds it contains. Phyto chemical constituent

Traditional uses Hedges and Lister (2005)reported that watercress is well endowed with Watercress is one of the most important phytochemicals, including chlorophyll, lutin, mountainous medicinal herb mainly used by β- carotene, and the glucosinolates the rural healers as nutritive, anti- gluconasturtin (which is converted to the inflammatory and antioxidant agent. This phenethyl isothiocyanate or plant is a , consumed raw or cooked PEITC), gluconasturtin (which is converted to in salads, soups and other recipes in European indole- 3- carbinol or I- 3- C,) a compound and Turkish cuisine and also used to cure similar to an isothiocyanate. Watercress is abdominal pain in traditional medicine (Ozen, excellent source of gluconasturtin, with 5.32 g 2009)and for treatment of diseases like of gluconasturtin/ 100 g of defatted seed diabetes and bronchitis as reported by (Palaniswamy et al., 2003) the precursor to (Bahramikia et al., 2009). Kumari et al., phenenthyl isothiocyanate (PEITC). (2015) reported that in Baijnath region of Himachal Pradesh traditionally watercress N. officinele is known to contain eight leaves are cooked for making saag, leaves glucosinolates (Fahey et al., 2001) which are juice applied externally for growth of thick presented in table 3. Which can be hairs, poultices of leaves help in treating subsequently converted to their constituent lymphatic swelling. Watercress is used as isothiocyanate. The most abundant traditional medicine to purify blood, chest, isothiocyanate derived from watercress is stop haemorrhages, liver, eliminate of excess phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) with bile, gallbladder, stimulant, kidneys, lungs, watercress being the richest dietary source of throat, expectorant, dropsy, skin afflictions, this compound (Callaway et al., 2004). facial scars, iron deficiency and digestion Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a (Graf et al., 2016). phytochemical that inhibits several types of cancers caused by tobacco-specific Nutritional constituent carcinogens in rat and mice studies as reported by Palaniswamy et al., (2003). Watercress is an awesome source of vital nutrients which abundantly contains vitamins Anti-oxidant activity and minerals. The presence of different phyto- chemicals and nutrition make watercress a Aries et al., (2013) observed in his studies that healthy diet that maintains immunity and good the extracts of organic young baby- of health of the human body. Shahrokhi et al., watercress contained high antioxidant capacity 2009 mentioned that the watercress is and this property was largely related with important source of vitamins and a good caffeic acid, -3-O-rutinoside, detoxifying herb. Its high content of isorhamnetin, and glucosnasturtiin. Zeb Alam and minerals makes it a remedy that is (2015) identified fourteen phenolic

2686

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(2): 2685-2691 compounds in the leaves of watercress, where and 63.2 mg catechin equivalents/ g dried coumaric acid and its derivatives, caftaric acid extract, respectively. The extract possessed and quercetin derivatives were present in huge potent antioxidant properties which mediated amounts. A total of 20 compounds were through direct trapping of free radicals, identified from roots with coumaric acid and reducing power and as well as through metal its derivatives, sinapic acid, caftaric acid and chelating. quercetin derivatives were the major phenolic compounds present. Anti-microbial activity

Bahramikia and Yazdnaparast (2010) studied Freitas et al., (2013) found synergistic the antioxidant efficacy of N. officinale antibacterial activity effects between extracts using various in vitro assay systems watercress extract and antibiotics, indicating and reported that the watercress extract the potential of watercress compounds as anti- contain the phenolic and flavonoid contents of microbial substances. 96.2 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried extract

Table.1 Vitamins and phytochemicals

Phytochemicals Quantity/80 g edible produce Calories (kcal) 18 Protein (g) 2.4 (g) 0.8 Fibre (g) 1.2 Beta carotene (mcg) 2016 equivalent (mcg) 336 Vitamin B1 (mg) 0.13 (mg) 0.18 Vitamin C (mg) 50 (mg) 1.17 Folate (mcg) 36 (mcg) 200

Table.2 Mineral composition of raw watercress (FSA, 2002); Pradhan et al., (2015)

Mineral composition Quantity/80g edible produce Calcium (mg) 136 Iodine (mcg) 12 Iron (mg) 1.8 Magnesium (mg) 12 Manganese (mg) 0.5 (mg) 42 Potassium (mg) 184 Zinc (mg) 0.6 Selenium (mcg) 1.6 Sodium (mg/100g) 68.8 Copper (mg/100 g) 0.58 2687

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(2): 2685-2691

Table.3 Chemical and common names of glucosinolates present in watercress

Chemical name Common name Benzyl Glucotropaeolin 4-Hydroxybenzyl [Gluco]sinalbin 2-Phenylethyl Gluconasturtiin; phenenthyl 7-(Methylsulfinyl) heptyl Glucoibarin 8-(Methylsulfinyl)octyl Glucohirsutin 7-(Methylthio)heptyl 9-(Methylthio)nonyl 8-(Methylthio)octyl

The extract of watercress has also shown Furthermore, consumption of 85 g of raw nematicide effect on northern root-knot watercress once a day for eight weeks nematode (Meloidogynehapla) (Zahradníková decreased several measures of DNA damage and Petříková, 2012). It was proved that the in Lymphocytes, a cancer biomarker and alcoholic extract of watercress was capable of increased plasma levels of the antioxidant, β- bringing about the desired antifungal effect in carotene and lutin. Rose et al., (2005) a concentration dependent manner (Nikan and demonstrated that watercress extract, although Kavari, 2014). Sadeghi (2014) tested the more specifically the non-volatile 7- antimicrobial activities of Ag-Nps against the methylsulphinylheptyl isothiocyanate growth of Gram-positive (S. aureus) using component, reduced MMP9 activity in the SEM and observed inhibition effect in the Ag- human breast cancer MDAMB- 231 cell-line. NPs against S. aureus and also confirmed that the watercress is a very good eco-friendly and Anti-diabetic nontoxic source for the synthesis of Ag-NPs. Diabetes is today’s concerned among the Medicinal properties major health related problem. It is an important disease which leads to serious Anticancer complications. Engelen et al., (2006) reported that watercress contains a substance In addition to studies of isolated glucosinolates named as gluconasturtin, phytochemicals and other vital nutrients, a which has been traditionally used for number of researches have conducted with treatment of diabetes, an endocrinal chronic regards to significant effects of N. officinale disease which is caused by altered extracts which predominantly focusing on metabolism and characterized chemo-preventive capabilities. Boyd et al., by elevated blood glucose levels. (2006) demonstrated that watercress extract protects colon cancer HT29 cells from While studying the effect of N. officinale on oxidative DNA damage induce by various blood glucose level in diabetic rats Hoseini et genotoxins, 4-Hydrooxy Nonenal, hydrogen al., (2009) observed decreasing of blood peroxide, and faecal water. Hecht et al., glucose was comparable with glycenclamide (1995) reported that the consumption of as an anti-diabetic drug and conclude that N. watercress, 56. 8 g for each 3 days inhibited officinaleis a potential source of anti the metabolic activities of a key tobacco hyperglycemic and possess pharmacologically carcinogen NNK in some smokers. active component(s). 2688

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(2): 2685-2691

Anti-tuberculosis, cardio protective and Alam, Z., 2015. Phenolic profile and hepatoprotective antioxidant potential of wild watercress (N. officinale L.). Zeb Springer Plus. Corona et al., (2008) reported N. officinaleas 4:714. most potent (MIC ≤ 100 µg/ml) against the Bahramikia, S. and Yazdanparast, R. 2010. four mono-resistant variants tested against Antioxidant efficacy of Nasturtium tuberculosis. Alcoholic extract of N. officinale officinale extracts using various in vitro plant at the dose of 40 mg/kg can significantly assay systems. Journal of Acupuncture diminish liver damage of acetaminophen in and Meridian Studies. 3:283–90. the in-situ rat liver model as studied by Bahramikia, S., Ardestani, A. and Natanzi et al., (2009). N. officinale may play Yazdanparast, R. 2009. Protective a protective role against acetaminophen- effects of four Iranian, medicinal induced hepatotoxicity through maintaining against free radical-mediated protein the normal liver functions Natanzi et al., oxidation. Food Chemestry. 1159(1): (2010). 37-42. Boyd, L. A., McCann, M. J., Hashim, Y., It can be concluded from the comprehensive Bennett, R. N., Gill, C. I. and Rowland, literature, N. officinale is a vital source of I. R. 2006. Assessment of the anti- medicine and economically important herb. genotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti- They are widely and very popularly used as metastatic potential of crude watercress and . Also, their potentialities extract in human colon cancer cells. against certain disease are proved Nutrition and Cancer.55: 232-241. experimentally during past years. The herb Callaway, E.C., Zhang, Y., Chew, W. and shows powerful anticancer activity with Chow, H. H. S. 2004. Cellular biologically active compounds like accumulation of dietary gluconasturtine. More than the anticancer it anticarcinogenic is also possess anti-diabetic, anti-tuberculosis, followed by transporter-mediated export anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, as dithiocarbamates. Cancer Letters. cardioprotective, etc. thus we can suggest that 204: 23-31. N. officinale can be viewed and used as a Corona, M. D. R. C., Monica, A., Cabrera, R., source of nutraceuticals and nutrient Santigo, O. G., González,E. G., supplements. Palacios, I. D. P. and Herrera, J. L. 2008. Activity against Drug Resistant- References Tuberculosis Strains of Plants used in Mexican Traditional Medicine to treat Abu- Zinadah, O., 2008. Effect of watercress Tuberculosis and Other Respiratory oil on the thermal and chemical burn Diseases. Phytotherapeutic Research.22: injuries in rabbits. JKAU, Medical 82– 85. Sciences. 15(4): 3-17. Engelen, E. G., Holden, G., Cohen, J. D. and Aires, A., Carvalho, R., Rosa, E. A. S. and Gardner, G. 2006. The effect of Saavedra, M. J. 2013. Phytochemical temperature, photoperiod, and light characterization and antioxidant quality on gluconasturtiin concentration properties of baby- leaf watercress in watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. produced under organic production Br.). Journal of Agriculture and Food system. CyTA- Journal of Food. 11(4): Chemestry. 54: 328-334. 343-351.

2689

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(2): 2685-2691

Fahey, J. W., Zalcmann, A. T. and Talalay, P. blood glucose level in diabetic rats. 2001. The chemical diversity and Pharmacologyonline, 3: 866-871. distribution of glucosinolates and Kumari, S., Sharma, S. and Dutt, B. 2015. isothiocyanates among plants. Traditional uses of common of Phytochemistry, 56: 5-51. Baijnathregion of Himachal Pradesh, Food Standards Agency (2002) McCance & India. World Journal of Pharmecy and Widdowson’s The Composition of Pharmaceutical Science. 4(10): 916- Foods, 6th Summary Edition. 922. Cambridge: Royal Society of Matsushima, K., Nemoto, K., Nakashima, N., Chemistry. Dema, D., Thapa, L., Watanabe, A., Freitas, E., Aires, A., de Santos, R. E. A. and Maegawa, F., Baba, T. and Matsushita, Saavedra, M. J. 2013. Antibacterial G. 2006. Report of investigation for activity and synergistic effect between wild edible plants and their traditional watercress extracts, 2-phenylethyl knowledge in Bhutan. Journal of isothiocyanate and antibiotics against 11 Faculty of Agriculture Shinshu isolates of Escherichia coli from clinical University. 42(1/2):37-46. and animal source. Letters in Applied Natanzi, A. R. E., M. H., Monsef Esfehani, H. Microbiolgy. 57(4): 266-73. R., Menaei, M. B., Nazarian, H. and Graf, B. L., Silva, P. R. and Baldeon, M. E. Sabzevari, O. 2010. Antihepatotoxic 2016. Discovering the Pharmacological effect of watercress extract and its Potential of Ecuadorian Market Plants fractions in leaves. International Journal using a Screens-to-Nature Participatory of Pharmacology. 6(6):896-992. Approach. Journal of Biodiversity, Natanzi, A.R.E., Ghahremani, M. H., Monsef Bioprospecting and Developement. Esfehani, H. R., Menaei, M. B., 3(1): 1-9. Nazarian, H. and Sabzevari, O. 2009. Guarrera, P. M, Salerna, G., Caneva, G. 2005. An experimental model for study of the Folk phytotherapeutical plans from hepatoprotective activity of Nasturtium Marateaarea (Basilicata, Italy). Journal officinale (Watercress) against of Ethnopharmacology. 99(3):367-378. acetaminophen toxicity using in situ rat Hecht, S., Chung, F., Richie, J., Akerkar, S., liver system. European Journal of Borukhova, A., Skowronski, L. and Scientific Research. 38(4): 556-564. Carmella, S. 1995. Effects of watercress Nikan, J. and Khavari, H. 2014. In vitro anti- consumption on metabolism of a fungal activity of watercress (N. tobacco specific lung carcinogen in officinale) extract against Fusarium smokers. Cancer Epidemiology solani, the causal agent of potato dry Biomarkers and Prevention.4: 877 - rot. Journal of Herbal Drugs. 5(1): 19- 884. 24. Hedges, L. J. &Lister. C. E. 2005. Nutritional Ozen, T., 2009. 'Investigation of antioxidant attributes of salad vegetables. Crop & properties of N. officinale (watercress) Food Research Confidential Report leaf extracts', Acta Poloniae No.1473, New Zealand Institute for Pharmaceutica Drug Res. 66 (2): 187- Crop & Food Research Limited. 193. Hoseini, H. F., Gohari, A. R., Saeidnia, S., Palaniswamy, Usha R., Richard, J., McAvoy, Majd, N. S. and Hadjiakhoondi, Bernard B. Bible, James D. Stuart. A.2009. The effect of N. officinale on 2003. Ontogenic variations of ascrobic acid and phenathyl isothiocyanate

2690

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(2): 2685-2691

concentration in watercress (Nasturtium Journal of Molecular and Clinical officinale R.Br.) leaves. Journal of Microbiology. 2:428-434. Agriculture and Food Chemestry. Shahrokhi, N., M. K. Hadad, Z. Keshavarzi, 51(18), 5504-5509. and M. Shabani. 2009. Effect of Pradhan, S., S. Manivannan, and J. P. aqueous extract of watercress on Tamang. 2015. Proximate, mineral glucose and lipid plasma in composition and anti-oxidant properties streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. of some wild leafy vegetables. Journal Pakistan Journal of Physiology. 5(2): 6- of Scientific and Industrial Research. 10. 74: 155-159. Yazdanparast, R., S. Bahramikia, and A. Rose, P., Q. Huang, C.N. Ong, and M. Ardestani. 2008. Nasturtium officinale Whiteman. 2005. Broccoli and reduces oxidative stress and enhances Watercress suppress matrix antioxidant capacity in metalloproteinase-9 activity and hypercholesterolaemic rats. Chemico- invasiveness of human MDA- MB-2 31 Biological Interaction. 172: 176–84. breast cancer cells. Toxicology and Zahradníková, H. and K. Petříková. 2012. applied pharmacology. 209: 105-113. Nematocide effects of watercress Sadeghi, B., 2014. Synthesis of silver (Nasturtium officinale R. BR.) Acta nanoparticles using leaves aqueous Universitatis Agriculturaeet extract of Nasturtium officinale and its Silviculturae Mendelianae antibacterial activity. International Brunensis.233-236.

How to cite this article:

Yamuna Pandey, Siddharth S. Bhatt and Nadia Debbarma. 2018. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale): A Potential Source of Nutraceuticals. Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 7(02): 2685- 2691. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.702.325

2691