6 Amazing Health Benefits of Halim Seeds that Google will not tell you

 

Overview:

Halim seeds, commonly known as garden cress seeds, originate from the Lepidium sativum plant. This herbaceous plant, belonging to the mustard family, is native to Egypt and Southwest Asia and is cultivated across different regions globally^1,2. These seeds, typically small and reddish-brown, find extensive use in both cooking practices and traditional medicine worldwide.

Continue reading and stay connected with us as we delve into the health benefits of these incredible seeds in this article, including their nutritional, medicinal, anticancer, bronchoprotective activities, and much more.

What are Halim Seeds and Where Are They Found?

Garden cress seeds, scientifically known as Lepidium sativum, are an edible herb grown primarily for its seeds. They are commonly referred to as garden pepper grass, pepper cress, or poor man's pepper in different regions. The plant is cultivated extensively in Asia and is utilized both as a culinary vegetable and traditional medicine¹.

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1. Nutritional and Medicinal Properties of Halim Seeds:

Halim seeds hold an excess of ethno-pharmacological properties, making them a valuable ingredient in traditional medicine.

They are helpful for their therapeutic effects in treating:

• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Cough
• Various other ailments

Additionally, these seeds have anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and anti-cancer potential.

2. Anti-Cancer Properties:

Halim seeds have cytotoxic effects on human breast cancer cells. The presence of isothiocyanates, principally benzyl isothiocyanate, has the ability to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.

Research conducted by SH Mahassni and RM Al-Reemi (2013) investigated the cytotoxic effects of garden cress seed extract on human breast cancer cells. Their study focused on the MCF-7 cell line, known for its estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity. Results revealed a significant decrease in cancer cell viability upon treatment with Halim seed extract. The presence of benzyl isothiocyanate, confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), is believed to contribute to its anti-cancer properties. This study provides compelling evidence of the ability of garden cress seed (Halim seeds) extract to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.

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3. Bronchoprotective Activity:

Halim seeds improve pulmonary functions and reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks in patients with bronchial asthma. The administration of finely powdered dried seeds led to significant improvements in clinical symptoms, help in managing respiratory conditions .

AN Paranjape et al. (2006) evaluated the efficacy of garden cress seeds in patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma. Patients received finely powdered dried seeds for four weeks, leading to statistically significant improvements in pulmonary function parameters and clinical symptoms. This study suggests the potential usefulness of garden cress seeds in managing bronchial asthma.

4. Galactagogue Potential:

The galactagogue properties of Halim seeds in adult female virgin rats revealed significant mammotrophic and lactogenic effects, suggesting their usefulness in lactation stimulation.

MA Al-Yawer et al. investigated the galactagogue properties of garden cress seeds in adult female virgin rats. The study revealed significant mammotrophic and lactogenic effects, suggesting their usefulness in lactation induction.

5.Neurobehavioral Effects:

 Total alkaloids extracted from garden cress seeds have shown sedative, anxiolytic, myorelaxant, and analgesic activities in animal studies, highlighting their potential in neurological disorders1.

A. Shukla et al. (2011) investigated the neurobehavioral effects of whole alkaloids extracted from garden cress seeds in animal models. Their study revealed anxiolytic, myorelaxant, sedative, and analgesic activities associated with Halim seed alkaloids.

6. Physicochemical Properties and Nutritional Composition:

Cold press, solvent, and supercritical CO2 extraction methods are employed to extract garden cress seed oil (GCO). Rich in α-linolenic acid and other fatty acids, GCO exhibits stability and offers various health benefits. It contains tocopherols and carotenoids, contributing to its antioxidant properties.

Conclusion:

Halim seeds, derived from the garden cress plant, offer numerous health benefits owing to their rich nutritional profile and medicinal properties. From anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects to bronchoprotective and galactagogue potential, these seeds hold promising therapeutic value and deserve further exploration in medical research.