Chemical investigation of the Azorean Lepidium sativum seeds as a phytonutrient alternative for rheumatic diseases

Lepidium sativum Lin. (LS) seeds have been used as a traditional anti-rheumatic formula in Azores Islands for treatment of arthritic diseases. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of the disease, results from progressive catabolic loss of cartilage proteoglycans and standard therapy is only of palliative benefit and may exacerbate loss of cartilage [1]. To evaluate the anti-rheumatic properties of LS seeds, the long-chain fatty acids and plant sterols were determined by GC/MS. LS is very rich in α-linolenic (37.4%) and eicosenoic (12.4%) acids and presents a ω₃/ω₆ ratio of 2.71. The plant sterols by descending order were β-sitosterol (224.8mg), campesterol (129.3mg), stigmasterol (53.1mg) and brassicasterol (50.9mg), per 100g of dry seeds weight. Neutral sugars (arabinose, galactose, xylose, fucose and ramnose) and amino sugars were determined by HPLC. LS revealed a content of neutral sugars (13.5µg), glucosamine (456mg) and glucosamine-2-sulphate (1301mg), per 100g of dry seeds. Fat- and water-soluble vitamins were also determined by HPLC. According to the chemical composition, the phytoneutraceutical LS seeds may have potential properties for rheumatic disorders.

References: [1] Steinberg, J. et al. (1983) Bioch. Bioph. Acta 757: 47–58.