Therapeutic potential of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) for the treat-ment of chronic diseases

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum), belonging to poaceae family is a vital constituent of the human diet. At the germinated stage, the leaves of wheat over 6-10 days are commonly called wheatgrass, it contain very good quantity of chlo-rophyll, which shows the structural similarity to haemoglobin molecule hence, known to play a significant role in blood deficiency diseases such as Thalassemia and myelotoxicity in cancer patients during chemotherapy. Moreover, wheatgrass has been reported as the richest source of vitamins, enzymes, minerals, aminoacids, trace elements, phytochemical components and a glycoprotein P4D1 etc. which can stimulate the repair of DNA and RNA in case of their damage. All of them collectively provide a good therapeutic potential against a broad range of ailments including chronic diseases. The recent researchers reporting its antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-hyperlipidemic or cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities have made this plant more valuable in herbal research. In the present review attempt is made to focus on the therapeutic potential of wheatgrass against the various chronic diseases.