Prevalence and Correlation of Malnutrition and Depression Among Elderly Hospitalized Patients at Alexandria Main University Hospital

Background: Lepidium sativum, widely recognized as Chandrasura, is an annual herbaceous plant.Characterized by its smooth, hairless (glabrous) structure, it typically reaches heights of 15 to 45 centimeters [1].Its seeds are notable for their lack of aroma and their distinctly pungent, mucilaginous flavor.[2].Lepidium sativum seeds are known to contain a variety of phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and organosulfur compounds.It also contains phytosterols and their derivatives, which are known to possess antioxidant potential, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective activity, and antihypertensive [3].Objective: To evaluate the safety & efficacy of Lepidium Sativum seeds in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive elderly.Design: This prospective, observational study was conducted at Beni Suef University Hospital, involving hypertensive patients aged 50 years and older.Participants were categorized into two groups: a control group (Group I) of healthy volunteers and a hypertensive group (Group II).Each group comprised 20 participants (n=20), with a balanced distribution of male and female subjects.Group II received a specified dose of Lepidium sativum seeds for an 8-week treatment period.Results: This study demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among hypertensive patients who consumed Lepidium sativum seeds for eight weeks.Additionally, a significant improvement in serum lipid profiles was observed in the treatment group compared to the healthy control group, with notable reductions in triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL and an increase in HDL (p 0.05).Conclusion: Our data supports previous suggestions from various research that Lepidium Sativum seed intake possesses both hypotensive and lipid profile-improving effects.