A Comprehensive Review on Lepidium sativum as a Promising Green Excipient for Sustainable Pharmaceutical Formulations

The escalating demand for natural, biodegradable, and cost-effective pharmaceutical excipients necessitates the exploration of novel plant-derived materials. Lepidium sativum, commonly known as garden cress, has been traditionally used in various medicinal preparations due to its rich nutritional profile and potential therapeutic properties. This article discusses the feasibility of the use of L. sativum as a pharmaceutical excipient, focusing on its potential applications and advantages over conventional excipients. The botanical characterization of L. sativum is presented together with its phytochemical composition revealing a diverse array of bioactive compounds which have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, suggesting potential benefits in various pharmaceutical formulations. The favourable properties of L. sativum to act as a pharmaceutical agent such as a disintegrant, binder, gelling and mucoadhesive for inclusion in different dosage forms, are also displayed.In conclusion, this article provides evidence that L. sativum can be considered a promising pharmaceutical excipient. Its rich phytochemical composition, favourable physicochemical properties, availability, and compatibility with various active pharmaceutical ingredients make it a potential alternative to conventional and synthetic excipients. Further research is warranted to explore the specific applications and advantages of L. sativum in pharmaceutical formulations.