Tropaeolum Majus
Also known as: Garden nasturtium, nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus
Overview
Tropaeolum majus, commonly known as garden nasturtium, is a flowering plant valued for its edible parts and traditional medicinal uses. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., isoquercitrin), benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), and chlorogenic acid. Research indicates its potential for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and antimicrobial effects, including historical use for urinary tract infections. While in vitro and animal studies provide insights into its bioactivities, large-scale human clinical trials are limited. The plant also offers nutritional benefits, being a source of lutein and provitamin A β-carotene.
Benefits
Tropaeolum majus shows promise in several areas. Animal studies have demonstrated significant hypolipidemic effects, with a controlled study in hyperlipidemic rats showing reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol after 5 weeks of hydroalcoholic extract administration, suggesting cardiovascular benefits. In vitro research highlights its strong antioxidant activity, attributed to phylloxanthobilins and flavonoids, which scavenge free radicals. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Furthermore, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) from T. majus has been shown to modulate glucose metabolism in human cells by reducing gluconeogenic gene expression via the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 pathway, indicating potential for diabetes management. Nutritionally, its flowers and leaves are rich in lutein and provitamin A β-carotene, supporting eye health and overall antioxidant intake.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Tropaeolum majus are primarily mediated by its diverse bioactive compounds. Its antioxidant effects stem from flavonoids and phylloxanthobilins, which neutralize free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory properties are achieved through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation by influencing the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 signaling pathway, which leads to the downregulation of gluconeogenic enzymes and reduced glucose production in liver cells. These compounds, including isoquercitrin and chlorogenic acid, interact with various biological pathways to exert their effects. BITC has also shown gastrointestinal stability, suggesting good bioavailability after oral consumption.
Side effects
Currently, there are no significant adverse effects reported in animal studies at the tested doses for Tropaeolum majus. However, comprehensive data on common side effects in humans are scarce due to the limited number of clinical trials. No major drug interactions or contraindications have been definitively established. Individuals with known allergies to cruciferous plants or isothiocyanates should exercise caution. The safety profile for specific populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, and children, has not been thoroughly studied, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. Overall, while traditionally considered safe, more rigorous human safety data are needed.
Dosage
Due to the limited number of human clinical trials, there are no established dosing guidelines for Tropaeolum majus supplements. Animal studies have utilized hydroalcoholic extracts standardized to flavonoid content, administered over a period of 5 weeks. While the presence and stability of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) suggest its potential for oral supplementation, the optimal dosage, formulation, and human pharmacokinetics remain undefined. Therefore, specific recommendations for human consumption, including timing, different purposes, upper limits, and safety thresholds, cannot be provided at this time. Further research is necessary to determine safe and effective dosages for various applications.
FAQs
Is Tropaeolum majus effective for cholesterol management?
Animal studies suggest potential lipid-lowering effects, but human clinical evidence is currently lacking to confirm its efficacy for cholesterol management in people.
Can it help with blood sugar control?
In vitro studies show that BITC from T. majus can modulate gluconeogenesis in human cells, indicating a possible role in blood sugar control, but clinical confirmation is needed.
Is it safe to consume as a supplement?
While traditionally used and generally regarded as safe, comprehensive clinical safety data for T. majus as a supplement are limited, especially for specific populations.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Animal studies observed effects after 5 weeks of administration. However, the timeline for benefits in humans is currently unknown due to a lack of clinical research.
Research Sources
- https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2016/vol5issue6/PartE/5-5-66-632.pdf – This animal study investigated the hypolipidemic activity of a hydroalcoholic extract of T. majus leaves in hyperlipidemic rats over 5 weeks. It found significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, along with improved liver histopathology, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11156495/ – This research focused on phylloxanthobilins isolated from T. majus leaves, demonstrating their strong antioxidant activity in vitro. It also showed their anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, comparable to known anti-inflammatory compounds like isoquercitrin and chlorogenic acid.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5021297/ – This in vitro study explored the effect of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) from T. majus on gluconeogenic gene and protein expression in human liver cells. It revealed that BITC downregulates these genes by modulating the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 signaling pathway, indicating a potential role in glucose metabolism and diabetes management.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Garden-nasturtium-(Tropaeolum-majus-L.)-a-source-of-Jakubczyk-Janda/8ffcb2ac5239c4b76ba68aecda2a19ccf37a3827 – This paper discusses the nutritional value of T. majus, highlighting its richness in lutein and provitamin A β-carotene in its flowers and leaves. It also touches upon the bioavailability of BITC, noting its gastrointestinal stability, which supports its potential as an oral supplement.
