Ethnopharmacology, Nutritional Value, Therapeutic Effects, Phytochemistry, and Toxicology of L.: A Review.

AIMS

The purpose of this review was to emphasize the nutritional value, and pharmacological and phytochemical properties of , as well as its toxicological evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Salvia hispanica L. (), also called chia seeds, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is a species of medicinal and dietary plant used since ancient times by the Maya and Aztecs. Its product is an indehiscent dry fruit that is commonly called a seed. It is utilized for its health benefits and uses in cooking.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the pharmacological, phytochemical, and toxicological properties of seeds. The research also attempted to explore and compile all existing knowledge and data on these seeds' nutritional value and medical applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current review was conducted using numerous scientific databases, including Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc. The correct plant name was verified from plantlist.org. The results of this search were interpreted, analyzed, and documented based on the obtained bibliographic information.

RESULTS

is a pseudo cereal that is consumed by the world's population because of its preventive, functional, and antioxidant characteristics, attributable to the presence of lipids, dietary fiber, protein, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals. According to research, chia offers hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypersensitive, anti-obesity, and cardioprotective properties. Chia consumption has grown because of its favorable benefits on obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and several forms of cancer. These advantages are mostly due to the high concentration of essential fatty acids, dietary fiber, antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals found in this seed. Based on the beneficial components, chia seeds have enormous potential in the areas of health, food, animal feed, medicines, and nutraceuticals. Finally, toxicological investigations have indicated the greater doses of chia seed extracts as safe.

CONCLUSION

The current evaluation has focused on the distribution, chemical composition, nutritional value, and principal uses of in order to determine future research requirements and examine its pharmacological applications through clinical studies.