Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) Seed and Leaf Oil Extracts

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seed is a rich source of proteins, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and other essential nutrients and phytochemicals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and biological activities of garden cress (L. sativum) seed and leaf oil extracts using solvent extraction methods. The result indicated that oil yield (25.75 ± 2.48%) and specific gravity (0.84 ± 0.08) were significantly (P < 0.05 based on least significance difference t-test) higher for seed oil extract. Seed oil also presented significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidant activities with respect to ascorbic acid content (24.21 ± 3.04%) and DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (26.55 ± 0.21%) values. The leaf oil extract has exhibited stronger antibacterial activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (18.50 mm), a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.05 µg/ml, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.05 µg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus. Leaf oil extract has also demonstrated stronger antifungal activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (18.50 mm), MIC (0.25 µg/ml), and a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 0.50 µg/ml against Aspergillus Niger. The result suggesting that leaf oil presented superior antimicrobial but inferior antioxidant potential than seed oil in garden cress.