WHEAT GRASS JUICE NATURE S POWERFUL MEDICINE

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1 WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES Sharma et al. SJIF Impact Factor Volume 5, Issue 7, Review article ISSN WHEAT GRASS JUICE NATURE S POWERFUL MEDICINE Roma Mridul Sharma*, Aishwarya T. Nair, Shilpa S. Harak, Tejaswini D. Patil, Smita P. Shelke GES S Sir Dr. M.S. Gosavi College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nashik. Article Received on 07 May 2016, Revised on 28 May 2016, Accepted on 19 June 2016 DOI: /wjpps *Corresponding Author Roma Mridul Sharma GES S Sir Dr. M.S. Gosavi College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nashik. ABSTRACT For energy, detoxification or battling serious or chronic health challenges, there s nothing that can compare to quaffing one or two glasses of cereal grass juice daily. Wheat grass juice is the juice extracted from the pulp of wheat grass and has been used as a general purpose health tonic for several years. Shoot of Triticum aestivum Linn. Belonging to family Gramineae. Triticum is a genus of annual and biennial grasses, yielding various types of Wheat. The objective of this review article is to explore pharmacognostic study, phytochemical profile, health benefits, nutritional information and contraindication of wheat grass. KEY WORDS: Triticum aestivum, Wheat grass, microscopical examination, phytochemical screening, wheatgrass. 1. INTRODUCTION Wheatgrass is a food prepared from the cotyledons of the common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum) belonging to family Graminea. Triticum is a genus of annual and biennial grasses, yielding various types of wheat and is cultivated almost all over the world. Shoot of Triticum aestivum is called wheat grass. [5] It contains no wheat gluten, and is considered by many natural health professionals to possess healing properties. Wheat grass is, by composition, a super food. This is due to wheat grass's heavy concentration of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It is usually consumed either as wheat grass powder or juice. It can be taken orally, or as an effective enema implant for detoxification. [4] Wheat grass juice has been used clinically to treat ulcerative colitis, aid breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, as an antioxidant and use to cure many health issues. [1] Vol 5, Issue 7,

1 Marphological characters of drug: Morphological characteristics of Wheat grass are as follows Table 1.

2 2. PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDY OF WHEAT GRASS Pharmacognostic characteristics of the drug are reported in various literatures [7, 8, 16] which are compiled here. 2.1 Marphological characters of drug: Morphological characteristics of Wheat grass are as follows Table 1. Macroscopic characteristics of drug 2.2 Microscopical characteristics of the drugs are as shown below in figures Fig.1. T.S.showing xylem & phloem. Fig.2. T.S.showing stomata & paranchymatous shealth Vol 5, Issue 7,

Fig.3. T.S.showing stomata with guard cell Fig.4. T.S.showing trichomes 2.

performed in aqueous and methanolic extracts and the results showed the presence and

Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavanoids,

3 Fig.3. T.S.showing stomata with guard cell Fig.4. T.S.showing trichomes 2.3 Phytochemical investigation of drug Quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed in aqueous and methanolic extracts and the results showed the presence and absence of certain phytochemicals in the drugs. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavanoids, carbohydrates and [7, 8] steroids and results are given in table 2. Table 2. Phytochemical investigation of drug Vol 5, Issue 7,

3. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WHEAT GRASS AND THERE USES Wheat grass is an expensive and efficient source to provide all required nutrients and medicinal benefits for healthy and rejuvenating body.

4 3. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WHEAT GRASS AND THERE USES Wheat grass is an expensive and efficient source to provide all required nutrients and medicinal benefits for healthy and rejuvenating body. Wheat grass has been proved to contain essential amino acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, active enzymes, bio flavanoids and chlorophyll which are beneficial for health. [5] Table 3: Basic Nutrients Minerals Vitamins present in drug 4. HEALTH BENEFITS OF WHEATGRASS The secret behind wheatgrass offering innumerable health benefits lies in the rich and dense nutritional reservoir in the young sprouts. Wheatgrass juice is one of the best sources of chlorophyll and most of its health benefits are attributed to this, besides other vital nutrients. Here is a brief account of the health benefits offered by wheatgrass [8] 1. Enhances the production of red blood cells Wheatgrass juice has been proven to build red blood cells quickly after ingestion and has potential to lower transfusion requirement in thalassemiacs. The grass is loaded with vitamin B-12, folic acid and iron, all vital for production of healthy red blood cells. 2. Lowers blood pressure Regular consumption of wheatgrass juice is a natural treatment for lowering high blood pressure. The fibre content can help sweep away cholesterol from the digestive tract and also by dilating the blood pathways throughout the body. Vol 5, Issue 7,

5 3. Enhances immunity A strong immune system is of paramount importance in preventing deadly diseases like cancer. The rich array of nutrients in wheatgrass juice and powder helps in strengthening the immune system and keeps the body in perfect health. wheatgrass contains more vitamin C than an orange. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is helpful for recovering from sickness (including the common cold) and preventing disease. [5] 4. Restores energy and vitality Wheatgrass restores energy by fulfilling the nutritional deficiencies. It supplies highquality proteins, enzymes, vitamins and minerals so that the body is not deficient in any vital nutrient. [11] 5. Cleanses the body The high concentration of chlorophyll in wheatgrass has anti-bacterial properties and helps detoxify the body. It strengthens our cells, detoxifies the liver and bloodstream, and chemically neutralizes environmental pollutants. 6. Aids weight loss Wheatgrass juice is an inexpensive, easy and extremely potent aid to weight loss. The juice works by stimulating the metabolism and suppressing the cravings that lead to overeating. 7. Possess anti oxidant property and fights cancer The antioxidant-rich phyto nutrients beta-carotene, bioflavonoid, vitamins B, C and E give a tough fight to the free radicals. The anti-oxidant punch in the juice neutralizes adverse effects of free radicals and prevents damage to the DNA and cell structure. Its ability to detoxify the body, prevent DNA damage, boost immunity levels and enhance the production of red blood cells helps fight away carcinogens. Chlorophyll is the active ingredient in the grass that [11, 13] inhibits the metabolic activity of carcinogens. 8. Prevents graying of hair Wheatgrass is a simple solution to prevent premature graying of hair. It works miraculously [5, 9] on hair and keeps them healthy and strong. Rubbing the juice on the scalp also helps. 9. Antibacterial activity The extracts of wheat grass were found to possess antibacterial activity against some of the major food borne pathogens.the antimicrobial activity was clearly dependent on the age of Vol 5, Issue 7,

6 the wheat grass as well as the solvent used for extraction. Thus wheatgrass extract would be a novel antimicrobial agent. [12] 10. Cure Anemia Wheatgrass contains an abundance of chlorophyll and structure of chlorophyll is similar to that of hemoglobin, which makes it possible for our body to convert chlorophyll into hemoglobin. So chlorophyll increases the hemoglobin index in human body, which makes it the best choice for treating anemia. In addition, chlorophyll and % anti-radical activity of wheat grass is more powerful than any other remedies in helping the human body resists [14, 15] carcinogens. 5. PHARMACOLOGY OF WHEAT GRASSES JUICE 5.1 Pharmacokinetics: The proteins, lipids and carbohydrates in wheat grass are digested, absorbed and metabolized by normal physiological processes. 5.2 Contraindications: Wheat grass is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of a wheat grass containing supplement. 5.3 Precautions Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid wheat grass containing supplements. Wheatgrass supplements may contain high amounts of vitamin K. Those on warfarin should exercise caution in the use of wheat grass supplements. 5.4 Adverse reactions Wheatgrass juice is safe and the incidence of side effects is very low. It may cause nausea and headache if excessive quantities are taken. Throat swelling may occur in hypersensitive individuals. [8] 6. POSSIBLE PROBLEMS OR COMPLICATIONS Wheatgrass is generally considered safe, although a few individuals have reported nausea, headaches, hives, or swelling in the throat within minutes of drinking its juice. Hives and swollen throat are often signs of a serious allergic reaction and should be handled as an emergency. Anyone having these kinds of symptoms after ingesting wheatgrass may have even more severe reactions to it later. Because it is grown in soils or water and consumed raw, Vol 5, Issue 7,

7 contamination with bacteria, molds, or other substances may be a concern. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use wheatgrass. [5] 7. CONCLUSION On the basis of benefits reveled through various researches it could be concluded that wheatgrass is one of the richest source of nutrients and can be used as a health tonic. As wheat grass juice contains all the above constituents so it is helpful in curing all problems associated with the deficiency of these constituents in our body. Wheat grass is a humble weed that is a powerhouse of nutrients and vitamins for the human body. [3] 8. REFERENCES 1. Singh J, et al, The green blood wheat grass juice, a health tonic having antibacterial potential, World Journal Of Pharmaceutical Research, 2014; 4(3): Chauhan M, A pilot study on wheat grass juice for its phytochemical, nutritional and therapeutic potential on chronic diseases, International Journal Of Chemical Studies, 2014; 2(4): Mujoriya R, A study on wheat grass and its Nutritional value, Food Science and Quality Management, 2011; 2: Singhal A, Wheat grass an altenative household nutritional food, International Journal Of Pharmacy, 2012; 3(7): Mogra R, Health benefits of wheat grass a wonder food, International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences, 2013; 2(4): Kohler G, et al, Growth stimulating properties of grass juice Science, 1936, Gaurav Jain, et al, Pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation of young leaves of Triticum aestivum Linn, International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, 2014; 3(6): Devi Sowjanya. K, et al, Wheat Grass Juice - Triticum aestivum Linn a Therapeutic Tool in Pharmaceutical Research, an Overview, International Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Research, 2015; 3(3): Satyavati Rana, et al, Living life the natural way Wheatgrass and Health Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 11: Athul Sundaresan, et al The Anti-Microbial Properties of Triticum aestivum (Wheat Grass) Extract, International Journal of Biotechnology for Wellness Industries, 2015; 4: Vol 5, Issue 7,

8 11. Pallavi Singh, Evaluation of Anti-Oxidant Properties Of Wheat Grass Powder As Affected By Different Drying Processes, International Journal Of Pharmaceutical Science And Research, 2016; 7(2): Jagdeep Singh Pannu, et al, The Green Blood Wheatgrass Juice, A Health Tonic Having Antibacterial Potential, World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2015; 4(3): Shirude Anup Ashok, Phytochemical And Pharmacological Screening Of Wheatgrass Juice (Triticum Aestivum L., International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 2011; 9(1): Patrick Wakeham, The medicinal and pharmacological screening of wheatgrass juice (Triticum aestivum L.): an investigation into chlorophyll content and antimicrobial activity, The Plymouth Student Scientist, 2013; 6(2): Bharti Jain, et al, Nutritional composition, Phytochemical Analysis and Product Development from Green Triticum aestivum, Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga, 2014; 7(8): Kumar Shankul, Pharmacognostical Investigation on Wheat Grass, International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, 2010; 1(2): Vol 5, Issue 7,

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