WHEATGRASS (TRITICUM AESTIVUM LINN.): A POTENTIAL SUBSTITUTE OF HUMAN BLOOD IN TRADITIONAL SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

Abstract

Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum Linn.) refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant which belongs to the family Poaceae. It is known as thepowerhouse of nutrients and vitamins. The juice of wheatgrass is known as “green blood” which contains an excessive amount of chlorophyll content(70% of the total chemical constituents), antioxidants, active enzymes, vitamins, and other vital nutrients which are used to enhance lungs and heartfunction. Wheatgrass juice is also taken as a supplementary diet to boost the immune system and provide strength to the human body. From reportedstudies, it is proved that molecules of human blood hemoglobin and wheatgrass chlorophyll contain the same structure and can act as a substitute forhemoglobin in hemoglobin deficiency conditions. It is a highly nutritive plant and is used to cure diseases such as cancer, diabetes, ulcer, rheumatoidarthritis, hyperlipidemia, thalassemia, anemia, kidney stone, asthma, digestive problems, and skin diseases. Pharmacologically, wheatgrass carriesproperties such as anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiarthriticproperties. In this review paper, attempts have been made to provide a brief overview of wheatgrass, its pharmacological activities, andayurvedic view.