Pilot study of unconventional food plant (UFP): adherence to nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) in the diet and monitoring of biometric and clinical indicators

Abstract

The flowers of Tropaeolum majus, popularly known as "capuchinha," garden nasturtium, nasturtium, Indian cress, or monks cress, are currently used worldwide as a food supplement and in plant-based diets, being added to smoothies, soups, mayonnaise and salads by consumers in search of sources of substances considered beneficial to human health. Most studies have shown nutritional qualities and beneficial effects of the plant, especially its flowers and respective aqueous extracts in vitro and in animals. Thus, this pilot study was designed to evaluate the acceptance and possible benefits of daily consumption of 20 g T. majus flowers per day for 30 days in healthy participants. Before and after ingestion, body composition, heart rate, blood pressure, and hematological and biochemical parameters were analysed. Results have shown good acceptance and safe use of T. majus flowers in a balanced and varied diet. However, it is important to highlight that this is the first exploratory study regarding these issues in healthy humans, and therefore, despite the widespread consumption described, additional studies are needed to deepen the results in biometric and clinical indicators in a larger number of volunteers. Keywords: Tropaeolum majus, unconventional food plant (UFP), nasturtium, edible flowers