Review On -"Wheat grass"

*INTRODUCTION

Wheat grass can be traced back in history over 5000 years, to ancient Egypt and perhaps even early Mesopotamian civilizations. It is purported that ancient Egyptians found sacred the young leafy blades of wheat and prized them for their positive effect on their health and vitality. The consumption of wheatgrass in the Western world began in the 1930s as a result of experiments conducted by Charles F. Schnabel in his attempts to popularize the plant1. By 1940, cans of Schnabel's powdered grass were on sale in major drug stores throughout the United States and Canada^[1].

Throughout human history, plants have played a key role in treating human diseases. In thousands of years of trials, human found many plants which are good for treating ailments and curing serious health problems like cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. They are a kind of alternative medicine that is inexpensive, and has no side effects. For example: wheatgrass, aloe vera, curcumin, alfalfa, garlic, ginger, German chamomile, grapefruit, green tea. In 2002, the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of National Institutes of Health began funding clinical trials about the effectiveness of herbal medicines^[2]. Wheatgrass, has been an integral part of Indian culture for thousands of years, and has been known to have remarkable healing properties. Scientifically known as Triticum aestivum, it belongs to Poaceae family. Other plants included in this family are: Agopyron cristatum, Bambusa textilis, Cynodon dactylon, Poa annua, Zea mays, Aristida purpurea etc. There is not much scientific data available on these plants because of a lack of substantial research. Therefore, it is important to study their properties to explore their maximum benefits. Wheatgrass’ culms are simple, hollow or pithy, glabrous, and the leaves are approximately 1.2 m tall, flat, narrow, 20-38 cm long and 1.3 cm broad3. The spikes are long, slender, dorsally compressed and somewhat flattened Phytochemical constituents of wheatgrass include alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, gum and mucilages. Its water soluble extractive value is found to be greater than its alcohol soluble extractive value. This is because of the chlorophyll content of wheatgrass, which is about 70% water soluble^[3].

Wheatgrass juice is high in vitamin K, which is a blood clotting agent. People taking bloodthinning medications or people with wheat related allergies shouldn't drink wheat grass juicewithout consulting a healthcare professional. Wheat allergies are generally a response to the gluten (a protein) found in the wheat berry^[4]. The environment in which wheatgrass grows determines its vitality and is thus sown in late autumn for maximum concentration of the active principles. The nutritional vibrancy of wheatgrass is encouraged by supplementing the soil with rich vegetable compost and seaweed. At the onset of the spring season, the simple sugars produced as a result of photosynthesis, undergo conversion into proteins, carbohydrates and fats, with the aid of the various enzymes and minerals absorbed by the plant via its roots. Due to the

comparatively lower temperatures in the spring, the grass grows slowly enough for this conversion to occur before the critical jointing stage of growth. At jointing, or the reproductive stage of the plant, the nutrients and energy of the plant are redirected to seed formation. Wheatgrass is harvested just prior to this jointing stage, when the tender shoots are at their peak of nutritional potency^[5].

The major clinical utility of wheatgrass juice is due to its antioxidant action which is derived from its high content of bioflavonoids like apigenin, quercitin and luteolin. Other compounds present, which make this grass therapeutically effective, are the indole compounds, choline and laetrile (amygdalin). In a study conducted to determine the elemental concentration profile of wheatgrass using instrumental neutron activation analysis, it was found that the concentration ofelements such as K, Na, Ca and Mg increased linearly in the shoots with the growth period whereas the concentrations of the elements namely Zn, Mn and Fe remained constant in shoots after 8th day of plant growth for all three conditions of growth. However, it was observed that theshoot to root concentration ratio in all the conditions increased linearly for K, Na, Ca, Mg and Cl and decreased for Zn, Fe, Mn, and Al with growth period^[6].

* CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WHEAT GRASS:-
The major chemical constituents that make wheat grass a valuable food are^[8-9]:

PROTEINS Essential and dietary non essential amino acids like leucine, iso leucien, threonine, valine, threonine, phenylalanine, tryptophane, metheonine, lysine, arginine aspartic acid, glycein, prolein, glutamic acid, alanine, tyrosine are present in wheat grass.

VITAMINS Wheat grass contains vitamin A, carotene, B-complex, E, C and K.

MINERALS Iron, calcium, phosphorus, megnasium, zinc, copper, sodium, sulfur, boron, molybdenum, iodine are the important minerals present in wheat grass.

CHLOROPHYLL Wheat grass juice is also known as green blood as it contains chlorophyll. It neutralizes infection, heals wound, overcome inflammation, and gets rid of parasitic infection. Blood purification, liver detoxification and colon cleansing are the three important effects of wheat grass on human body ^[9-10].

ENZYMES Protease, amylase, lipase, cytochrome oxidase, trans hydrogenase, superoxide dismutase enzymes are present in wheat grass.

LIPASE Lipase is a highly effective in the digestion of fats. Enhances the digestion of proteins, starch and fat in the gastrointestinal tract. Without lipase fat stagnates and accumulates in the organs, arteries and capillaries.

·         
       CYTOCHROME OXIDASE
      Major effector in the body’s production of energy. Cytochrome oxidase anchors a chain of enzymes in the mitochondrion; the power plant of the cell enables this by reacting with oxygen to make energy.

·         
       CATALASE
      This enzyme is among the most efficient known. Serves to protect each individual cell from the toxic effect of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is caused in the body by bacteria.

·        
      MALIC DEHYDROGENASE
       Important enzyme in maintaining the body’s ability to defeat bacteria and other parasitic hosts in the body.

·        
      ABSCISIC ACID

       Anti-cancer agent.

·         
      PROTEASE, AMYLASE
      Important in supplementing the body’s natural digestion of starches, proteins, fats and cellulose. Can help offset the worst aspects of digestive leukocytosis, the immune response to food heated over 118 degrees.

·         BIOFLAVANOIDS

      Apigenin, quercitin, luteonin are found in wheat grass.

* Pharmacological activity of Wheat Graces juice:

5.1 Hemoglobin and Chlorophyll

Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll and enzymes. It contains more than 70% chlorophyll (which is an important dietary constituent). The chlorophyll molecule in wheatgrass is almost identical to the hemoglobin in human blood. The only difference is that the central element in chlorophyll is magnesium and in hemoglobin it is iron [11] (Figure 4). The molecular structure of chlorophyll in wheatgrass and hemoglobin in the human body is similar, and because of this wheatgrass is called 'Green Blood' [6]. A 70-83% increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration was noted within 10-16 days of regular administration of chlorophyll derivatives [12]. It was reported that chlorophyll enhanced the formation of blood cells in anemic animals [13]. Chlorophyll is soluble in fat particles, which are absorbed directly into blood via the lymphatic system. In other words, when the ―blood‖ of plants is absorbed in humans it is transformed into human blood, which transports nutrients to every cell of the body. Chlorophyll present in wheatgrass can protect us from carcinogens; it strengthens the cells, detoxifies the liver and blood stream, and chemically neutralizes the polluting elements.

5.2 Wheatgrass in Cancer prevention

Environmental factors play an important role in the multistage process of cancer development, and nutritional intervention has been identified to play a very important role in its prevention. Dietary compounds such as garlic, carotenoids, wheatgrass, etc are important due to their antioxidant properties. These dietary products protect against many diseases because food and degraded products come into direct contact with bowel mucosa, and can influence its physiology and metabolism. Although many dietary compounds have been suggested to contribute to the prevention of cancer, there is a strong likelihood that wheatgrass extract, which contains chlorophyll, an antioxidant, may affect cancer prevention. Additionally, selenium and lactrile present in wheatgrass have anti-cancer properties^[8]. Selenium builds a strong immune system, and can decrease the risk of cancer . Wheatgrass contains at least 13 vitamins (several of which are antioxidants) including B12, abscisic acid, superoxide dismutase (SOD), cytochrome oxidase, mucopolysaccharide . SOD converts two superoxide anions into a hydrogen peroxide molecule, which has an extra oxygen molecule to kill cancer cells.

Although most people use wheatgrass as a dietary supplement or as serving of vegetables, some proponents claim that a dietary program commonly called wheatgrass diet can cause cancer to regress and extend lives of people with cancer . The true cause of the cancerous degeneration of cells has been revealed to be from the destruction of a specific respiratory enzyme, cytochrome oxidase . P4D1, a glycoprotein present in wheatgrass, also acts similarly to antioxidants, stimulating the renewal of RNA and DNA. It is alsop thought to protect the body from the attack of cancer cells by making the walls of cancer cells more op12en to attack by white blood cells . So, the use of wheatgrass in terminally ill cancer patients should be encouraged . It was determined that chlorophyll is an active component in wheatgrass extract, which inhibits the metabolic activity of carcinogens . Adjuvant fermented wheatgrass extract (Avemar nutraceutical) improves survival of high-risk skin melanoma patients . Karager et al has concluded that wheatgrass extract inhibits proliferation of 32Dp210 (BCR-ABL fusion gene (+) mouse CML cell line) cells through the induction of apoptosis^[12]

5.3 Hepatoprotective role of wheatgrass

Triticum aestivum leaf extract affects liver enzyme activities as well as lipid peroxidation ^[10]. Jain et al reported the hepatoprotective role of fresh wheatgrass juice has in CCl4 treated rats. It showed a significant hepatoprotective effect with a dose of 100mg/kg/day in terms of SGOT, SGPT, ALP and Bilirubin in serum . Recently, the hepatoprotective effect of wheatgrass tablets in CCl4 treated rats has been investigated in our lab (unpublished data). Maximum hepatoprotection in this study has been observed with 80mg/kg /day dose of wheatgrass tablets. This study indicated that wheatgrass treatment prevented the increase in liver enzymes depending on the dose of wheatgrass . Decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant levels have also been observed with wheatgrass treatment . Three compounds (Choline, magnesium and Potassium), found abundantly in wheatgrass, help the liver to stay vital and healthy. Choline works to prevent the deposition of fat. Magnesium helps to draw out excess fat in the same way. Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) draws pus from an infection, and potassium acts as an invigorator and stimulant .

5.4 Wheatgrass as cardio protective and anti- hyperlipidemic agent

Chlorophyll, abundant in wheatgrass, increases the function of heart. Wheatgrass has been claimed to reduce the blood pressure as it enhances the capillaries, supporting the growth of lactobacilli . Wheatgrass juice has a dilating effect on blood vessels; it makes the blood vessels larger so that blood flows through them more easily^[11]. Increased dilation means better nutrition to the cells, and more efficient removal of waste from them. Vitamin E, an antioxidant and fertility vitamin found in wheatgrass is a protector of the heart. This vitamin, present in wheatgrass, is ten times more easily assimilated by the body than synthetic vitamin E. Wheatgrass is a good source of calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth, and regulates heartbeat, in addition to acting as a buffer that restores blood pH. Dried wheatgrass juice has as much calcium as milk [. Wheatgrass also contributes 33.26 g potassium/100g and this mineral plays an important role in regulating fluids and minerals in body cells. This helps in maintaining normal blood pressure and other vital body functions.

5.5 Wheatgrass – A boon for thalassemia patients

The pH factor of human blood is 7.4 and the pH factor of wheatgrass juice is also 7.4, which is why it is quickly absorbed into blood. Wheatgrass is an effective alternative to blood transfusion. Wheatgrass has the potential to increase the hemoglobin (Hb) levels, increase the interval between blood transfusions, and decrease the amount of total blood transfused in thalassemia Major and intermediate Patients . Wheatgrass sprout extract has been tested for its ability to induce fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production using advanced DNA technology. A rapid 3-5-fold increase has been observed which is "significantly greater than any of the pharmaceutical inducers available‖. The use of wheatgrass extract may eventually result in an improved quality of life for thalassemics . A pilot study showed that when 100 ml of wheatgrass juice, extracted daily from a 5-6‖ tall plant, fed to human beings for up to 6 months, was given to 38 thalassemic children, and had beneficial effect on transfusion requirements in 50% patients of B-thalassemia major. A recent study quoted that wheatgrass tablets, when taken in different numbers in different age groups, showed significant results. 2-3, 6, 8 tablets/day, in divided doses, were given to 40 thalassemia major children aged 1-3 years, 4-8 yrs and 8 or more years respectively. Regular dosage resulted in increased Hb levels, increased interval between blood transfusions, and decreased amount of blood transfused.

5.6 Wheatgrass and Diabetes

The Reduction in the quantity of fibrous foods in modern man’s diet is a major cause of many ailments. Supplementing its intake through wheatgrass powder has shown good improvement in resolving digestive system problems, (Diabetes) in particular. Abundance of natural fiber in wheatgrass optimizes blood sugar levels. Instrumental characterization of wheatgrass (spray dried powder of juice) confirmed the presence of chlorophyll, which is believed to be the pharmacologically active component in wheatgrass, acting as an anti-diabetic agent . The hypoglycemic effect of wheatgrass juice in alloxan was induced in diabetic rats, shown by Shaikh et al .

5.7Wheatgrass and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects mainly younger individuals, and is three times more common in females than in males. It can persist into old age, progressively becoming more disabling. Early symptoms include redness, swelling, and soreness of joints. Often joints are affected symmetrically, that is both wrists or knees are involved. Pain and stiffness may also travel to other joints and affect the whole body. In later life, lumps and nodules may appear at the joints and lead to deformities. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often claim that their symptoms are alleviated by a special diet, or by the simple elimination of certain constituents from their free-choice diet. A study showed that an uncooked vegan diet, rich in lactobacilli, chlorophyll-rich drinks, and increased fiber intake, decreased subjective symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis .

Another study showed that when 8.5g of fermented wheatgrass extract (Avemar ) taken twice per day with water, in case of 15 Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis patients , showed decreased Ritchie index, and according to a health assessment questionnaire, morning stiffness showed significant improvement. Doses of steroids were reduced in half of patients. This may be due to presence of wheatgrass which contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, vitamin C, E and K, Calcium, Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, and many other minerals, including, superoxide dismutase, muco-polysaccarides, and chlorophyll. Its anti-inflammatory properties exert a positive effect on bone and joint problems, reducing pain and swelling ^[10].

5.8 Wheatgrass and inflammatory conditions

Wheatgrass extract (Dr Wheatgrass Skin Recovery Cream), a topical anti-inflammatory immunomodulator, substance P inhibitor, topical hemostatic agent, and stimulant of fibroblastic activity, with a wide range of healing properties, has been attracting lot of attention; it is also inexpensive. It was observed that wheatgrass cream reduces skin toxicity from radiotherapy . But, another study showed that the topical application of wheatgrass cream is no more effective than a placebo cream for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis .

Chlorophyllin has bacteriostatic properties that aids in wound healing . It has been used to treat various kinds of skin lesions, burns, and ulcers, where it acts as a wound-healing agent, stimulating granulation tissue and epithelialization ^[12]. It was reported that rate of healing with chlorophyll is so rapid that its inclusion in armamentarium of burn treatment is suggested because it completely supersedes sulphonamide compounds as primary dressing for clean and potentially infected wounds^[14].

Reference

1.      Roma Mridul Sharma*, Aishwarya T. Nair, Shilpa S. Harak, Tejaswini D. Patil, Smita P. Shelke, “WHEAT GRASS JUICE—NATURE’S POWERFUL MEDICINE” , WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES., 7(5), 384-391.

1.      Health benefits of wheatgrass juice.[http://www.knowledgebase-script.com/demo/export.php?ID=970&type=PDF].

2.      Kelentei, B., Fekete, I., Kun : Influence of copper chlorophyllin on experimental anemia. Acta Pharm Hung 1958, 28:176-180.

3.       Borisenko, A.N., Sofonova, A.D.: Hemopoietic effect of Na chlorophyllin. Vrach Delo 19659:44-46.

4.       Satyavati Rana, Jaspreet Kaur Kamboj, and Vandana Gandhi, “Living life the natural way – Wheatgrass and Health”, Functional Foods in Health and Disease: 11:444-456.

5.      Ernst E: A primer of complementary and alternative medicine commonly used by cancer patients. Medical J aust 2001, 174:88-92. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006 May-Jun;24(3):325-8.

6.      Roma Mridul Sharma*, Aishwarya T. Nair, Shilpa S. Harak, Tejaswini D. Patil, Smita P. Shelke, “WHEAT GRASS JUICE—NATURE’S POWERFUL MEDICINE” , WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES., 7(5), 384-391.

7.      Renu Mogra and Preeti Rathi* , “HEALTH BENEFITS OF WHEAT GRASS – A WONDER FOOD”, 4(2), Oct-Dec 2013 : 10-11

8.      Sarkar d , Sharma A, Talukder G (1994). Chlorophyll as modifiers of genotoxic effects. Mutat Res. 318(3): 239-247.

9.      Borek C (2002). Antioxidant health effects of vegetable extracts. Journal of Nutrition, 131:1050-55.