Eruca vesicaria

Eruca vesicaria, Cruciferae, Vitamin A, B, C, folic acid, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids (lutein, b-carotene), flavonoids, sulfur glycosides (glucoerucin), proteins, thiamine, pantothenic acid
Eruca vesicaria, Cruciferae, Vitamin A, B, C, folic acid, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids (lutein, b-carotene), flavonoids, sulfur glycosides (glucoerucin), proteins, thiamine, pantothenic acidEruca vesicaria, Cruciferae, Vitamin A, B, C, folic acid, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids (lutein, b-carotene), flavonoids, sulfur glycosides (glucoerucin), proteins, thiamine, pantothenic acidEruca vesicaria, Cruciferae, Vitamin A, B, C, folic acid, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids (lutein, b-carotene), flavonoids, sulfur glycosides (glucoerucin), proteins, thiamine, pantothenic acidEruca vesicaria, Cruciferae, Vitamin A, B, C, folic acid, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids (lutein, b-carotene), flavonoids, sulfur glycosides (glucoerucin), proteins, thiamine, pantothenic acidEruca vesicaria, Cruciferae, Vitamin A, B, C, folic acid, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids (lutein, b-carotene), flavonoids, sulfur glycosides (glucoerucin), proteins, thiamine, pantothenic acidEruca vesicaria, Cruciferae, Vitamin A, B, C, folic acid, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids (lutein, b-carotene), flavonoids, sulfur glycosides (glucoerucin), proteins, thiamine, pantothenic acid
Botanical Nomenclature Eruca vesicaria
Common Name Arugula, Colewort, Rocket Salad, Roquette, Rucola, Rucoli, Rugula
Taxonomy- Family Cruciferae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Eruca vesicaria is an annual plant growing from 20 to 100cm, with pinnate, deeply lobed with four to ten small lateral lobes and a large terminal lobe leaves. The petals of the flowers are white with purple veins and the stamens are yellow. The edible fruits are 'horn', 12-35mm long with an apical beak, and containing several seeds. The flowering lasts from May to August and the fruiting happens from July to September.
Region Found Epirus (cultivated, not wild species)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves, seeds
Active Substances Vitamin A, B, C, folic acid, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids (lutein, b-carotene), flavonoids, sulfur glycosides (glucoerucin), proteins, thiamine, pantothenic acid
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The leaves have antiscorbutic, diuretic, tonic, laxative, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. They are used for the treatment of eye and kidney infection as well against digestive problems. The seeds and the leaves have also stimulating properties and they are applied externally to the skin to treat the oily scalp and prevent hair loss. In folk medicine it is used as aphrodisiac. Finally, it has a particular nutritional value and its regular consumption is recommended for detoxification, neuroprotection and immune stimulation.
Method of Administration The plant is applied externally to the skin, as aphrodisiac in the form of essential oil. In allopathic medicine it is not recommended for any of the above indications, it is only used in folk medicine and in homeopathy. It can be consumed in the form of fresh salad.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Plant's consumption may cause allergic reaction, it should be avoided from people who suffer from nephrolithiasis.
References 1) http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/arugula.html 2) http://www.botanical-online.com/english/rocket_properties.htm 3) http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/e/eruca-vesicaria-sativa=rocket.php 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Eruca+vesicaria+sativa 5) http://www.reherb.eu/el/content/eruca-vesicaria