Mustard Is a Miracle Seed to Human Health

Abstract

Brassica juncea, known as Indian mustard, has been used for centuries for its nutritional and medicinal values. L. brassica is a genus of plants in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. The members of the genus are informally known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, or mustard plants. Among the different varieties of mustard, the three principals are Brassica hirta or Alba (yellow-white), B. nigra (black), and B. juncea (brown). In Asian countries, India ranks first in mustard production, and mustard is the primary cooking oil used. In folkloric medicine, different parts of the plants are obtained to treat a wide variety of human aliments. Mustard seed is good source of protein, fibre, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. The plant has several health benefits acting as antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, antimalarial, etc. The present study aims to discuss the up to date information regarding the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological applications of mustard seed and its essential oil.