The Current State of Knowledge on Salvia hispanica and Salviae hispanicae semen (Chia Seeds)

Abstract

Chia seeds (Salviae hispanicae semen) are obtained from Salvia hispanica L. This raw material is distinguished by its rich chemical composition and valuable nutritional properties. It is currently referred to as “health food”. The purpose of the present work was to perform a literature review on S. hispanica and chia seeds, focusing on their chemical composition, biological properties, dietary importance, and medicinal uses. The valuable biological properties of chia seeds are related to their rich chemical composition, with particularly high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, polyphenols, as well as vitamins and bioelements. The available scientific literature indicates the cardioprotective, hypotensive, antidiabetic, and antiatherosclerotic effects of this raw material. In addition, studies based on in vitro assays and animal and human models have proven that chia seeds are characterized by neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These properties indicate a valuable role of chia in the prevention of civilization diseases. Chia seeds are increasingly popular in functional food and cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. That is attributed not only to their desirable chemical composition and biological activity but also to their high availability. Nevertheless, S. hispanica is also the object of specific biotechnological studies aimed at elaboration of micropropagation protocols of this plant species.

Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seed improves liver inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome

“…This ratio has been recommended for the prevention of metabolic diseases. 13,42 We have shown that chia seed administration reversed dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia with no change in the insulin levels. In addition, we have previously demonstrated that the administration of chia seed had an impact on the action of insulin by reversing insulin resistance in SRD-fed rats (euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp).…”

“…In vitro assays and animal and human models have proved that chia seeds are characterized by neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. [13][14][15][16][17] They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and also have the highest α-linolenic acid content (18:3 n-3, ALA). 18,19 Therefore, evaluation of possible functional foods that improve the liver inflammation and endothelial dysfunction could be a strategy to prevent or ameliorate MS-related disorders.…”

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds Contain a Highly Stable Trypsin Inhibitor with Potential for Bacterial Management Alone or in Drug Combination Therapy with Oxacillin

“…Salvia hispanica L., popularly known as chia, is an herbaceous annual plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Recently, chia seed consumption has increased and gained popularity due to its functional and nutraceutical properties, which greatly bene t human health [13,14]. The high lipid content (especially alpha-linolenic (ω-3) and alpha-linoleic acids (ω-6)) is mainly responsible for the increasing demand for chia seeds in the functional food market [15].…”

Biological Activities of Natural Products II

“…Motyka et al [ 14 ] recapitulate the current status of Salvia hispanica (chia), a plant species of Middle- and South-American origin, in the European health-food industry. The current knowledge about the chemical composition, biological activities, application in the health food and cosmetics industries, and possible applications in phytotherapy and also biotechnological studies of this species are presented in this review.…”