Wise Mind Herbs

The information on this page has been prepared with reference to published scientific literature, not by a medically qualified expert. It is not medical advice. Any decision to use a supplement or herb-based product is your responsibility. Consult a suitably qualified medical professional, especially if you have underlying conditions. Remember, nothing is for everyone, and not everything sold is what it claims to be. Some things work for some people, some of the time.

Horseradish - Armoracia_rusticana

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is a perennial plant from the Brassicaceae family known for its pungent root. It should not be confused with Japanese horseradish (Eutrema japonicum, commonly called wasabi) or with wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum), which are distinct species despite similar culinary applications in some cultures.

Active Compounds

The primary bioactive compounds in horseradish are glucosinolates, particularly sinigrin, which is enzymatically converted to allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) when the plant tissue is damaged. Other important components include flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and various phenolic compounds that contribute to its antioxidant properties.

Evidence-Based Health Benefits

Scientific evidence supporting horseradish's therapeutic effects varies in quality and quantity. Most research has been conducted in vitro or in animal models, with fewer high-quality human clinical trials. The following benefits have scientific support of varying strengths:

• Antimicrobial activity: Horseradish extracts and AITC have demonstrated antimicrobial effects against various bacteria including E. coli, S. aureus, and H. pylori in vitro.
• Respiratory conditions: Some evidence suggests efficacy for upper respiratory tract infections, particularly in combination with other herbs.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Isothiocyanates from horseradish have been shown to inhibit inflammatory pathways in cellular studies, potentially benefiting inflammatory conditions.
• Antioxidant properties: Horseradish contains compounds that scavenge free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress.
• Potential anticancer activity: Preliminary laboratory studies suggest that isothiocyanates may have chemopreventive properties by inducing detoxification enzymes and apoptosis in cancer cell lines.

Conditions Not Scientifically Proven to Be Treated by Horseradish

Despite traditional uses, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting horseradish's effectiveness for treating many conditions, including:

• Urinary tract infections (as a primary treatment)
• Digestive disorders (beyond potential antimicrobial effects)
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Joint pain and rheumatism
• Skin conditions

It's important to note that horseradish has not been scientifically proven to "cure" any disease in the strict medical sense. Claims suggesting it can cure serious conditions lack scientific validation.

Recommended Dosages

No standardized dosing regimens have been established through clinical research. Common dosages used in traditional medicine and some clinical studies include:

• Fresh root: 0.5-1g daily, grated
• Dried root: 1-2g daily
• Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 2-4mL, three times daily
• Standardized extract: Products standardized to sinigrin or allyl isothiocyanate content (typically 10-30mg of sinigrin daily)

Most commercial preparations do not standardize for specific active compounds, making precise dosing recommendations difficult.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Horseradish is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use, but medicinal doses may cause:

• Gastrointestinal irritation, including stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Irritation of mucous membranes, including the mouth, nose, and eyes
• Potential allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Brassicaceae family
• Increased thyroid hormone production due to goitrogenic effects (typically only with excessive consumption)
• Potential interaction with hypothyroidism medications, anticoagulants, and certain medications metabolized by the liver

Horseradish should be avoided by pregnant women (due to potential uterine stimulation), individuals with gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney disorders, or hypothyroidism, and those taking medications that might interact with its compounds.

High-Dose Studies and Knowledge Gaps

Research into high doses of horseradish compounds is limited. In animal studies, very high doses of isothiocyanates have shown potential hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity. However, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the maximum safe and effective doses in humans. Long-term safety studies of high-dose horseradish consumption or supplementation are lacking. Most research focuses on isolated compounds rather than whole plant preparations, creating another knowledge gap regarding potential synergistic effects.

Most horseradish products available in North America and many other regions are classified as dietary supplements rather than pharmaceuticals, meaning they undergo less rigorous testing and regulatory oversight.

Conclusion

While horseradish contains bioactive compounds with demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in laboratory settings, high-quality clinical evidence supporting specific therapeutic uses remains limited. The strongest evidence supports its potential benefit for respiratory infections, particularly when combined with other herbs. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety for medicinal applications.

References

Agneta, R., Möllers, C., & Rivelli, A. R. (2013). Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), a neglected medical and condiment species with a relevant glucosinolate profile: a review. Genetic resources and crop evolution, 60, 1923-1943.

Calabrone, L., Larocca, M., Marzocco, S., Martelli, G. B. G., & Rossano, R. (2015). Total phenols and flavonoids content, antioxidant capacity and lipase inhibition of root and leaf horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) extracts. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 6, 64-74.

Conrad, A., Biehler, D., Nobis, T., Richter, H., Engels, I., Biehler, K., & Frank, U. (2013). Broad spectrum antibacterial activity of a mixture of isothiocyanates from nasturtium (Tropaeoli majoris herba) and horseradish (Armoraciae rusticanae radix). Drug research, 63(02), 65-68.

Kim, H. Y., Phan-a-God, S., & Shin, I. S. (2015). Antibacterial activities of isothiocyanates extracted from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) root against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Food science and biotechnology, 24, 1029-1034.

Novío, S., Cartea, M. E., Soengas, P., Freire-Garabal, M., & Núñez-Iglesias, M. J. (2016). Effects of Brassicaceae isothiocyanates on prostate cancer. Molecules, 21(5), 626.

Park, H. W., Choi, K. D., & Shin, I. S. (2013). Antimicrobial activity of isothiocyanates (ITCs) extracted from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) root against oral microorganisms. Biocontrol Science, 18(3), 163-168.