Horseradish

Generic name: Armoracia Lapathiofolia Gilib., Armoracia Rusticana Gaertn., Mey. And Scherb.
Brand names: Great Raifort, Horseradish, Mountain Radish, Pepperrot, Red Cole

Usage of Horseradish

Horseradish is widely known for its pungent, burning flavor.

An extract of horseradish has been shown to inhibit the enzyme cholinesterase.(Sjaastad 1984)

Antibacterial effects

The antibacterial properties of horseradish are attributed to the isothiocyanates (ie, mustard oils).(Ward 1998) The growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas spp, EscheriChia coli, Serratia grimesii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterobacteriaceae, was inhibited on incubated slices of cooked roast beef that were exposed to horseradish essential oil and a distillated extract from fresh horseradish root.(Delaquis 1999, Maslov 2002)

Animal data

Dried and grated horseradish root fed in dosages of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg with food inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium leprae in mice in 1 study. The authors concluded that dried and grated horseradish root increased myeloperoxidase activity of blood Neutrophils, enhanced antimicrobial functions of phagocytes, decreased leukocytosis, and normalized total blood cell count in mice with experimental leprosy. The most efficacious dose was 300 mg/kg with food. Therapy duration of 5, 8, and 11 months produced no toxic effects on the functional activity of the liver (alanine and aspartate transaminases) in control and intact animals.(Wardman 2002)

In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) were randomized to receive an herbal drug containing horseradish root 80 mg and nasturtium 200 mg at a dosage of 2 tablets twice daily or placebo for 90 days. The mean number of UTI relapses was 0.43 for the treatment group compared with 0.77 for the placebo group (1 side P-value = 0.035). However, a statistically significant difference was not found between the 2 groups in the intent-to-treat population. The number of patients experiencing adverse effects was similar between the groups. Thus, the combination of horseradish and nasturtium may be beneficial in the prophylaxis of UTIs.(Albrecht 2007)

Blood pressure effects

It is hypothesized that horseradish peroxidase acts by stimulating the synthesis of arachidonic acid metabolites.(Albrecht 2007)

Animal data

Intravenous administration of horseradish peroxidase caused a marked hypotensive effect in cats. The hypotensive effect was completely blocked by aspirin and Indomethacin, but not by antihistamines.

Clinical data

In a small randomized, placebo-controlled, researcher-blind 5-way crossover study (n=25), administration of 8.3 g shredded horseradish in a standardized meal produced a statistically significant increase in diastolic blood pressure in healthy males compared with placebo (0.4 mm Hg; P=0.049).(Gregerson 2013)

Other uses

Horseradish peroxidase in combination with the prodrug indole-3-acetic acid has demonstrated cytotoxic activity in vitro toward mammalian cells.(Wu 2009) Isothiocyanates have demonstrated insecticidal activity.(Simon 1984)

Administration of 8.3 g shredded horseradish in a standardized meal produced no significant effects on energy expenditure, appetite, ad libitum energy intake, or energy balance in a small randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study (n=25). However, horseradish was found to have a significantly stronger aftertaste than mustard and black pepper and to be rated less liked than placebo. Mustard, black pepper, and Ginger were the other 3 spices tested in the crossover that incorporated at least a 3-week washout.(Gregerson 2013)

A. rusticana demonstrated alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity comparable to that of acarbose in vitro.(Javaid 2021)

Horseradish side effects

Topical application may cause an erythematous rash or allergic reaction because of the glucosinolate content.Chevallier 1996 Horseradish is part of the cabbage and mustard family, so it may depress thyroid function. The isothiocyanates may irritate mucous membranes upon contact or inhalation.

Before taking Horseradish

Documented adverse effects; avoid use.Newall 1996, Ernst 2002, Coumadin 2010 Use should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation because the allylisothiocyanates are toxic mucosal irritants. Horseradish has abortifacient effects.

How to use Horseradish

Traditional use for colds and respiratory infections was 20 g/day of fresh or dried root.Blumenthal 1998 Some proposed doses include:

Fresh root

2 to 4 g before meals.

Infusion

In 150 mL of boiled water, steep horseradish 2 g for 5 minutes; administer several times per day.

Succus

Fresh juice from 20 g.

Syrup

Prepare a concentrated product by steeping horseradish root 2 g in 150 mL of boiled water in a covered container for 2 hours. After straining, add 150 g of sugar to 150 mL of liquid to thicken the preparation.Yu 2001

Externally, preparations with 2% mustard oil may be used.Brinker 1998, Yu 2001

Warnings

Despite the potential for severe irritation, horseradish is generally recognized as safe for human consumption as natural seasoning and flavoring.FDA 2015 Ingestion of large amounts can cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea.Coumadin 2010

What other drugs will affect Horseradish

Anticholinergic drugs, such as atropine, may antagonize the effects of horseradish. Horseradish may enhance the parasympathetic effects of cholinergic drugs, such as bethanecol or pyridostigmine, when given concomitantly.Simon 1984

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