Horseradish

Scientific Name(s): Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., Mey. and Scherb. Sometimes referred to as A. lapathiofolia Gilib. Family: Brassicaceae (mustards)

Common Name(s): Horseradish , pepperrot , mountain radish , red cole , great raifort

Clinical Overview

Uses of Horseradish

Horseradish has been used as a condiment, GI stimulant, diuretic, vermifuge, and externally for sciatica and facial neuralgia. However, there are no clinical trials to support any use for horseradish.

Horseradish Dosing

There are no recent clinical studies of horseradish to provide a basis for dosage recommendations. Classical use for colds and respiratory infections was 20 g/day. 1

Contraindications

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Documented adverse effects. Avoid use. 2 , 3 , 4 Use is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation because the allylisothiocyanates are toxic mucosal irritants. Horseradish has abortifacient effects.

Horseradish Interactions

None well documented.

Horseradish Adverse Reactions

Irritant effects on GI mucosa. External use may cause erythematous rash. 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. 5

Toxicology

Ingestion of large amounts can cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea. 5 Use is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation because the allylisothiocyanates are toxic mucosal irritants.

Botany

Horseradish is a large-leafed, hardy perennial native to eastern Europe (eg, Russia, Poland, Finland) and western Asia. 6 , 7 More than 20 plants have been called “horseradish” throughout the ages. The plant is deep-rooted, may grow to a height of 1 m, and develops clusters of 4-petaled white flowers during the spring. 7 It is cultivated commercially for its thick, fleshy, white roots that have a strong, irritating, and intensely pungent taste. Some hybrids are sterile; therefore, the plant is generally propagated through root cuttings.

History

Horseradish has been cultivated and used as a medicine and condiment for approximately 2000 years. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 Early settlers brought the horseradish plant to America, and the plant was commonplace in gardens by the early 1800s. Hardy varieties were obtained through plant selection and grown easily in the Midwest.

The root has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Topically, it was applied to the skin to reduce pain from sciatica and facial neuralgia. Internally, it was used to expel afterbirth, relieve colic, increase urination, and to kill intestinal worms in children. 6 , 8

The horseradish root is used as a condiment and may be grated and mixed with other flavorings to make sauce or relish. 8 Young tender leaves have been used as a potherb and as a salad green. Horseradish is one of the “five bitter herbs” (horseradish, coriander, horehound, lettuce, nettle) consumed during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Chemistry

The medicinal component is the root. The pungency of horseradish is due to the release of allylisothiocyanate and butylthiocyanate that occur in combination with the glucosinolates sinigrin 10 and 2-phenylethylglycosinolate. The pungency is released only upon crushing. The isothiocyanates are released from glucosinolates by the action of thioglucosidases, which are commonly referred to as myrosinase. 11 More than 6 volatile glucosinolates have been identified using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. 12 Other constituents of the root include asparagine, resin, ascorbic acid, and peroxidase enzymes. 7

To preserve the quality of horseradish, the root is commonly dehydrated, freeze-dried, and powdered. 13

Peroxidase enzyme is extracted from the root and is used as an oxidizer in commercial chemical tests such as blood glucose determinations. 14 The enzyme also has been used as a molecular probe in rheumatoid arthritis studies. 15

Horseradish Uses and Pharmacology

Horseradish is widely known for its pungent, burning flavor.

An extract of horseradish has been shown to inhibit the enzyme cholinesterase. 16

It is hypothesized that horseradish peroxidase acts by stimulating the synthesis of arachidonic acid metabolites. 17

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

Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of horseradish for hypotensive effects.

Dried and grated horseradish root fed in dosages of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg mixed 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 mixed 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 the control and intact animals. 18

Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of horseradish for antibacterial effects.

Dosage

There are no recent clinical studies of horseradish to provide a basis for dosage recommendations. Classical use for colds and respiratory infections was 20 g/day. 1

Pregnancy/Lactation

Documented adverse effects. Avoid use. 2 , 3 , 4 Use is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation because the allylisothiocyanates are toxic mucosal irritants. Horseradish has abortifacient effects.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Topical application may cause an erythematous rash or allergic reaction because of the glucosinolate content. 9 Horseradish is part of the cabbage and mustard family, so it may depress thyroid function. The isothiocyanates may irritate mucous membranes upon contact of inhalation.

Toxicology

Despite the potential for severe irritation, horseradish is generally recognized as safe for human consumption as natural seasoning and flavoring. Ingestion of large amounts can cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea. 5 Use is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation because the allylisothiocyanates are toxic mucosal irritants.

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