Horseradish as a dietary supplement
Horseradish, derived from the root of the plant Armoracia rusticana, is a popular condiment with a long history of use as a dietary supplement. Traditionally cultivated in southeast Europe and known as wasabi in Japan, this spicy root is associated with various health benefits. It has been used for conditions like acute bronchitis, common colds, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, and may even play a role in cancer prevention due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Common recommended dosages include 3 to 5 grams of freshly grated root taken three times daily or 2 to 3 milliliters of tincture. Topically, it can be applied as a poultice for muscle pain and inflammation. While some studies suggest potential benefits for respiratory infections and urinary tract health, the overall scientific support is still limited, and further research is needed.
Horseradish is generally considered safe for consumption, though it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and skin irritation if misused. Caution is advised for pregnant or nursing women, young children, and individuals with liver or kidney conditions. Overall, horseradish continues to be explored for its potential health benefits, reflecting its dual role as a culinary ingredient and a traditional remedy.
Horseradish as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Acute bronchitis, common cold, sinusitis, urinary tract infection, cancer preventative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, digestive health
Overview
The spicy root of the horseradish plant is a widely used condiment. Native to southeast Europe, it is widely cultivated in Germany. In Japan, it is called wasabi, and it forms a ubiquitous part of sushi cuisine.
Horseradish root also has a long history of medicinal use. Taken internally, it was thought effective for bladder infections and other bladder and kidney problems. (Horseradish oil once formed a part of a drug licensed in the United States for the treatment of bladder infection; however, contrary to statements made on some Internet sites, this drug is no longer in use.) Horseradish was also taken internally as a treatment for respiratory infections and joint pain. It was also applied externally in the form of a poultice to wounds, painful joints, and strained muscles.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical recommended dose of horseradish is 3 to 5 grams (g) of the freshly grated root taken three times daily or 2 to 3 milliliters (ml) daily of horseradish tincture. For external use, freshly grated root is wrapped in thin gauze and applied to the skin until a sensation of warmth develops. The combined nasturtium-horseradish product should be taken according to label instructions.
Therapeutic Uses
Germany’s Commission E has approved horseradish for supportive treatment of urinary tract infections and respiratory infections such as acute bronchitis, colds, sore throats, and sinusitis; however, this approval is based more on tradition than science. There have been no double-blind, placebo-controlled trials on horseradish for urinary tract infections, and, although one study showed promise for respiratory issues, more studies are needed.
Constituents of horseradish essential oil include the substance families glucosinolate, gluconasturtiin, and sinigrin. These and similar substances are also found in the plant nasturtium. A preliminary, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2007 found some evidence that a standardized combination of nasturtium and horseradish might prevent new bladder infections among people with a history of recurrent bladder infections. This study, however, had numerous problems in design and statistical analysis. An even less reliable human trial found weak evidence that this combination could be helpful for children with sinusitis, bronchitis, or urinary tract infections.
Test-tube studies performed in the 1950s indicated that horseradish essential oil has antimicrobial properties. However, it is a long way from test-tube studies to actual efficacy in humans; virtually all essential oils have antimicrobial properties in the test tube, but none have shown value as antibiotics. Still, studies in the twenty-first century have shown promise in horseradish antimicrobial properties. Horseradish has displayed the ability to kill E. coli and H. pylori, and salmonella in laboratory studies.
As the twenty-first century progressed, more human and animal clinical studies of horseradish's health benefits were produced. Studies on humans and in test tubes indicated horseradish had promise as a cancer preventative, especially for colon, lung, and stomach cancers. Promise was also shown in human studies of horseradish’s ability to fight respiratory infections, including sinusitis and bronchitis. Horseradish’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help fight free radicals, contributing to long-term health conditions. Horseradish has also been traditionally used to improve digestion and stimulate appetite.
Safety Issues
Horseradish is a commonly consumed condiment and is believed to be relatively safe. However, because of its spicy nature, it can cause burning mouth pain, sweating, and gastrointestinal distress. Left too long in contact with the skin, marked irritation may develop. Maximum safe doses of horseradish have not been established for pregnant or nursing women, young children, or people with serious liver or kidney disease.
Bibliography
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"4 Health Benefits of Horseradish." Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, 8 July 2024, health.clevelandclinic.org/horseradish-benefits. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Goos, K. H., U. Albrecht, and B. Schneider. "On-going Investigations on Efficacy and Safety Profile of a Herbal Drug Containing Nasturtium Herb and Horseradish Root in Acute Sinusitis, Acute Bronchitis, and Acute Urinary Tract Infection in Children in Comparison with Other Antibiotic Treatments." Arzneimittel-Forschung, vol. 57, 2007, pp. 238-246.
Romeo, Letizia, et al. "Isothiocyanates: An Overview of Their Antimicrobial Activity Against Human Infections." Molecules: A Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry, vol. 23, no. 3, 2018, doi.org/10.3390/molecules23030624.
Sheldon, Dawn. "Is Horseradish Good for You?" Verywell Health, 23 Aug. 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/horseradish-benefits-4585217. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Streit, Lizzie. "What Is Horseradish? Everything You Need to Know." Healthline, 25 July 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/horseradish. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Tomsone, L., Galoburda, R., Kruma, Z., et al. "Characterization of Dried Horseradish Leaves Pomace: Phenolic Compounds Profile and Antioxidant Capacity, Content of Organic Acids, Pigments and Volatile Compounds." European Food Research and Technology, vol. 246, 2020, pp. 1647–1660, doi.org/10.1007/s00217-020-03521-z. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
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