Black radish: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Digestive effect

Black radish has a beneficial effect on the intestine by increasing peristaltic movements, which may explain its usefulness in cases of dyspepsia and constipation.nn

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Depurative

The detoxifying properties of black radish are essentially related to the action of hydrolysis products of glucosinolates. Studies have shown that extracts of black radish activate hepatic detoxification enzymes. Indeed, the effect of an aqueous extract of black radish on the expression of detoxification enzymes was evaluated in a hepatocyte cell line. It was shown that this extract is capable of increasing quinone reductase activity (a phase II enzyme) in a dose-dependent manner, and the effect persists for several days after the extract is removed from the medium. The mRNA expression of phase II enzymes is significantly increased at the highest concentration. Nevertheless, at that same concentration, the expression of CYP 1A1 and 1A2 (enzymes belonging to the cytochrome P450 family) is also increased.

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Choleretic

Black radish is well known in its traditional use for its choleretic and cholagogue properties. It stimulates intestinal peristaltic movements and acts on the bile ducts, thereby promoting bile secretion and resulting in good digestion.

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Cholagogue

Black radish is well known in its traditional use for its choleretic and cholagogue properties. It stimulates intestinal peristaltic movements and acts on the bile ducts, thereby promoting bile secretion and resulting in good digestion.

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Hepatoprotective

Black radish enhances liver protection by increasing the production of phase I and II enzymes, which are detoxifying enzymes. Indeed, when detoxification capacity is overwhelmed, the detoxification process no longer allows proper elimination of toxic molecules that can directly damage the hepatocyte or induce oxidative stress (hepatotoxicity), and potentially lead to disruption of other liver functions.

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Mucolytic

Because of its sulfur content, black radish helps thin mucus, hence its usefulness in mild bronchial conditions.

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Hypoglycemic

Preliminary evidence suggests that radish may lower blood glucose levels. Indeed, in rats with induced diabetes, radish root juice lowered fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. The magnitude of the reduction appeared to depend on baseline blood glucose values, with greater reductions in animals that had higher baseline values. It is believed that radish helps reduce blood glucose by increasing peripheral glucose utilization. Laboratory and animal research suggest that radish contains compounds that increase insulin sensitivity or produce an insulin-like effect. The enhanced insulin response may be related to the antioxidant effects of the radish's phenolic compounds. Additionally, in vitro research shows that radish extract inhibits alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, enzymes involved in the breakdown of polysaccharides during digestion.

Antimicrobial

Various extracts of black radish have shown antibacterial and antifungal actions. Indeed, in vitro, crude radish juice inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas pyocyaneus, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis. In addition, sulforaphane (a component of black radish) is bactericidal against Helicobacter pylori.

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Anticancer

In vitro research suggests that radish extract inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells, probably by promoting apoptosis. Various components of radish, including 4-(methylthio)-3-butenyl isothiocyanate, 4-methylsulfinyl-3-butenyl isothiocyanate, glucosinolate, and isothiocyanates, have anticancer effects in vitro.

Antioxidant

The red pigment of radish (pelargonidin-3-sophoroside-5-glucoside) and caffeic acid have shown antioxidant activity.

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Hypolipidemic

Radish powder reduced lipid levels by increasing fecal excretion of total lipids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. In animal research, a juice obtained from black radish root lowers blood lipid levels in mice. After 6 days of treatment, it appears that black radish reduces cholesterol present in bile, one of the causes of gallstones, and also decreases blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, while HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) levels increase. The mechanism of action is unclear.