Black Radish: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

Digestive Effect

Black radish positively affects the intestine by enhancing peristaltic movements, which may explain its interest in dyspeptic disorders and constipation.

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Depurative

The detoxifying properties of black radish are mainly linked to the action of hydrolysis products of glucosinolates. Studies have shown that black radish extracts activate liver detoxification enzymes. Indeed, the effect of a black radish aqueous extract on enzyme expression was evaluated in a liver cell line. It was shown that this extract can increase quinone reductase activity (phase II enzyme) in a dose-dependent manner, and the effect persists a few days after the extract is removed from the medium. The expression of phase II enzyme mRNAs is significantly increased at the highest concentration. However, at the same concentration, the expression of CYP 1A1 and 1A2 (enzymes belonging to the cytochrome P450 family) also increased.

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Choleretic

Black radish is well known in traditional use for its choleretic and cholagogue properties. It stimulates peristaltic movements of the intestine and acts on bile ducts, thus promoting bile secretion and leading to good digestion.

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Cholagogue

Black radish is well known in traditional use for its choleretic and cholagogue properties. It stimulates peristaltic movements of the intestine and acts on bile ducts, thus promoting bile secretion and leading to good digestion.

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Hepato-protective

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

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Mucolytic

Due to its sulfur content, black radish helps liquefy mucus, hence its interest in mild bronchial conditions.

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Hypoglycemic

Preliminary evidence suggests that radish might lower blood glucose levels. In diabetic rats, radish root juice lowered fasting and postprandial glucose levels. The extent of reduction seemed dependent on baseline glucose values, with a more significant reduction in animals with higher baseline levels. It is presumed that radish aids in reducing blood sugar by increasing the peripheral use of glucose. Laboratory and animal research suggest that radish contains compounds that increase insulin sensitivity or induce an insulin-like effect. The increased insulin response may be linked to the antioxidant effects of radish's phenolic compounds. Additionally, in vitro research shows that radish extract inhibits alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, enzymes involved in polysaccharide breakdown during digestion.

Antimicrobial

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

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Anticancer

In vitro research suggests that radish extract inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells, likely by promoting apoptosis. Various radish components, 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 decreased lipid levels by increasing fecal excretion of total lipids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. In animal research, juice obtained from black radish root lowered blood lipid levels in mice. After six days of treatment, black radish appeared to decrease cholesterol present in bile, a cause of gallstones, and also lowered blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, while HDL cholesterol levels (the good cholesterol) increased. The mechanism of action is unclear.