Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Allyl isothiocyanate, allylisothiocyanate, Armoracia lapathifolia Gilib., Armoracia rusticana, Armoracia rusticana Gaertner, Armoracia sativa Heller, Amoraciae Rusticanae Radix, Bohemian horseradish, Brassicaceae (family), Cochlearia armoracia, Cochlearia rusticana Lamarck, common horseradish, glucobrassicin, gluconasturtiin, glucosinolates, great raifort, horseradish peroxidase, horseradish peroxidase/indole-3-acetic acid, isoenzymes, isothiocyanates, Meerrettich (German), mountain radish, myrosinase, neoglucobrassicin, pepperrot, phosphatidylcholines, red cole, seiyowasabi (Japanese), sinigrin, thioglucoside conjugates, Western wasabi.
• Combination product example: Angocin® Anti-Infekt N (nasturtium herb and horseradish root).
• Note: This monograph does not include wasabi (Wasabia japonica), for which horseradish is a common substitute.
• Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines horseradish as the root of Armoracia lapathifolia Gilib. This monograph uses the more common scientific name Armoracia rusticana, which is used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a hardy perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family, which includes mustard and cabbage. Although horseradish is associated with a pungent odor, the root itself is odorless until its cell walls are damaged, releasing an enzyme to convert odorless sinigrin to allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil). This oil vaporizes easily and is highly irritating to mucous membranes and the eyes. It may also cause irritation when applied topically and may irritate the gastrointestinal system and bladder when ingested in high amounts. Large oral doses can cause gastrointestinal upset, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of mucous membranes and the urinary tract; it may also provoke allergic reactions, according to secondary reports. Although horseradish may be irritating, it is frequently used as a condiment or spice, especially for beef, sausages, and fish.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved horseradish (Armoracia lapathifolia Gilib.) as generally regarded as safe (GRAS) as a seasoning, spice, and flavoring (the FDA currently accepts Armoracia lapathifolia as the binomial name for horseradish, although Armoracia rusticana is more commonly used and is the preferred name by the U.S. Department of Agriculture).
• Traditionally, horseradish has been used for pain, rheumatism, and cancer. Preliminary research indicates that it may inhibit COX-1 enzymes (1;​2) and potentially have anticancer properties, especially when used with indole-3-acetic acid (1;​2;​3;​4;​5;​6;​7;​8;​9;​10;​11;​12;​13).
• Very little human data is currently available on horseradish. Although it has been studied for bronchitis, sinusitis, and urinary tract infections, higher-quality studies are warranted before making firm recommendations.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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