# Armoracia rusticana (Horseradish)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/armoracia-rusticana
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Armoracia rusticana, horseradish root, mountain radish, great raifort, red cole, cochlearia armoracia, radicula armoracia, nasturtium armoracia

## Overview

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a pungent root vegetable whose primary bioactive compounds, glucosinolates such as sinigrin, are hydrolyzed by the enzyme myrosinase into allyl isothiocyanate, which drives its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects. These isothiocyanates modulate key inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, COX-2, and leukotriene B4 through inhibition of MAPK signaling pathways.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Aqueous root extract demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of TNF-α release, COX-2 expression, and PGE₂ synthesis in human immune cells (in vitro evidence only)
• Immune cell modulation: Inhibited LTB₄ release via MAPK signaling in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human THP-1 monocytes and primary neutrophils (preliminary in vitro data)
• Antiphlogistic properties: Showed effects at concentrations ≥37 μg/mL for TNF-α inhibition and ≥4 μg/mL for PGE₂ synthesis (limited to cell culture studies)
• Rich in glucosinolates: Contains 2-propenyl-GLS, 3-methylsulfinyl-propyl-GLS, and 2-phenylethyl-GLS identified via UHPLC-QToF/MS (compositional data only)
• Source of bioactive volatiles: Allylisothiocyanate comprises 64-82% of volatile compounds (analytical characterization only)

## Mechanism of Action

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of the glucosinolate sinigrin by myrosinase, suppresses COX-2 enzyme expression and downstream [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E2 (PGE2) synthesis in immune cells. Simultaneously, horseradish aqueous root extract inhibits leukotriene B4 (LTB4) release by interfering with MAPK signaling cascades, including ERK and p38 phosphorylation, in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. This dual blockade of the arachidonic acid pathway—at both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase branches—accounts for its concentration-dependent suppression of TNF-α secretion.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for horseradish's [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects is derived primarily from in vitro studies using human immune cell lines, with no large-scale randomized controlled trials establishing clinical efficacy in humans. One aqueous root extract study demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of TNF-α, COX-2, and PGE2 in cultured human immune cells, while a separate model showed LTB4 suppression via MAPK pathway inhibition in LPS-stimulated cells. A proprietary combination product containing horseradish alongside nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) has been studied in observational and some controlled trials for upper respiratory and urinary tract infections, but isolating horseradish's individual contribution remains difficult. Overall, evidence quality is low to moderate, and human pharmacokinetic and dose-response data for purified horseradish compounds are lacking.

## Nutritional Profile

Horseradish root (raw, per 100g): Macronutrients - Calories: ~48 kcal; Carbohydrates: ~11.3g (of which sugars ~7.99g); Dietary fiber: ~3.3g; Protein: ~1.18g; Fat: ~0.69g; Water: ~85.1g. Key Micronutrients - Vitamin C: ~24.9mg (28% DV), providing [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) though partially degraded by processing; Folate (B9): ~57µg (14% DV); Vitamin B6: ~0.073mg; Potassium: ~246mg; Calcium: ~56mg; Phosphorus: ~31mg; Magnesium: ~27mg; Sodium: ~314mg (prepared/jarred form significantly higher due to added salt); Zinc: ~0.83mg; Manganese: ~0.126mg. Bioactive Compounds (primary functional constituents) - Glucosinolates: Total content ~180-300mg/100g fresh weight, predominantly sinigrin (allyl glucosinolate, ~60-80% of total glucosinolate fraction) and gluconasturtiin; upon tissue disruption, myrosinase enzyme hydrolyzes sinigrin to allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), the principal bioactive metabolite responsible for pungency and biological effects; AITC concentration in fresh grated root: ~0.5-1.0mg/g. Phenolic compounds: Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (~50-150mg/100g total polyphenols estimated); flavonoids including kaempferol glycosides present in modest amounts. Peroxidases: Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is a well-characterized heme-containing enzyme abundant in roots (~1-3mg/g dry weight), though primarily of industrial/biochemical relevance rather than nutritional. Bioavailability Notes - Glucosinolate-derived AITC is highly bioavailable via passive diffusion in the GI tract (~90% absorption estimated in human studies); however, cooking, boiling, or prolonged storage significantly degrades myrosinase activity, reducing AITC formation by up to 60-90%; commercial prepared horseradish (vinegar-preserved) partially arrests myrosinase activity. Vitamin C content decreases notably with heat processing. Fiber content contributes to modest [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) effects. Typical serving size in culinary use is 5-15g (condiment), substantially reducing absolute micronutrient intake compared to 100g reference values.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages are available. In vitro studies used aqueous extracts at 4-37 μg/mL for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in cell models. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Horseradish consumed in culinary quantities is generally recognized as safe, but concentrated extracts or supplements may cause gastrointestinal irritation, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly on an empty stomach. Allyl isothiocyanate is a known mucous membrane irritant and may exacerbate hypo[thyroid](/ingredients/condition/hormonal)ism by interfering with thyroid iodine uptake, a property shared by other glucosinolate-rich crucifers. Horseradish may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant medications such as warfarin due to its coumarin content, and concurrent use with thyroid medications warrants caution. It is contraindicated in individuals with kidney disorders, peptic ulcers, or [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) bowel conditions, and safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established, making avoidance advisable during those periods.

## Scientific Research

Evidence is limited to in vitro studies on human immune cells, with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified. The primary study (PMID: 28182113) evaluated aqueous root extract in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human THP-1 monocytes and primary neutrophils, demonstrating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through MAPK signaling pathways.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine system uses are described in the available research sources. Traditional use information was not documented in the studies reviewed.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other cruciferous vegetables, turmeric, ginger, omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in horseradish responsible for its health effects?

The primary bioactive compound is sinigrin, a glucosinolate that is converted by the enzyme myrosinase—activated when the root is crushed or chewed—into allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). AITC is responsible for horseradish's pungent flavor and its documented anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer properties observed in laboratory studies.

### Does horseradish reduce inflammation?

In vitro studies show that aqueous horseradish root extract inhibits key inflammatory mediators in a concentration-dependent manner, specifically suppressing TNF-α release, COX-2 expression, PGE2 synthesis, and LTB4 production via MAPK pathway interference. However, these findings are currently limited to cell-based models, and no well-powered human clinical trials have confirmed equivalent anti-inflammatory effects in vivo at supplement doses.

### What is a typical horseradish supplement dosage?

There is no established standardized clinical dose for horseradish supplements due to the absence of robust human pharmacokinetic trials. Commercial preparations often provide 300–500 mg of dried horseradish root per capsule, and combination products used in European respiratory infection studies (e.g., with nasturtium) typically delivered the equivalent of approximately 80 mg of fresh horseradish root per tablet taken multiple times daily. Dosing should follow product-specific labeling until clinical data establish evidence-based guidelines.

### Can horseradish interact with thyroid medications?

Yes, horseradish contains glucosinolates that can act as goitrogens, potentially interfering with thyroid iodine uptake and reducing the efficacy of thyroid hormone medications such as levothyroxine. This effect is more pronounced with large or concentrated supplemental doses than typical culinary use. Individuals with hypothyroidism or those taking thyroid medications should consult a healthcare provider before using horseradish supplements.

### Is horseradish safe during pregnancy?

Horseradish safety during pregnancy has not been established through controlled clinical research, and concentrated supplemental forms are generally considered inadvisable due to the irritant properties of allyl isothiocyanate and the potential goitrogenic effects of sinigrin. Small culinary amounts in food are unlikely to pose significant risk, but supplement doses should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding until safety data are available. Always consult an obstetrician before adding any herbal supplement during pregnancy.

### What forms of horseradish supplement are most bioavailable?

Fresh or freeze-dried root extracts preserve more of horseradish's active glucosinolates compared to heat-processed supplements, since these compounds are sensitive to high temperatures. Aqueous extracts and standardized preparations containing glucosinolates or their breakdown products (isothiocyanates) demonstrate the strongest bioavailability in research models. Enteric-coated capsules may improve delivery to the small intestine where absorption occurs, reducing potential stomach irritation from raw preparations.

### Are there natural food sources of horseradish I can use instead of supplements?

Fresh horseradish root is readily available in grocery stores and farmer's markets, and can be grated into foods to provide the active compounds found in supplements. One to two teaspoons of freshly grated horseradish root contains meaningful levels of glucosinolates, though the exact content varies by growing conditions and harvest time. Culinary use of fresh horseradish provides benefits similar to supplements without requiring standardized dosing, though consistency is harder to control.

### What does the current research quality show about horseradish's anti-inflammatory claims?

Most evidence for horseradish's anti-inflammatory effects comes from in vitro studies using isolated human immune cells, which show inhibition of inflammatory markers like TNF-α and COX-2, but do not confirm effects in living organisms. Human clinical trials specifically testing horseradish supplementation are limited, making it difficult to establish effective doses or confirm that lab findings translate to real health benefits. While preliminary data is promising, stronger evidence from randomized controlled human studies is needed before making definitive claims about horseradish's anti-inflammatory efficacy.

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