# Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/horseradish
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Armoracia rusticana, Mountain radish, Great raifort, Red cole, Pepperrot, Cochlearia armoracia, Rettich, Kren, Rábano picante, Raifort sauvage

## Overview

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) contains allyl isothiocyanate as its primary bioactive compound, which provides antimicrobial properties through enzyme disruption in pathogenic bacteria. This European herb also delivers significant vitamin C content and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) polyphenols that support [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support).

## Health Benefits

• Antibacterial activity against respiratory and urinary tract infections (supported by in vitro studies, no clinical trials provided) • [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties from polyphenolic compounds including quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin (in vitro evidence only) • Rich source of vitamin C providing 90-105 mg/100g in lyophilized root (compositional data, no clinical outcomes) • Contains [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) allyl isothiocyanate comprising 64-82% of volatile compounds (in vitro studies only) • Mineral-rich profile including calcium, magnesium, zinc, and potassium (compositional analysis, no clinical evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Allyl isothiocyanate, formed when horseradish is crushed and myrosinase enzyme converts glucosinolates, disrupts bacterial cell walls and inhibits microbial growth. The polyphenolic compounds quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin provide antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals and reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Vitamin C supports immune function through enhanced [white blood cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity and [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health).

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for horseradish is limited to in vitro studies demonstrating [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against respiratory and urinary tract pathogens. No randomized controlled trials have evaluated horseradish supplementation in humans for therapeutic benefits. Laboratory studies show [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) from polyphenolic compounds, but clinical translation remains unproven. The primary evidence base consists of traditional use and preliminary laboratory research rather than human clinical data.

## Nutritional Profile

Fresh horseradish root (100g raw) provides approximately 48 kcal, 11.3g carbohydrates, 3.3g dietary fiber, 1.18g protein, and 0.69g fat. Moisture content is approximately 85%. Key micronutrients include vitamin C (24.9mg/100g fresh root, rising to 90-105mg/100g in lyophilized/freeze-dried root due to water removal), folate (57mcg/100g), potassium (246mg/100g), calcium (56mg/100g), magnesium (27mg/100g), phosphorus (31mg/100g), and sodium (420mg/100g in prepared/preserved forms). Primary bioactive compounds are glucosinolates, predominantly sinigrin (allyl glucosinolate) at approximately 25-60mg/g dry weight, which hydrolyzes via myrosinase enzyme activity upon tissue damage to yield allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), the principal volatile responsible for pungency and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. Secondary glucosinolates include gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin at lower concentrations. Polyphenolic content includes quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin as identified flavonoids, with total polyphenol content estimated at 150-300mg gallic acid equivalents/100g fresh weight. Bioavailability note: isothiocyanate bioavailability from intact glucosinolates is highly dependent on myrosinase activity; cooking inactivates myrosinase, significantly reducing AITC yield, though gut microbiota retain partial hydrolytic capacity. Vitamin C bioavailability is comparable to other vegetable sources but degrades rapidly with heat and oxidation.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges were provided in the research dossier. The plant contains approximately 0.2-1.0% essential oil by weight, but human dosing protocols have not been established in the cited sources. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Horseradish is generally safe when consumed in food amounts but may cause gastrointestinal irritation, skin burning, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. High doses can potentially interact with anticoagulant medications due to vitamin K content. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid medicinal doses due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or [thyroid](/ingredients/condition/hormonal) conditions should consult healthcare providers before supplementation.

## Scientific Research

The provided research dossier contains no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PMIDs. All evidence cited consists of phytochemical characterization studies and in vitro [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) testing, with researchers noting horseradish has 'well-established use' based solely on laboratory data rather than clinical outcomes.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier provides minimal historical context, noting only that horseradish has 'well-established use as an antibacterial remedy against bacterial infections of the airway and urinary tract.' No specific traditional medicine systems, historical timeline, or cultural uses were documented in the provided sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Cranberry extract, Echinacea, Elderberry, Garlic

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in horseradish?

Allyl isothiocyanate is the primary active compound in horseradish, formed when the enzyme myrosinase converts glucosinolates upon crushing. This compound provides the characteristic pungent flavor and antimicrobial properties.

### How much vitamin C is in horseradish?

Fresh horseradish contains approximately 90mg of vitamin C per 100g serving, which is about 100% of the daily recommended value. This makes it one of the richest vegetable sources of vitamin C.

### Can horseradish help with sinus infections?

In vitro studies suggest horseradish's allyl isothiocyanate has antimicrobial effects against respiratory pathogens. However, no clinical trials have confirmed its effectiveness for treating sinus infections in humans.

### What are horseradish side effects?

Common side effects include stomach irritation, skin burning upon contact, and potential allergic reactions. High doses may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

### Is horseradish safe during pregnancy?

Food amounts of horseradish are likely safe during pregnancy, but medicinal doses should be avoided due to insufficient safety data. Pregnant women should consult healthcare providers before using horseradish supplements.

### What is the difference between fresh horseradish root and horseradish supplements?

Fresh horseradish root contains higher concentrations of glucosinolates and volatile compounds that are responsible for its pungent flavor and antimicrobial properties, though these compounds may diminish during processing. Lyophilized (freeze-dried) horseradish supplements concentrate the active constituents and vitamin C content, making dosing more standardized, but the heat and processing involved in supplement manufacturing may alter some volatile antimicrobial compounds. Fresh root is typically used as a condiment in smaller quantities, while supplements allow for higher therapeutic doses in convenient forms.

### Does horseradish interact with blood thinners or antiplatelet medications?

While horseradish itself is not documented to directly interact with warfarin or aspirin, its high vitamin K content (as a leafy green source) theoretically could affect warfarin efficacy if consumed in very large supplemental amounts. The antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds in horseradish have not been shown to inhibit or enhance cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in medication metabolism. If taking blood thinners, inform your healthcare provider before adding horseradish supplements to your regimen, though culinary amounts are unlikely to pose concerns.

### Who should avoid horseradish supplements, and are there specific populations at higher risk?

Individuals with peptic ulcers, gastritis, or inflammatory bowel conditions should avoid horseradish supplements due to the pungent glucosinolates that may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. People with thyroid disorders should use caution, as horseradish contains goitrogens that may interfere with iodine absorption when consumed in large supplemental quantities. Those with kidney disease or taking medications affected by vitamin K should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with horseradish.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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