# Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/tropaeolum-majus
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Herb
**Also Known As:** Garden nasturtium, Indian cress, Monks cress, Capuchin cress, Nasturtium, Large nasturtium, Tropaeolum, Poor man's watercress, Pickled capers substitute

## Overview

Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium) contains benzyl isothiocyanate and other glucosinolates that provide antibacterial and potential antiproliferative effects. The plant's bioactive compounds work through [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) mechanisms and may interfere with cancer cell proliferation pathways.

## Health Benefits

["\u2022 May possess antiproliferative properties. Essential oil showed activity against cervical, colon, and osteosarcoma cancer cell lines in lab studies (in vitro evidence).[2]", "\u2022 Exhibits antibacterial activity. Fresh herb juice demonstrated inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli (in vitro evidence).[1]", "\u2022 May act as a diuretic. Extracts from the plant's underground organs were shown to increase diuresis and sodium excretion in rats (animal study evidence).[1]", "\u2022 Contains [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds. Nasturtium is a source of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and vitamin C, which are known to have antioxidant effects (mechanistic evidence).[3]", "\u2022 Provides key [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) compounds. It contains benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a compound noted for its anti-inflammatory and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) mechanisms (preclinical evidence).[1][2][4]"]

## Mechanism of Action

Nasturtium's primary bioactive compounds include benzyl isothiocyanate and other glucosinolates that exhibit [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting bacterial enzyme systems. The isothiocyanates may also interfere with cancer cell proliferation through apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest mechanisms. These sulfur-containing compounds are released when plant tissues are damaged, converting from glucotropaeolin precursors via myrosinase enzyme activity.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for nasturtium is limited to in vitro studies and traditional use observations. Laboratory studies show essential oil activity against Staphylococcus aureus and cancer cell lines including cervical, colon, and osteosarcoma cells, though specific inhibition percentages and concentrations were not fully detailed in available data. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic dosages or confirm efficacy. The evidence base relies primarily on traditional use patterns and preliminary laboratory research requiring further clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Tropaeolum majus leaves and flowers are notably rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid), with leaves containing approximately 130–300 mg per 100 g fresh weight, significantly higher than many common vegetables. The plant contains glucosinolates, primarily glucotropaeolin (benzyl glucosinolate), at concentrations of roughly 1–4% dry weight in leaves and seeds, which hydrolyze to form benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), the principal bioactive compound responsible for its pungent flavor and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. Leaves provide carotenoids including lutein (~40–60 mg/kg dry weight) and β-carotene (~10–30 mg/kg dry weight), contributing provitamin A activity. The flowers are rich in anthocyanins, particularly pelargonidin glycosides (in red/orange varieties) and delphinidin derivatives, with total anthocyanin content ranging from approximately 5–90 mg/100 g fresh weight depending on petal color. Flavonoids present include quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, with total flavonoid content in leaves estimated at 0.1–0.5% dry weight. The plant provides minerals including potassium (~400–500 mg/100 g fresh leaf), calcium (~50–70 mg/100 g), iron (~1.5–3.5 mg/100 g), phosphorus (~40–70 mg/100 g), and manganese in modest amounts. Leaves contain approximately 2–3 g protein per 100 g fresh weight, 0.3–0.7 g fat, 4–6 g carbohydrates, and 1–2 g dietary fiber per 100 g fresh weight, with a caloric value of roughly 20–30 kcal per 100 g. Seeds contain erucic acid (a long-chain fatty acid, C22:1) and higher concentrations of glucotropaeolin. Oxalic acid is present in moderate amounts, which may reduce bioavailability of calcium and iron. The bioavailability of benzyl isothiocyanate from glucotropaeolin is generally considered high when the fresh plant is consumed raw, as the enzyme myrosinase is active and facilitates hydrolysis; cooking significantly reduces isothiocyanate yield. Chlorogenic acid and other phenolic acids are also present, contributing to overall [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity (ORAC values for fresh leaves are moderately high among edible flowers/herbs).

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosage ranges are available, as all efficacy studies are preclinical. In vitro testing used essential oil at concentrations with an IC50 <5 µg/mL and extracts with an IC50 <27 µg/mL against cancer cell lines. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Nasturtium is generally considered safe when consumed as a food or in typical herbal preparations, though large medicinal doses have not been thoroughly studied. The plant's isothiocyanate content may cause gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals or with excessive consumption. No specific drug interactions have been documented, but the herb's potential effects on bacterial flora suggest caution with antibiotic medications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, so use during these periods should be avoided or limited to culinary amounts.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses were identified in the research dossier. All cited evidence is preclinical, limited to in vitro (lab-based) and animal studies.[1][2]

## Historical & Cultural Context

In European folk medicine, nasturtium was traditionally used as an antiscorbutic, [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), and general tonic to treat colds and respiratory illnesses. It was also employed for its diuretic, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and expectorant properties, with various parts of the plant being used.[1][3]

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Garlic (Allicin), Echinacea, Turmeric (Curcumin)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in nasturtium that provides health benefits?

Benzyl isothiocyanate is the primary bioactive compound in nasturtium, derived from glucotropaeolin when plant tissues are damaged. This sulfur-containing compound provides the plant's characteristic peppery taste and antimicrobial properties.

### How much nasturtium should I take for antibacterial effects?

No standardized therapeutic dosage has been established through clinical trials. Traditional use typically involves fresh leaves and flowers in salads or as herbal preparations, but specific amounts for medicinal effects remain unstudied in humans.

### Can nasturtium help fight cancer based on current research?

Laboratory studies show nasturtium essential oil has activity against cervical, colon, and osteosarcoma cancer cell lines in test tubes. However, no human studies exist to confirm these effects translate to cancer treatment or prevention benefits.

### Is nasturtium safe to eat during pregnancy?

Safety data for medicinal amounts of nasturtium during pregnancy is insufficient. While small culinary amounts in salads are likely safe, larger therapeutic doses should be avoided due to lack of safety studies in pregnant women.

### What bacteria does nasturtium work against?

Research demonstrates nasturtium's fresh herb juice has inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The benzyl isothiocyanate compounds likely provide broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, though specific effectiveness against other bacterial strains requires further study.

### What is the difference between nasturtium essential oil and fresh nasturtium herb for health benefits?

Nasturtium essential oil has demonstrated stronger antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines in laboratory studies compared to the whole herb, though both forms contain bioactive compounds like glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. Fresh herb juice is typically used for antibacterial applications and is easier to prepare at home, while the essential oil is more concentrated but requires careful handling. The optimal form depends on your intended use: essential oil for research-backed antimicrobial and potential antiproliferative effects, or fresh herb for general nutritional support and ease of consumption.

### Can nasturtium supplements interact with antibiotics or other common medications?

While nasturtium exhibits antibacterial properties in laboratory settings, there is limited clinical evidence regarding direct interactions with prescription antibiotics or other common medications. As with any herbal supplement, combining nasturtium with antibiotics theoretically could enhance or interfere with antimicrobial effects, though human studies are lacking. If you are taking antibiotics or other medications, consult your healthcare provider before adding nasturtium supplements to avoid potential synergistic or antagonistic effects.

### Is nasturtium more effective as a fresh food source or as a dried supplement for antibacterial benefits?

Fresh nasturtium herb juice demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity in research studies against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, suggesting that fresh forms may preserve more active compounds. Drying and processing can reduce the bioavailability of volatile oils and heat-sensitive glucosinolates, which are key to nasturtium's antimicrobial action. For maximum antibacterial benefit, consuming fresh nasturtium leaves or juice is likely more effective than dried or powdered supplements, though standardized extracts may offer convenience with documented potency.

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