The scientific name of the radish is Raphanus raphanistrum subsp.

sativus (L.) Domin.

Other names include

ARABIC: Fijil, Fujl.

BENGALI: Mul.
BURMESE: Monla
CHINESE: Luo bo, Lai fu, Lai-fu-tzu ts-ao, Ou zhou luo bo.
CROATIAN: Rotkva, Rotkvica.
CZECH: edkvika.
DANISH: Raeddike.
DUTCH: Radijs.
FINNISH: Retiisi, Retikka, Ruokaretikka.
FRENCH: Radis.
GERMAN: Rettich, Garten-Rettich, Radieschen.
GREEK: Rapani.
HEBREW: Tznonit.
HINDI: Mulla, Mooli, Muli, Ml.
HUNGARIAN: Retek.
ICELANDIC: Raefla.
ITALIAN: Rafano, Ravanello.
JAPANESE: (Yas) Hatsuka daikon, Radeisshu.
KHMER: Chhaay thaaw.
KOREAN: Mu.
LAOTIAN: Kaad khaaw.
MALAY: Lobak.
MARATHI: Mlaka.
NEPALESE: Mulo.
NORWEGIAN: Reddik.
PERSIAN: Torobcheh.
POLISH: Rzodkiew, Rzodkiewka.
PORTUGUESE: Rabanete.
PUNJABI: Ml.
RUSSIAN: ed'ka ogorodnaia, Red'ka posevnaia.
SANSKRIT: Muulaka.
SERBIAN: Rotkvica.
SLOVANIAN: Retkvica.
SPANISH: Rbano, Rabanito.
SWEDISH: Rdisa.
TAMIL: Muulam, Mullangki.
THAI: Hua phak kat khao, Hua chai to,
URDU: Ml.
VIETNAMESE: C ci , C dn , Radi.

Radish is a coarse, annual crop plant. Roots are fleshy, pungent and
variable in size and form. Leaves are roughly hairy, the lower ones
lyrate. Flowers are variable, about 1.5 centimeters long, usually
white or lilac, with purple veins, sepals erect, lateral ones saccate at
the base. Pod is indehiscent, lanceolate, cylindrical, and 2 to 2.6
centimeters in length, and terminates in a long beak. Seeds are
separated by pith.

Distribution
- Widely cultivated in the world at all altitudes.

Medicinal Properties of radish

Considered anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiscorbutic,

diuretic, laxative, tonic, carminative, corrective, stomachic,
cholagogue, lithotriptic, emmenagogue.

The juice of the fresh root is considered powerfully antiscorbutic.

Roots considered carminative and corrective.

Flowers considered becnic and cholagogue.

Seeds considered diuretic, laxative, stimulant, and lithotriptic.

In Iranian traditional medicine, seeds are considered diuretic

carminative, anti-fever, antitussive and gastric tonic. Study yielded
ten isothiocyanates, seven aliphatic hydrocarbons and some volatile
substances.

Constituents

Phytochemical study yielded triterpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids,

tannins, saponin and coumarins.

Study for volatile constituents yielded 10 isothicyanates, seven

aliphatic hydrocarbons and some other volatile substances.

Root yields raphanol, rettichol, volatile oil, methylmercaptan,

vitamins B1, sinapin and oxydase.

Seeds yield fatty oil (30%), ash (3.5%), volatile oil, sulphuric acid,
erucic acid and C8H15NS2.

Methanol extraction yielded two new compounds identified as -

sitosterol and 1-O-(-D-glucopyranosyl)-(2S, 3S, 4R, 8E)-2-[(2'R)-
2'-hydroxyltetracos-15'-enoylamino]-8-octa-decene-1, 3, 4-triol.

Fractionation of methanol extract of seeds yielded seven 4-

methylthio-butanyl derivatives, viz., sinapoyl desulfoglucoraphenin
(1), (E)-5-(methylsulfinyl)pent-4-enoxylimidic acid methyl ester (2),
and (S)-5-([methylsulfinyl)methyl]pyrrolidine-2-thione (3),
together with four known compounds, 5-(methylsulfinyl)-4-
pentenenitrile (4), 5-(methylsulfinyl)-pentanenitrile (5),
sulforaphene (6), and sulforaphane (7).

Fresh vegetable yields 91.00% moisture; seeds on extraction with

petroleum ether yield albuminoids 18.00%, soluble carbohydrates
52.66%, woody fiber 9.34%, and ash 16.00%. (Nadkarni, 1954)

Parts utilized

Whole plant.

When seeds are ripe, harvest the whole plant, sun-dry, remove the
seeds and dry again. Crush on use. Roots can also be sun-dried for
use.

Uses
Edibility / Nutrition

- Leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds are edible.

- A popular, common, and inexpensive vegetable, eaten raw or

cooked.

- Young leaves are also eaten raw or cooked.

- Excellent source of iron, ascorbic acid, folic acid, and

potassium; a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin,
magnesium, copper and calcium.

Folkloric traditional medicine uses, remedies and benefits

of radish

For diarrhea: boil the fresh leaves to concentrated decoction and

drink.

Juice of leaves increases the flow of urine and promotes bowel

movements.

Juice of fresh leaves also used as laxative; also for dropsy and
general anasarca.

Root considered stimulant; also used for piles and stomach pains.
 Juice used to expel wind from the bowels.

Juice of fresh roots considered antiscorbutic.

Roots are crushed and applied locally as dressing or poultice for

burns, scalds, ecchymoses, or fetid or smelly feet.

Decoction of root used for fevers.

Decoction of roots used to bring out the rash in eruptive fevers.

Coughs: Decoction of flowers; or, boil 6 to 15 gms seed preparation

to decoction and drink.

Seeds promote the flow of urine, bowel movements, and

menstruation.

Seeds used for cancer of the stomach.

For patients with edema, bloated belly (ascites), pale yellowish

face, and oliguria: used dried root preparation with citrus rind
preparation (5:1 proportion). Boil to a concentrated decoction and
drink.

In Mexico, black radish has been used for treatment of gallstones

and for decreasing blood lipids.

In India, plant used as purgative, stimulant, antiscorbutic, diuretic

and lithotryptic. Roots used for piles, gastric pains, dysuria and
strangury. Seeds used as expectorant, diuretic, laxative, and
carminative. (see study)

Other uses

Repellent

Scientific proven facts about uses of radish

Histaminergic / Spasmolytic:

Pharmacological basis for the gut stimulatory activity of Raphanus

sativus leaves: A study on the crude extract of RS leaves showed the
presence of a histaminergic component plus a weak spasmolytic
factor supporting its traditional use for constipation.

Toxicity Report:

Severe Toxic Hepatitis Provoked by Squeezed Black Radish

(Raphanus Sativus) Juice - Case Report: Cited in phytotherapy
literature as a plant with hepatoprotective properties, this reports a
severe toxic hepatitis from use of black radish extract to dissolve
bile duct stone.

Hepatoprotective / protects liver:

Studies on Raphanus sativus as Hepatoprotective Agents (Thesis):

Results showed the ethanolic extract of RS contain hepatoprotective
constituents.

Hepatoprotective:

Study of crude powder of Raphanus sativus leaves reduced the risk

of liver damage by paracetamol.

Antiurolithiatic Activity / Diuretic:

Study of aqueous extract of the bark of RS on rats showed

a significant decrease in the weight of stones. Study also
showed an increase in 24 hour urine volume compared to control.

Water Phenol Decontamination:

Decontamination of Water Polluted with Phenol Using Raphanus

sativus Root: Plant materials have been used in decontamination of
water polluted with phenolic compounds. The study used RS roots
(root juice and pieces). Results showed good phenol removal from
aqueous solutions with cut R sativus root and juice.

Antioxidant / Lipid Peroxidation Inhibition:

Study of methanol extract of RS showed inhibition of lipid

peroxidation in vivo and in vitro, providing protection by
strengthening antioxidants like glutathione and catalase. Results
suggest inclusion of the plant in every day diet may be beneficial.
 Phytochemicals / Toxicity Study / Hepatoprotective
Activity:

Study of showed carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity was

reduced by the plant as showed by inhibition of increased liver
enzyme activities and bilirubin concentration together with
histopath changes. Toxicity study showed no adverse effect on
livers. Phytochemical studies yielded triterpenes, alklaoids,
flavanoids, tannins, saponins and coumarins.

Phytochemicals / Gastroprotective:

Study of the freshly squeezed radish juice for its anti-gastric ulcer
activity in experimental models showed it possessed
gastroprotective potential related to mucus secretion stimulation
and an increase in nonproteinsulfhydryl (NP-SH) concentration,
probably due to prostaglandin-inducing abilities mediated through
antioxidant activity. Phytochemicals study yielded flavonoids,
anthocyanins and sulfurated constituents.

Antioxidant / Choleretic:

Study of extract from radish sprouts in rats showed antioxidant

properties and significantly induced bile flow.

Anti-Diabetic:

Study showed that the sprouts of Japanese radish has the potential
to alleviate hyperglycemia and may serve in the primary prevention
of diabetes mellitus.

Spasmogenic Effect:

In vitro study was done to evaluate the effects of crude extracts of

roots on isolated rat trachea. Results showed significant cholinergic
spasmogenic effects.

Hepatoprotective / Carbon Tetrachloride Toxicity:

Study of a crude extract of seed showed hepatoprotective effect

against liver damage induced by CCl4.

Antilithiasic / Hypolipidemic Effect:

Study evaluated the effect of juice squeezed from black radish root
in cholesterol gallstones and serum lipids in mice. A lithogenic diet
induced cholesterol gallstones and increased cholesterol and
triglyceride levels. Juice treatment caused significant
eradication of cholesterol gallstones, together with
decrease in cholesterol and triglycerides., with an
increase in HDL.

Antimicrobial / Root Juice:

Study evaluated R. sativus root juice for antimicrobial potential

against five bacterial strains, viz. Klebsiella pneumonia,
Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus
faecalis, and Escherichia. Results showed considerable
antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms.

Antibacterial / Seed Extract:

Study evaluated the potentiality of different solvent extracts against

various pathogenic strains, viz. E coli, K pneumonia, P vulgaris, P
aeruginosa, Shigella sonnie, S typhi and S paratyphi. The highest
activity was seen in ethanol and methanol extracts. The effect could
be secondary to extracted active compounds like flavonoids,
phenolic compounds, saponins, and other secondary metabolites.

Anti-Inflammatory / Root Extract:

Study evaluated the effect of a root extract on anti-inflammatory

activity in rats using a carrageenan induced paw edema model. The
hydroalcoholic extract showed potent anti-inflammatory activity
which may be due to the presence of flavonoids, phytosterols, and
tannins and also inhibition of inflammatory mediators ( histamine,
serotonin, prostaglandins, bradykinin, substance P, etc.)

Hepatoprotective / protects liver / CCl4-Induced

Toxicity:

Study evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of radish enzyme

extract in vitro and in vivo test. Results showed the enzyme extract
can significantly diminish hepatic damage by toxic agents such as
tacrine or CCl4.
Study of crude extract of seeds in doses of 600 and 800 mg/kg may
be protective against liver damage caused by CCl4.

Antidiabetic / Root Juice:

Study of R. sativus root juice for glycemic attributes showed good

hypoglycemic potential coupled with antidiabetic efficacy.

Laxative / Leaf:

Study evaluated aqueous extract and fresh juice for laxative action
using wistar albino rats in various experimental models such as
loperamide induced constipation, laxative activity test,
gastrointestinal motility test and water and electrolyze secretion
test. Results showed significant laxative activity at higher dose of
750 mg/kg.

Anti-Inflammatory / Leaf and Root Juice:

Study evaluated freshly squeezed leaf and root juice in for anti-
inflammatory activity in albino rats. While both leaf juice and root
juice significantly reduced carrageenan and formalin induced paw
edema in rats, the root juice produced more significant anti-
inflammatory effects in both acute and chronic models of
inflammation. However, the effect was less than standard drug
diclofenac sodium.

Antinociceptive / reduces sensitivity to pain / Roots:

Study evaluated the antinociceptive potential of methanolic extract

of roots in intraperitoneally administered acetic acid induced pain
model in mice. Results showed significant antinociceptive activity,
with the highest extract dose nearly comparable to the highest dose
of aspirin.

Triglyceride Effect:

Study of aqueous extract showed lowering of plasma triglyceride,

but had no effect on plasma glucose or cholesterol.

- Amylase and - Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity:

Study of ethanolic extract and fractions showed dose dependent
inhibition of -amylase and -glucosidase enzyme, exhibiting lower
inhibitory activity than acarbose. Results suggest potential for
antidiabetic therapy and development of medicinal
preparations, nutraceuticals, and function foods for diabetes.

Glucocerebroside / Anti-Cancer:

Methanol extraction yielded two compounds determined to be 1-O-

(-D-glucopyranosyl)-(2S, 3S, 4R, 8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxyl-
tetracos-15'-enoyl amino]-8-octa-decene- 1, 3, 4-triol
(glucocerebroside). The glucocerebroside could inhibit the growth
of BEL-7402 cancer cells and induce apoptosis in these cells.

4-Methylthio-butanyl Derivatives / Seeds / Anti-Cancer /

Anti-Inflammatory:

Study evaluated seed extracts for anti-inflammatory and antitumor

activities. Fractionation yielded seven 4-methylthio-butanyl
derivatives. Compound 1 (sinapoyl desulfoglucoraphenin) inhibited
nitric oxide production. All compounds showed antiproliferative
activities against four human tumor cell lines.

Cardioprotective / good for heart / Antioxidant:

Study evaluated water and ethanolic extracts of fruit powder for

cardioprotective activity in Cyclosporin-induced ischemia in
rabbits. The powder and aqueous extract significantly decreased
(P<0.001) the uric acid and activity of enzymes (SGOT and LDH) in
treated rabbits. Both fruit powder and aqueous extract showed
dose-dependent in vitro free radical scavenging effect on DPPH
assay.

Antifertility Effects:

Study on R. sativus showed antifertility activity. In male rates, study

showed a decrease in sperm count, motility, and weight of testis and
epididymis. In female rats, it disturbed the estrous cycle and
decreased the number of implantation, average number of pups
delivered, average weight of the pups, number of corpus lutea, and
weight of ovary. Results suggest a potential as antifertility agent.
 Phytoremediation / Copper:

Based on bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) analysis, mustard and

radish can be considered high accumulator plants for Cu. Radish
has been shown to produce 10 times more biomass than the other
three plant studies, and accumulation of copper was higher in the
root tissue of radish and mustard.

Analgesic / Anti-Inflammatory / Leaves / reduces pain,

inflammation, and swelling:

Study evaluated the analgesic (hot plate and tail immersion) and
anti-inflammatory (carrageenan) activities of R. sativus leaves in
animal model. Results showed significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent
analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Phytoremediation / Lead:

Pot culture experiments using radish investigated lead (Pb)

phytotoxic effects on antioxidant enzymes and other early warming
biomarkers of soil Pb exposure. Results showed radish is a
hyperaccumulator plant that can concentrate heavy metals in
different parts, with potential use for remediation of polluted areas.

Anticarcinogenic / Galactan / Colon Cancer: Study

evaluated the anti-carcinogenic effect of Raphanus sativus in
combating chemically (DMH) induced colon cancer. Results showed
RS significantly reduced serum CEA (p<0.01) and CA19-9 (p<0.01)
as evidence of anticarcinogenic effect. Results showed the galactan
polysaccharide of RS has pronounced cytotoxic effects on colon
cancer cell line and might be a suitable candidate as
chemopreventive and adjuvant therapy for colon cancer.

Availability

Wild-crafted.

Commercial cultivation; ubiquitous in market places.

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