Black Radish
Raphanus sativus var. niger
Efficacy
- Indications with possible efficacy:
None - Indications with possible, but poorly documented, efficacy :
Peptic disorders involving bile duct motility conditions (popular use) - Other indications with no proof of efficacy:
Cold
Cough
Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx
Inflammation of upper respiratory tract
Loss of appetite
Tendency towards infections
Security
- Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
- Adverse Effects: Not Frequent
Description
Part of the plant used: roots
The root appears to stimulate secretions in the upper digestive tract, promotes motility and stimulates bile flow. It also seems to have antimicrobial effects. Its medicinal properties are attributed to the plant's glycosides and essential oils.
Direction of use
- Peptic disorders associated with poor motility of the bile ducts
Usual doses:
A half tablespoon of pressed root juice, several times a day, up to 50 to 100 mL per day.
There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that black radish is effective in any other indication.
Precautions
- Side effects
Black radish is not associated with any specific toxicity. Large amounts may cause an irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. - Contraindications
Avoid its use if cholelithiasis. - Interactions
There are no known drug interactions. - Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Since there is no safety data available concerning its use during pregnancy and breast-feeding, pregnant and lactating women should not take black radish.
Warning
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
References
- Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
- Passeportsanté.net. Radis noir. www.passeportsante.net
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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.