Raphanus sativus
Botanical Nomenclature | Raphanus sativus |
Common Name | Radish |
Taxonomy- Family | Cruciferae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Raphanus sativus is an annual or biennial plant growing up to 60cm, with long, green leaves in rosette and white, pink or violet flowers. The flowering lasts from February to September and the harvesting takes place in autumn and spring |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Root, tubers |
Active Substances | Vitamin C, A, glucoraphanin (glucoside). An antibiotic substance, called sulforaphane, is formed when glucoraphanin is hydrolysed. Also, the plant contains lutein, protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is administered as nasal decongestant, laxative, antioxidant, immune stimulant and orexigenic by increasing gastric secretions. It is applied externally to the skin against allergic reactions, as well as an anaplastic and healing agent, stimulating collagen production. Due to the contained lutein the plant has antioxidant and anti-cancer actions, and it is recommended as dietary supplement to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. In homeopathy it is recommended against neuralgia, insomnia, chronic diarrhea, liver diseases and gallstones. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered either orally or externally to the skin in the form of herbal tea (a quantity of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times a day) and in the form of tincture which is recommended especially in homeopathy (oral administration). The plant is often used as an ingredient in dietary supplements, but it can be consumed also in the form of juice, as a fresh salad, or cooked. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects have been reported. |
References | 1)http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2012/161205/ 2)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834419/ 3)http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Raphanus+sativus 4)https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/radish01.html 5)https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-radish.html |