Raphanin

Raphanin, 4-(methylsulinyl)-3-butenyl isothiocyanate, is a co-determining ingredient of Raphani sativi radix, the radish root (the substance is also found in other pungent vegetable plants (see mustard oil below)). Raphanin is produced from the glucosinolate glucorophanin by enzymatic cleavage.

Experimentally, Raphanin has antiviral, antibacterial (staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci and Escherichia coli) and antifungal effects. These antimicrobial effects are used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine. The positive effects of Raphanin in hypothyroidism have not been proven.

1. Ivanovics G et al (21947) Isolation and properties of raphanin, an antibacterial substance from radish seed. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 66:625-630.
2. Rosztóczy I (1968) Effect of raphanin on the multiplication of some RNA and DNA viruses in, and interferon production by, cultured cells. Acta Microbiol Acad Sci Hung 15:311-316.