Nasturtium
OTHER NAME(S): Cresson d'Inde, Goldglanz, Grande Capucine, Indian Cress, Tropaeolum, Tropaeolum majus, Capuchina, Capucine
Overview
Nasturtium is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
People take nasturtium in combination with other herbs for infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs), infections of the airways, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Nasturtium contains vitamin C and might help fight bacteria, fungi, viruses, and tumors.
Nasturtium contains vitamin C and might help fight bacteria, fungi, viruses, and tumors.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Infection of the airways. Early research shows that taking a specific product containing horseradish root and nasturtium might make infections of the airway happen less often.
- Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs). Early research shows that taking a specific product containing horseradish root and nasturtium might help to prevent recurring UTIs.
- Cough.
- Bronchitis.
- Mild muscle pain, when applied directly to the skin.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of nasturtium for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Nasturtium is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth. It has been used safely in combination with horseradish for up to 3 months. However, it might cause stomach upset, kidney damage, and other side effects.
When applied to the skin: Nasturtium is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied directly to the skin in combination with other natural medicines. It can cause skin irritation, especially if used for a long time.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Nasturtium is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth. It has been used safely in combination with horseradish for up to 3 months. However, it might cause stomach upset, kidney damage, and other side effects.
When applied to the skin: Nasturtium is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied directly to the skin in combination with other natural medicines. It can cause skin irritation, especially if used for a long time.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if nasturtium is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Nasturtium is LIKELY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. There isn't enough reliable information to know if nasturtium is safe for children when applied to the skin.
Stomach or intestinal ulcers: Don't take nasturtium if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers. It might make ulcers worse.
Kidney disease: Don't take nasturtium if you have kidney disease. It might make kidney disease worse.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Nasturtium overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of nasturtium depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for nasturtium. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Pintao AM, Pais MS, Coley H, et al. In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of benzyl isothiocyanate: a natural product from Tropaeolum majus. Planta Med 1995;61:233-6.
- Fintelmann V, Albrecht U, Schmitz G, Schnitker J. Efficacy and safety of a combination herbal medicinal product containing Tropaeoli majoris herba and Armoraciae rusticanae radix for the prophylactic treatment of patients with respiratory tract diseases: a randomised, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial. Curr Med Res Opin 2012;28(11):1799-807.
- Albrecht U, Goos KH, Schneider B. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a herbal medicinal product containing Tropaeoli majoris herba (Nasturtium) and Armoraciae rusticanae radix (Horseradish) for the prophylactic treatment of patients with chronically recurrent lower urinary tract infections. Curr Med Res Opin 2007;23(10):2415-22.
- Gasparotto A Jr, Boffo MA, Lourenço EL, Stefanello ME, Kassuya CA, Marques MC. Natriuretic and diuretic effects of Tropaeolum majus (Tropaeolaceae) in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;122(3):517-22.
- Perez-Crespo M, Silvestre JF, Mataix J, Ballester I, Toledo F, Betlloch I. Contact dermatitis due to nasturtium. Contact Dermatitis. 2009;60(4):229-30.
- Platz S, Kühn C, Schiess S, et al. Bioavailability and metabolism of benzyl glucosinolate in humans consuming Indian cress (Tropaeolum majus L.). Mol Nutr Food Res. 2016;60(3):652-60.
- Tran HT, Márton MR, Herz C, et al. Nasturtium (Indian cress, Tropaeolum majus nanum) dually blocks the COX and LOX pathway in primary human immune cells. Phytomedicine. 2016;23(6):611-20.