Brassica Nigra Herb (Brassica nigra): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does black mustard work as a chest poultice?

Black mustard seeds contain sinigrin, which converts to allyl isothiocyanate when crushed and mixed with water. This compound acts as a rubefacient, causing local vasodilation and increased blood flow to the skin surface. This counter-irritant effect draws blood away from deeper congested tissues, explaining its traditional use for chest congestion. The increased circulation and mild inflammatory response help loosen mucus and ease respiratory discomfort (Evidence level: C, Traditional).

Is black mustard safe to use during pregnancy?

Black mustard is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The allyl isothiocyanate compound can stimulate uterine contractions and may pose risks to fetal development. Pregnant women should avoid both medicinal topical applications and high doses of mustard seed. While small culinary amounts as a food spice are generally considered acceptable, pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming mustard therapeutically (Evidence level: C).

Does black mustard interact with any medications?

Black mustard may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to its circulatory stimulant properties. Patients taking blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin should exercise caution with medicinal doses. Additionally, the glucosinolate compounds in Brassica species can potentially affect thyroid function and may interfere with thyroid medications when consumed in large amounts. Patients with kidney disease should avoid medicinal use due to additional renal burden (Evidence level: C).

How long should a mustard poultice be applied to the skin?

A black mustard poultice should be applied for no longer than 10-15 minutes to prevent skin damage. Prolonged contact significantly increases the risk of blistering, skin burns, and tissue irritation. Users should monitor the skin closely and remove the poultice immediately if intense burning or pain occurs. A cloth barrier between the mustard paste and skin can help reduce irritation risk. Never apply to broken skin or ulcers (Evidence level: Traditional).

Why does black mustard cause skin blistering?

Black mustard contains allyl isothiocyanate, a potent volatile compound that acts as a chemical irritant. When applied topically, this compound triggers a strong inflammatory response in the skin, causing vasodilation, increased permeability, and potential tissue damage. Extended contact or high concentrations overwhelm the skin's protective barriers, leading to blister formation. People with sensitive skin, existing ulcers, or compromised skin integrity face higher blistering risk and should avoid topical application entirely (Evidence level: Traditional).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Brassica nigra (black mustard) is a member of the Brassicaceae family used globally as a condiment and for medicinal purposes [PMID:29521240, PMID:34574199]. It is noted for containing bioactive compounds with potential anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties [PMID:27043505, PMID:41164933].

Contexte

Brassica nigra, also known as black mustard, is a plant in the Brassicaceae family widely cultivated in Europe, India, and the Mediterranean region [PMID:29521240]. It is a diploid species that serves as a donor of the B-genome for allotetraploids such as B. juncea and B. carinata [PMID:40366382].

Usages traditionnels

Mustard has been used since ancient times for culinary and medicinal properties and is systematically described in classical Ayurvedic texts [PMID:27043505]. It has also been used traditionally for medicinal purposes by early Australians and New Zealanders [PMID:29361740].

Composés actifs

The seeds contain high amounts of sinigrin (an aliphatic glucosinolate) [PMID:27043505]. Hydrolysis of glycosinolates by the enzyme myrosinase yields allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), which is responsible for the plant's pungent odor and bitter taste [PMID:29521240, PMID:25836415]. Other identified compounds include sinapic acid, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids [PMID:42196580, PMID:33027718].

Mécanisme d'action

B. nigra extracts have demonstrated the ability to inhibit human non-small cell lung cancer cells by inducing cellular apoptosis through increased caspase-3 activity and regulating the cell cycle, migration, and invasion [PMID:32365503].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DLung Cancer (In Vitro)

Ethanolic extract of B. nigra seeds showed a concentration-dependent growth-inhibitory effect and induced apoptosis in A549 and H1299 human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines [PMID:32365503].

Preuve DFungal Growth (In Vitro)

B. nigra essential oil inhibited the growth of Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium citrinum, and Aspergillus niger via direct contact and vapor phase exposure [PMID:25836415].

Preuve DBacterial Infection (In Vitro)

Extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis [PMID:42196580].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Aspiration of ground black mustard seeds can cause acute, severe respiratory distress, airway irritation, and edema due to the toxic compound isothiocyanate [PMID:9776963].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and literature reviews (Level C and D). While there is strong evidence of phytochemical activity (antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative), high-quality human clinical trials are lacking.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 27043505 (2016) — Sinigrin and Its Therapeutic Benefits. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 29521240 (2019) — Brassica Nigra: Ethopharmacological Review of a Routinely Used Condiment. · Current drug discovery technologies
3.PMID: 34574199 (2021) — Biologically Active Compounds in Mustard Seeds: A Toxicological Perspective. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 33666283 (2021) — Phytotherapy and food applications from Brassica genus. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
5.PMID: 29361740 (2018) — Brassicaceae Mustards: Traditional and Agronomic Uses in Australia and New Zealand. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
6.

Brassica Nigra Herb

Sources et citations

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