Mustard seeds have different varieties, which belong to same genus Brassica and family Brassicaceae. White (Brassica alba), brown (Brassica juncea) and black (Brassica nigra) are the commonly available Mustard seed varieties. Asia, United States, Canada, many European countries like Greece, Rome, Eastern Meditarrian, Hungary, Britain, and the Middle East extensively use mustard seed for cooking and traditional medicinal practice purposes. Mustard seeds have a unique sharp aroma. [1]
Centuries ago, Mustard seeds have a special place in both Indian and Chinese folk medicinal cultures for treating both internal and external disorders. But this practice gradually spread to North American and European countries. [2]
The phytochemical composition of brown mustard seeds includes glyceride esters, glucosinolates, sterols, and fatty acids. [2]
The detail phytochemical screening of Mustard seeds found that flavonoids, anthraquinones, myrosin, glycosides, inosite, alkaloids, sinigrin, sinapine, and volatile oils are present in it. Phenolic compounds like gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, caffeic, and ferulic acid are also present in Mustard seeds. Carbohydrate, albumin (protein), gum and coloring matters are other nutritional compositions of Mustard seeds.[3]
The phytochemicals and phytonutrients present in mustard seeds mainly exert different mechanisms of action to cure and prevent different diseases.
There are three different forms of Mustard seeds are available:
In traditional and folk medicine practice, Mustard seeds have been used as a diuretic, stimulant, and purgative to treat a variety of diseases like peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum) and neuralgia (neuronal pain). Mustard seeds also used to treat chest congestion, muscular ache, rheumatism, back pain, arthritis, etc. [2]
Different scientific research studies had shown that Mustard seeds have multiple medicinal properties, such as antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, and antihypercholesterolemic activities, which is effective against diabetes, cardiac disorder, and other chronic health issues.
Both animal and human trial reports reported that Glucosinolates, the bioactive phytochemicals present in mustard seeds have antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal, effects. [2] The potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity effective against four pathogenic bacteria, including K. pneumonia, E. coli, Ps. Aureogenosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. [3]
Mustard seeds significantly reduce seizure attack for patients having Tonic and Clonic epilepsy. Animal study researchers reported that Mustard seeds could provide anti-epileptic effect probably by restrains voltage dependant sodium ion channels or by blocking glutaminergic excitation.
Mustard seeds can correct the carbohydrate metabolism by restoring key regulatory enzyme, which helps to maintain a balance between glucose and glycogen. The therapeutic benefit of Mustard seeds against diabetes could be occurred due to insulin release from the pancreas and alter the glucose metabolism enzyme activities to normal levels. Thus, this herbal ingredient can help to create a homeostasis in the liver and kidney. [2]
In oral consumption, mustard seeds have a stimulating property that acts as an appetizer. It increases gastric activity and promotes digestion. But a large amount of Mustard seeds consumption can cause extreme gastric irritation and may induce vomiting. [3]
This phytochemical of mustard seeds also exerted chemoprotective capacities in many cancers. [2]
Mustard seeds have anthelmintic property against Pheretima Posthuma and Ascardia Galli. This herbal ingredient causes paralysis and death of intestinal worms. [3]
Mustard seeds have also cardiac and respiratory stimulant activity by improving reflex action. This herbal remedy usually recommended for individuals face sudden faint. This herb provides force to activate these organs. [3]
Overconsumption of Mustard seeds may provide the following side effects:
Hypersensitive patients may experience an allergic reaction and skin irritation.
Overdose of Mustard seeds interferes with thyroid gland functioning due to the present of goitrogen compounds.
Individuals who have frequent kidney stones formation probability should avoid excessive mustard seeds consumption, as it can obstruct the calcium absorption due to the presence of oxalates in the seeds.
People should cautiously apply mustard seed paste plaster to cure chronic pain relief. Prolong application of mustard seed paste plaster can cause skin burning sensation and damage nerve tissue. A case study reported that an older aged female patient (71 years age) had experienced skin burning and rashes on her knee joint after applied scattered pulverized mustard seeds with petroleum jelly combination. She felt skin erosion after 24 hours and clinician observed second degree burn on the site of application. The clinician recommended silver sulfadiazine cream to treat the burn area. Therefore, individuals need to take precaution when they applied Mustard seeds directly to the skin tissue. [2]