Mustard Seeds (Rai): Uses, Benefits, Side effects, and More By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction:

There have been recipes of mustard seeds from 5000 years ago that recommend mustard seeds as an appetizer. The scientific name of brown mustard is Brassica juncea, which belongs to the family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae. Its common name includes Indian mustard, oriental mustard, and sarson. During the old times, mustard was used for snake or scorpion bites in Grece. Whereas leaves, seeds, and seed oil has been used for medicinal purpose in India and China. Let us look at some of the medicinal value of mustard seeds.  

Nutritional Value of Mustard Seeds:

Mustard seeds may contain bioactive compounds like sterols, glucosinolates, and isothiocyanates.¹ Mustard seeds may also contain the following nutritional components: 

• Energy: 508 kcal
• Water: 5.27 g
• Carbohydrates: 28.1 g
• Fats: 36.2 g
• Proteins: 26.1 g
• Fibre: 12.2 g
• Sugars: 6.79 g
• Iron: 9.21 mg
• Calcium: 266 mg
• Magnesium: 370 mg
• Phosphorus: 828 mg
• Sodium: 13 mg
• Potassium: 738 mg
• Selenium: 208 µg
• Copper: 0.645 mg
• Zinc: 6.08 mg
• Manganese: 2.45 mg
• Vitamin A: 2 µg
• Vitamin B1: 0.805 mg
• Vitamin B2: 0.261 mg
• Vitamin B3: 4.73 mg
• Vitamin B5: 0.81 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.397 mg
• Vitamin B9: 162 µg
• Vitamin C: 7.1 mg
• Vitamin E: 5.07 mg
• Vitamin K: 5.4 µg
• Beta Carotene: 18 µg
• Choline: 123 mg
• Betaine: 1.9 mg

Properties of Mustard Seeds:

Several studies have shown that mustard seeds are beneficial to humans, and a few properties of mustard seeds are:  

• It may reduce inflammation 
• It may reduce pain 
• It may reduce swelling 
• It may act against cancer 
• It may act against ulcers 
• It may be used as an antiseptic 
• It may act as an antibacterial agent 
• It may use against digestive disorders¹ 

Based on certain Ayurvedic literature I read, mustard seeds are mentioned as an ingredient in certain formulations used for specific purposes. These may be inducing vomiting, cleansing the cranial cavity, and administering decoction enemas. These formulations are typically recommended for conditions such as vomiting, mental disturbances, excessive gas, paleness, jaundice, and nasal congestion. It is believed that mustard seeds possess properties that might make them beneficial for addressing these issues.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Mustard Seeds (Rai) for Overall Health:

Some of the potential mustard seed uses are: 

1. Potential Use of Mustard Seeds as an Antioxidant 

A study by Das et al. in 2022 showed that mustard seeds might have antioxidant activity. The antioxidant potential of mustard seeds may be due to glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds may deactivate the free radicals (harmful molecules present in the body) and protect the body from various damages.³ 

2. Potential Use of Mustard Seeds for Diabetes 

A study by Bi et al. in 2015 showed that carotene and phenolic compounds in mustard seeds might be beneficial for diabetes mellitus. These compounds may release insulin from the pancreas and maintain normal glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels in the body.⁴ Further studies are yet to be done to check if mustard seeds may be beneficial in the case of diabetes. Check your blood sugar levels regularly and consult your doctor in case of abnormal blood sugar levels. 

3. Potential Use of Mustard Seeds for Cancer 

A study by Ahmed et al. in 2020 showed that mustard seeds might be used for lung cancer. Glucosinolates in mustard seeds may inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and cause their death. It may also protect the DNA from damage.⁵ However, more studies are yet to be done to see if mustard seeds may help against cancer. Cancer is a serious disease; therefore, you must consult your doctor immediately if you suspect any cancer symptoms. Do not self-medicate. 

4. Potential Use of Mustard Seeds for Bacterial and Fungal Infections 

A study by Khan et al. in 2016 showed that mustard seeds might possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. Mustard seeds may inhibit the development of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria like E. coli, B. subtilis, and Rhodococcus spp. In addition, mustard seeds may inhibit the activity of fungi like Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Trichoderma harzianum. ⁶ However, further large-scale studies are required to check if mustard seeds may act against bacterial and fungal infections. You must immediately consult your doctor if you suspect a bacterial or fungal infection.  

5. Potential Use of Mustard Seeds for Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. A study by Yang et al. in 2013 showed that mustard seeds might fight against psoriasis. Mustard seeds may reduce inflammation caused by psoriasis.⁷ However, more studies are required to check whether mustard seeds may benefit psoriasis. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you suspect any symptoms of psoriasis. 

6. Potential Use of Mustard Seeds for Neurodegenerative Disorders 

A study by Avallone et al. in 2019 showed that mustard seeds might be beneficial to disorders related to the nervous system. Polyunsaturated fatty acids may be beneficial for diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.³ However, further studies are required to check if mustard seeds may be beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, you must immediately consult your doctor for neurodegenerative disorders. 

7. Potential Use of Mustard Seeds for Reducing Inflammation 

A study by Bhat et al. in 2013 showed that mustard seeds might help to reduce inflammation. Mustard seeds may inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators (molecules responsible for inflammation.⁸ However, more studies are yet to be done to check the anti-inflammatory activity of mustard seeds. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you suspect any inflammation. 

8. Potential Use of Mustard Seeds for Reducing Pain 

A study by Bhat et al. in 2013 showed that mustard seeds might help to reduce pain. It may reduce pain by inhibiting the release of molecules responsible for inflammation and the COX enzyme (that causes pain). This property of mustard seeds was measured on Eddy’s hot plate model.⁸ However, further studies are required to check if mustard seeds can reduce pain. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you experience pain for a prolonged period. 

Though studies show the benefits of mustard seeds in different conditions, these are insufficient, and need more studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of mustard seeds on human health. 

One intriguing traditional use of mustard seeds that I have come across is their application in certain conditions such as tumours of the thyroid gland and lymphadenitis. In these cases, a paste made from mustard seeds along with other herbs is recommended for external application. This practice suggests that mustard seeds may have some unique properties that are believed to be beneficial in addressing these specific health concerns.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Mustard Seeds?

According to Ayurveda, mustard seeds can be consumed in the following ways: 

• Whole seeds can be used in salads 
• Mustard seeds can be used as an ingredient in pickles 
• It may be used to make curry 
• Mustard seeds can be used to make vegetable dishes¹ 

You must consult your doctor before taking mustard seeds in large quantities or any herbal supplements. Likewise, consult a qualified doctor before discontinuing or replacing an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation. 

From my knowledge and observations, I have noticed that mustard seeds may have a positive effect on relieving symptoms of rheumatic arthritis. Mustard seeds contain certain compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties, that might help reduce inflammation in the joints and alleviate the associated pain. While this is an interesting finding, it is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand and validate the potential benefits of mustard seeds for rheumatic arthritis.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Side Effects of Mustard Seeds:

Side effects of mustard seeds, according to Monsalve et al. in 2001, are reported as follows: 

• It may cause urticaria (swollen, reddened, and itchy skin) 
• It may cause eczema on the hands (skin becomes dry and itchy) 
• It may cause asthma 
• It may cause a runny nose 
• It may cause angioedema (swelling of the lower layer of skin) 
• It may cause oral pruritis (itchy mouth) 
• It may cause wheezing with shortness of breathe⁹ 

If you notice any reaction from mustard seeds, seek immediate medical attention. First, consult your ayurvedic doctor who has prescribed it; doctors can find the cause and treat it effectively. 

Precautions to Take with Mustard Seeds:

The following precautions shall be taken before consuming mustard seeds: 

• You must avoid the internal application of mustard seeds if you have ulcers. 
• You must be cautious if you have thyroid disorder before consuming mustard seeds.¹ 

It is advised to consult your doctor before consuming mustard seeds if you have any pre-existing diseases. 

Interactions with Other Drugs:

Mustard seeds may interact with the following drugs: 

• Mustard seeds may interfere with antacids (used for acidity) 
• It may also interact with warfarin (a drug used to avoid blood clots)¹⁰ 

You must consult your doctor before consuming mustard seeds if you are undergoing medical treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. Szollosi R. Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) seeds in health. nuts and seeds in health and disease prevention 2011 Jan 1 (pp. 671-676). Academic Press. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123756886100787 

2. Spices, mustard seed, ground [Internet]. foodData Central. [cited 2022Dec2]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170929/nutrients 

3. Das G, Tantengco OA, Tundis R, Robles JA, Loizzo MR, Shin HS, Patra JK. Glucosinolates and Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Mustard Seeds: Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Plants. 2022 Sep 1;11(17):2290. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/11/17/2290/pdf  

4. Bi X, Lim J, Henry CJ. Spices in the management of diabetes mellitus. Food chemistry. 2017 Feb 15;217:281-93. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814616313516 

5. Ahmed AG, Hussein UK, Ahmed AE, Kim KM, Mahmoud HM, Hammouda O, Jang KY, Bishayee A. Mustard seed (Brassica nigra) extract exhibits antiproliferative effect against human lung cancer cells through differential regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion. Molecules. 2020 Apr 29;25(9):2069. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/703620 
6. Bhat SP, Rizvi W, Kumar A. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG FORMULATION AND RESEARCH ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF BRASSICA NIGRA L. SEED EXTRACTS. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Waseem-Rizvi/publication/349492482_
7. Commonly used Ethiopian herbs and potential drug interactions – ETHNOMED [Internet]. [cited 2022Dec2]. Available from: https://ethnomed.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Commonly-Used-Ethiopian-Herbs-and-Potential-Drug-Interactions_a11y.pdf 

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