Antioxidant and choleretic properties of Raphanus sativus L. sprout (Kaiware Daikon) extract

Brassica vegetables and glucosinolates contained therein are supposed to reduce the risk of cancer and to possess health-promoting properties. The benefits of a Brassica-based diet may be particularly expressed by eating sprouts, in which the glucosinolate content is higher than in mature vegetables. With this in mind, a first objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts (Kaiware Daikon) extract (KDE), in which the glucosinolate glucoraphasatin (GRH), showing some antioxidant activity, is present at 10.5% w/w. The contribution of GRH to KDE's antioxidant activity was considered in two chemical assays (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and Briggs-Rauscher methods). The total phenol assay by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was performed to quantify the reducing capacity of KDE. Finally, on the basis of the putative choleretic properties of antioxidant plant extracts, the effect on the bile flow of KDE administration was investigated in an animal experimental model. The findings showed that KDE has antioxidant properties and significantly induced bile flow in rats administered 1.5 g/kg of body weight for 4 consecutive days.