WATERCRESS

OTHER NAME(S):

Agriao, Berro, Berro di Agua, Berros, Brunnenkresse, Crescione di Fonte, Cresson, Cresson au Poulet, Cresson d'eau, Cresson de Fontaine, Cresson de Ruisseau, Cresson Officinal, Indian Cress, Jal-Halim, Mizu-Garashi, Nasilord, Nasturtii Herba, Nasturtium officinale, Oranda-Garashi, Radicula nasturtium, Rorippa nasturtium, Scurvy Grass, Sisymbrium nasturtium, Selada-Air, Tall Nasturtium, Wasserkresse, Waterkres.

Overview

Overview Information

Watercress is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Watercress is used for short-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (acute bronchitis), flu, arthritis, baldness, constipation, sexual arousal, and many other conditions, but there's no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, watercress is widely used in leaf salads and as a culinary spice.

How does it work?

Watercress may block some cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). It can also increase the amount of urine produced by the body (diuretic).

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of watercress for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Watercress is LIKELY SAFE in the amounts found in food. When it is used long-term or in very large amounts, watercress is POSSIBLY UNSAFE and can cause damage to the stomach. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when used as a medicine, short-term.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Watercress is LIKELY UNSAFE when used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. It might start menstruation and cause a miscarriage. It's best to avoid use. There isn't enough reliable information to know if watercress is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Watercress is LIKELY UNSAFE for use as a medicine in children, especially in those younger than four years old.

Stomach or intestinal ulcers: Don't use watercress if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers.

Kidney disease: Don't use watercress if you have kidney disease.

Interactions

Interactions?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

!

  • Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex) interacts with WATERCRESS

    The body breaks down chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex) to get rid of it. Watercress might decrease how quickly the body breaks down chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex). Taking watercress along with chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex) might increase the effects and side effects of chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex).

  • Lithium interacts with WATERCRESS

    Watercress might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking watercress might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with WATERCRESS

    Watercress contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, watercress might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of watercress 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 watercress. 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.

Previous:
Next: Uses

View References

REFERENCES:

  • Alvarez-Chacon, R., Garcia-Rosales, J. J., de la Cruz-Otero MC, Wong-Chio, M., Cabrera-Bravo, M., Gomez-Gomez, J. V., and Gamez-Aranda, V. [Fascioliasis in children. A study of 10 cases]. Bol.Med Hosp.Infant Mex. 1992;49(6):365-371. View abstract.
  • Bendezu, P., Frame, A., and Hillyer, G. V. Human fascioliasis in Corozal, Puerto Rico. J Parasitol. 1982;68(2):297-299. View abstract.
  • Borie, C., Corona, S., Garin, A., Olea, P., Salcedo, M., Perez, C., and Apt, W. [A family outbreak of acute hepatic fascioliasis]. Rev Med Chil. 1990;118(1):67-72. View abstract.
  • Botting, K. J., Young, M. M., Pearson, A. E., Harris, P. J., and Ferguson, L. R. Antimutagens in food plants eaten by Polynesians: micronutrients, phytochemicals and protection against bacterial mutagenicity of the heterocyclic amine 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline. Food Chem.Toxicol. 1999;37(2-3):95-103. View abstract.
  • Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 1998;2nd edition.
  • Carmella, S. G., Borukhova, A., Akerkar, S. A., and Hecht, S. S. Analysis of human urine for pyridine-N-oxide metabolites of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, a tobacco-specific lung carcinogen. Cancer Epidemiol.Biomarkers Prev. 1997;6(2):113-120. View abstract.
  • Carrada-Bravo, T. [Fascioliasis: diagnosis, epidemiology and treatment]. Rev Gastroenterol.Mex. 2003;68(2):135-142. View abstract.
  • Chiao, J. W., Wu, H., Ramaswamy, G., Conaway, C. C., Chung, F. L., Wang, L., and Liu, D. Ingestion of an isothiocyanate metabolite from cruciferous vegetables inhibits growth of human prostate cancer cell xenografts by apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Carcinogenesis 2004;25(8):1403-1408. View abstract.
  • Christmann, M., Henrich, R., Mayer, G., and Ell, C. [Infection with fasciola hepatica causing elevated liver-enzyme results and eosinophilia - serologic and endoscopic diagnosis and therapy]. Z.Gastroenterol. 2002;40(9):801-806. View abstract.
  • Chung, F. L., Conaway, C. C., Rao, C. V., and Reddy, B. S. Chemoprevention of colonic aberrant crypt foci in Fischer rats by sulforaphane and phenethyl isothiocyanate. Carcinogenesis 2000;21(12):2287-2291. View abstract.
  • Chung, F. L., Jiao, D., Conaway, C. C., Smith, T. J., Yang, C. S., and Yu, M. C. Chemopreventive potential of thiol conjugates of isothiocyanates for lung cancer and a urinary biomarker of dietary isothiocyanates. J Cell Biochem.Suppl 1997;27:76-85. View abstract.
  • Chung, F. L., Morse, M. A., Eklind, K. I., and Lewis, J. Quantitation of human uptake of the anticarcinogen phenethyl isothiocyanate after a watercress meal. Cancer Epidemiol.Biomarkers Prev. 1992;1(5):383-388. View abstract.
  • Cosme, A., Alzate, L., Orive, V., Recasens, M., Torrado, J., Ruiz, I., and Arenas, J. [Laparoscopic findings in liver fascioliasis. Study of 13 cases]. Rev Esp.Enferm.Dig. 1990;78(6):359-362. View abstract.
  • Cosme, A., Ojeda, E., Cilla, G., Torrado, J., Alzate, L., Beristain, X., Orive, V., and Arenas, J. [Fasciola hepatica. study of a series of 37 patients]. Gastroenterol.Hepatol. 2001;24(8):375-380. View abstract.
  • Cosme, A., Ojeda, E., Poch, M., Bujanda, L., Castiella, A., and Fernandez, J. Sonographic findings of hepatic lesions in human fascioliasis. J Clin Ultrasound 2003;31(7):358-363. View abstract.
  • Croese, J., Chapman, G., and Gallagher, N. D. Evolution of fascioliasis after eating wild watercress. Aust.N.Z.J.Med. 1982;12(5):525-527. View abstract.
  • Cruz, Lopez O., Adan, Pimentel A., Tamariz Cruz, O. J., Munoz, Lopez A., Cruz Lopez, M. C., Cruz Lopez, M. E., and Munoz, Lopez S. [Hepatic fasciolasis diagnosed in state phase]. Rev Gastroenterol Mex. 2006;71(1):59-62. View abstract.
  • de Gorgolas, M., Torres, R., Verdejo, C., Garay, J., Robledo, A., Ponte, M. C., and Fernandez Guerrero, M. L. [Fasciola hepatica infestation. Biopathology and new diagnostic and therapeutic aspects]. Enferm.Infecc.Microbiol.Clin 1992;10(9):514-519. View abstract.
  • Delasalle, P., Beytout, J., Cambon, M., and Bommelaer, G. [Distomatosis: diagnosis and treatment]. Rev Prat. 1-21-1990;40(3):230-236. View abstract.
  • Derrick, E. and Darley, C. Contact dermatitis to nasturtium. Br.J Dermatol 1997;136(2):290-291. View abstract.
  • Diamond, S. P., Wiener, S. G., and Marks, J. G., Jr. Allergic contact dermatitis to nasturtium. Dermatol.Clin. 1990;8(1):77-80. View abstract.
  • Diaz, J., Pina, B., Lastre, M., Rivera, L., and Perez, O. [Epidemic human fascioliasis. Cuba 1983. VI. Clinical study of 40 children in the Hospital Provincial of Sagua la Grande]. G.E.N. 1990;44(4):385-388. View abstract.
  • Dobrucali, A., Yigitbasi, R., Erzin, Y., Sunamak, O., Polat, E., and Yakar, H. Fasciola hepatica infestation as a very rare cause of extrahepatic cholestasis. World J Gastroenterol. 10-15-2004;10(20):3076-3077. View abstract.
  • Dreyfuss, G., Vignoles, P., Abrous, M., and Rondelaud, D. Unusual snail species involved in the transmission of Fasciola hepatica in watercress beds in central France. Parasite 2002;9(2):113-120. View abstract.
  • el Shazly, A. M., Handousa, A. E., Youssef, M. E., Rizk, H., and Hamouda, M. M. Human fascioliasis: a parasitic health problem in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. J Egypt.Soc Parasitol. 1991;21(2):553-559. View abstract.
  • Getahun, S. M. and Chung, F. L. Conversion of glucosinolates to isothiocyanates in humans after ingestion of cooked watercress. Cancer Epidemiol.Biomarkers Prev. 1999;8(5):447-451. View abstract.
  • Gruenwald, J. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1998;1st ed.
  • Hecht, S. S. Approaches to chemoprevention of lung cancer based on carcinogens in tobacco smoke. Environ.Health Perspect. 1997;105 Suppl 4:955-963. View abstract.
  • Hecht, S. S., Carmella, S. G., and Murphy, S. E. Effects of watercress consumption on urinary metabolites of nicotine in smokers. Cancer Epidemiol.Biomarkers Prev. 1999;8(10):907-913. View abstract.
  • Hu, R., Kim, B. R., Chen, C., Hebbar, V., and Kong, A. N. The roles of JNK and apoptotic signaling pathways in PEITC-mediated responses in human HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells. Carcinogenesis 2003;24(8):1361-1367. View abstract.
  • Mailles, A., Capek, I., Ajana, F., Schepens, C., Ilef, D., and Vaillant, V. Commercial watercress as an emerging source of fascioliasis in Northern France in 2002: results from an outbreak investigation. Epidemiol.Infect. 2006;134(5):942-945. View abstract.
  • Martinez-Bebert, K., Rodriguez-Baez, R., Pila-Perez, R., Pila-Pelaez, R., and Tamakloe, K. [Hepatic hematoma caused by fascioliasis]. Gac.Med Mex. 2002;138(3):271-274. View abstract.
  • Mesquita, V. C., Serra, C. M., Bastos, O. M., and Uchoa, C. M. [The enteroparasitic contamination of commercial vegetables in the cities of Niteroi and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. Rev Soc Bras.Med Trop. 1999;32(4):363-366. View abstract.
  • Narain, K., Biswas, D., Rajguru, S. K., and Mahanta, J. Human distomatosis due to Fasciola hepatica infection in Assam, India. J Commun.Dis 1997;29(2):161-165. View abstract.
  • Pereira, C., Li, D., and Sinclair, A. J. The alpha-linolenic acid content of green vegetables commonly available in Australia. Int J Vitam.Nutr.Res 2001;71(4):223-228. View abstract.
  • Rivera, J. V. and Bermudez, R. H. Radionuclide imaging of the liver in human fascioliasis. Clin Nucl.Med 1984;9(8):450-453. View abstract.
  • Rondelaud, D., Dreyfuss, G., Bouteille, B., and Darde, M. L. Changes in human fasciolosis in a temperate area: about some observations over a 28-year period in central France. Parasitol.Res 2000;86(9):753-757. View abstract.
  • Rose, P., Faulkner, K., Williamson, G., and Mithen, R. 7-Methylsulfinylheptyl and 8-methylsulfinyloctyl isothiocyanates from watercress are potent inducers of phase II enzymes. Carcinogenesis 2000;21(11):1983-1988. View abstract.
  • Sanchez-Sosa, S., Rojas-Ortega, S., Reed-San Roman, G., and Torres-Santana, M. A. [Massive hepatobiliary fascioliasis]. Rev Gastroenterol.Mex. 2000;65(4):179-183. View abstract.
  • Sapunar, J., Latorre, R., Guerra, M., and Defilippi, C. [Clinical considerations on 2 cases of hepatic fascioliasis. Importance of the imaging examinations]. Bol.Chil.Parasitol. 1992;47(3-4):70-76. View abstract.
  • van Daele, P. L., Madretsma, G. S., and van Agtmael, M. A. [Stomach ache and fever after consumption of watercress in Turkey: fascioliasis]. Ned.Tijdschr.Geneeskd. 9-29-2001;145(39):1896-1899. View abstract.
  • Wichtl, MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. 1994.
  • Yilmaz, H. and Godekmerdan, A. Human fasciolosis in Van province, Turkey. Acta Trop. 2004;92(2):161-162. View abstract.
  • Bolton-Smith C, Price RJ, Fenton ST, et al. Compilation of a provisional UK database for the phylloquinone (vitamin K1) content of foods. Br J Nutr 2000;83:389-99. View abstract.
  • Camponogara C, Silva CR, Brusco I, et al. Nasturtium officinale R. Br. effectively reduces the skin inflammation induced by croton oil via glucocorticoid receptor-dependent and NF-?B pathways without causing toxicological effects in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Jan 30;229:190-204. Epub 2018 Oct 17. View abstract.
  • Conaway, C. C., Yang, Y. M., and Chung, F. L. Isothiocyanates as cancer chemopreventive agents: their biological activities and metabolism in rodents and humans. Curr Drug Metab 2002;3(3):233-255. View abstract.
  • Hecht SS, Chung FL, Richie JP Jr., et al. Effects of watercress consumption on metabolism of a tobacco-specific lung carcinogen in smokers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1995;4:877-84. View abstract.
  • Leclercq I, Desager JP, Horsmans Y. Inhibition of chlorzoxazone metabolism, a clinical probe for CYP2E1, by a single ingestion of watercress. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1998;64:144-9. View abstract.

Vitamins Survey

Have you ever purchased WATERCRESS?

Did you or will you purchase this product in-store or online?

Where did you or where do you plan to purchase this product?

Where did you or where do you plan to purchase this product?

What factors influenced or will influence your purchase? (check all that apply)

Vitamins Survey

Where did you or where do you plan to purchase this product?

Do you buy vitamins online or instore?

What factors are most important to you? (check all that apply)

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.Read More

Thanks for taking our survey!

Recommended For You

Vitamins and Minerals A-Z

More Resources for WATERCRESS

Search for another Vitamin

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2018.