In a previous research project, the Discovery Science team was able to show that Spanish black radish roots are able to induce detoxification enzyme expression in a cell culture system using human liver cells. While radish roots are a commonly consumed vegetable, due to an unappetizing taste the shoots of this cruciferous vegetable are typically discarded. Unlike a typical table radish, the shoots from Spanish black radish can grow to between 14 and 18 inches tall, resulting in a large amount of waste material. This top material can be used as a green fertilizer, however since radishes are members of the crucifer family, Discovery Science chose to investigate whether this material could be used as a source of beneficial phytochemicals instead.

Analysis demonstrated that in comparison with the radish root, radish shoots have significantly more antioxidant potential and carotenoid concentrations. Analysis also shows that the profile of glucosinolates, a class of phytochemicals linked to the ability of cruciferous vegetable to induce detoxification enzymes, is significantly different between roots and shoots. This testing also demonstrates that Spanish black radish shoots induces detoxification enzyme expression and activity similarly to radish roots. Overall, this research demonstrates that radish shoots are a source of bioactive phytochemicals.