kohlrabi

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes, commonly known as green kohlrabi, is a traditional vegetable with origins in Europe and Asia. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it has been traditionally consumed for its nutritional value and culinary applications. Scientific studies have identified 55 odor-active compounds in both raw and cooked samples, with eight key compounds contributing most to their smell. Se application at a concentration of 75 mg/L showed significant growth stimulation, enhancing stem weight, yield, monosaccharides, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic levels. Additionally, an 8.5-kDa peptide (BGAP) from the seeds demonstrated broad antifungal activity with stable properties, potentially affecting fungal cell membranes. In purple kohlrabi tissues, most anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and two transcription factors were upregulated compared to colorless parts. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The study identified 55 odor-active compounds in both raw and cooked green kohlrabi, with eight key compounds contributing most to their smell, having higher OAVs in raw samples. D PMID
  • Se application at 75 mg/L showed the strongest growth stimulation, increasing stem weight, yield, monosaccharides, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic levels in kohlrabi. D PMID
  • BGAP, an 8.5-kDa peptide from Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes seeds, showed broad antifungal activity with stable properties and induced fungal cell membrane damage. D PMID
  • Most anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and two transcription factors were upregulated in purple kohlrabi tissues compared to colorless parts. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is kohlrabi?

kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about kohlrabi?

4 sourced findings are recorded for kohlrabi; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identified 55 odor-active compounds in both raw and cooked green kohlrabi, with eight key compounds contributing most to their smell, having higher OAVs in raw samples.

How strong is the evidence for kohlrabi?

The strongest finding for kohlrabi carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is kohlrabi safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for kohlrabi in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does kohlrabi interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for kohlrabi in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of kohlrabi?

kohlrabi is also known as: Кольраби, chou-rave.

Is kohlrabi a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Anthocyanin Accumulation and Molecular Analysis of Correlated Genes in Purple Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.). literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Purification of an Antifungal Peptide from Seeds of Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes and Investigation of Its Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Action. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Effects of selenium application on biochemical characteristics and biofortification level of kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes) produce. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Key Odorants of Raw and Cooked Green Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.). literature abstract metadata