*Review* **Biologically Active Compounds in Mustard Seeds: A Toxicological Perspective**

**Julika Lietzow**

Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; julika.lietzow@bfr.bund.de

**Abstract:** Mustard plants have been widely cultivated and used as spice, medicine and as source of edible oils. Currently, the use of the seeds of the mustard species *Sinapis alba* (white mustard or yellow mustard), *Brassica juncea* (brown mustard) and *Brassica nigra* (black mustard) in the food and beverage industry is immensely growing due to their nutritional and functional properties. The seeds serve as a source for a wide range of biologically active components including isothiocyanates that are responsible for the specific flavor of mustard, and tend to reveal conflicting results regarding possible health effects. Other potentially undesirable or toxic compounds, such as bisphenol F, erucic acid or allergens, may also occur in the seeds and in mustard products intended for human consumption. The aim of this article is to provide comprehensive information about potentially harmful compounds in mustard seeds and to evaluate potential health risks as an increasing use of mustard seeds is expected in the upcoming years.

**Keywords:** mustard; *Sinapis alba*; *Brassica nigra*; *Brassica juncea*; glucosinolates; isothiocyanates; bisphenol F; erucic acid; allergy; toxicology

**Citation:** Lietzow, J. Biologically Active Compounds in Mustard Seeds: A Toxicological Perspective. *Foods* **2021**, *10*, 2089. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/foods10092089

Academic Editor: Verica Dragovi´c-Uzelac

Received: 9 August 2021 Accepted: 31 August 2021 Published: 3 September 2021

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