Bezold performed important research involving the physiology of the muscles, nerves and cardiovascular system.

He is also remembered for studying the physiological effects of pharmacological substances such as curare, atropine and veratrum on the body's muscles, heart, nerves and circulatory system.

The eponymous "Bezold—Jarisch reflex" is a triad of responses (apnea, bradycardia, and hypotension) resulting from an intravenous injection of veratrum alkaloids.

This medical sign is named along with pharmacologist Adolf Jarisch Jr. (1891–1965), who in 1937 re-confirmed Bezold's earlier experiments.

Bezold died at the age of 32 due to a mitral stenosis caused by rheumatic endocarditis.