Posted by 6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC ) is the main bioactive compound of wasabi. A Japanese panel of scientists investigated the benefits of 6-MSITC intake on cognitive health in older adults. A double-blinded randomized controlled trial revealed that an intake of 0.8 mg of 6-MSITC for 12 weeks significantly improved memory functioning, including episodic and working memory, compared to the placebo group, however, the study did not show any significant improvements in other cognitive functions. This study is the first to demonstrate that 6-MSITC has a benefit on memory functioning in healthy older adults. The results were published in journal Nutrients [1].
The 6-MSITC group took one 6-MSITC capsule that contained 100 mg wasabi extract powder containing 6-MSITC (0.8 mg) formulated with alfa-cyclodextrin and a 100 mg vehicle (calcium stearate, starch, and silicon dioxide) per day. The placebo group took one placebo capsule containing 100 mg alfa-cyclodextrin and the vehicle per day.
The exact function of alfa-cyclodextrin within the test item formulation was not revealed by the authors, but it may be anticipated that both bioavailability improvement and chemical stabilization of the active substance could be the reason of the selection of the excipient. Cyclodextrin containing wasabi pastes of enhanced shelf life are popular products in the Japanese market.
This trial was registered at The University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN 000032694) [2].
[1] Nouchi, R.; Kawata, N.Y.S.; Saito, T.; Nouchi, H.; Kawashima, R. Benefits of Wasabi Supplements with 6-MSITC (6-Methylsulfinyl Hexyl Isothiocyanate) on Memory Functioning in Healthy Adults Aged 60 Years and Older: Evidence from a Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2023, 15, 4608. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214608
[2] https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037285