Nearly three decades later, Dr. Wasabi is still fascinated by the botanical, Eutrema japonicum, and its potential beyond the sushi platter. As a researcher at Kinjirushi, he\u2019s hoping to shine a light on research into one of its compounds, hexaraphane, a naturally occurring wasabi compound being studied for its potential role in brain health, cognitive function and healthy aging. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs a scientist, my curiosity is continually stimulated by the fact that hexaraphane has demonstrated a wide range of beneficial effects across various studies, yet its mechanisms of action in the human body are still not fully understood,\u201d he told NutraIngredients. <\/p>\n
Kinjirushi, a Japan-based wasabi specialist with decades of experience in cultivation, processing, product development and research, has studied wasabi and its naturally occurring compounds, including hexaraphane.<\/p>\n
Recent research has suggested that hexaraphane can rapidly reach the brain, Dr. Okunishi said, opening up exciting new possibilities for neuroscience and brain health research. <\/p>\n
What exactly is hexaraphane?<\/p>\n
Hexaraphane, also known as 6-MSITC, is a wasabi-derived isothiocyanate. While many isothiocyanates are behind wasabi\u2019s pungency and aroma, hexaraphane is non-volatile and has little taste or smell. Dr. Okunishi became interested in the compound after research pointed to its potential health effects and historical records showed wasabi had been used as a medicinal herb more than 1,300 years ago.<\/p>\n
Brain resilience <\/p>\n
Central to Dr. Okunishi\u2019s research is the concept of \u201cbrain resilience.\u201d He said he sees hexaraphane as more than just an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory compound.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that hexaraphane is a compound capable of enhancing brain resilience.\u201d <\/p>\n
He described brain resilience as the ability to cope with challenges including oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic changes and damage to cellular proteins while maintaining neural plasticity. <\/p>\n
One pathway that dominates his thinking is Nrf2, a transcription factor involved in cellular defense. Dr. Okunishi said hexaraphane activates Nrf2, which can increase the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes. Instead of acting as an antioxidant itself, he argued that hexaraphane may help strengthen the brain\u2019s own defenses against oxidative stress. <\/p>\n
\u201cFurthermore, the biological effects of hexaraphane appear to extend beyond the Nrf2 pathway,\u201d he said, pointing to research that suggests hexaraphane may also activate PP2A, an enzyme involved in regulating tau phosphorylation. According to Dr. Okunishi, this could potentially reduce the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau, which is associated with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. <\/p>\n
He also brought up neural plasticity \u2013 the brain\u2019s ability to adapt by changing neural connections \u2013 as another potential piece of the puzzle. Hexaraphane has also been reported to promote autophagy, the cellular process that helps remove damaged proteins and organelles. Dr. Okunishi described this broader effect as a \u201cbrain cellular resilience factor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Does the science translate to cognitive benefits? <\/p>\n