Wasabi & Inflammation

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Anti-Inflammatory Actions of 6-MSITC

This is a foundational review on how the major wasabi compound 6-MSITC (6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate) modulates inflammatory pathways. PMC

• It shows that 6-MSITC inhibits COX-2, iNOS, and inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo. PMC
• The molecule suppresses signaling cascades (e.g. MAPK, JAK/STAT, NF-κB) to reduce transcriptional activation of inflammatory genes. PMC
• The authors emphasize structure-activity relationships: the methylsulfinyl group and alkyl chain length contribute to potency. PMC

This review is useful to understand the molecular basis of anti-inflammation from wasabi compounds.

Methylsulfinyl Hexyl Isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) from Wasabi Is a Pleiotropic Agent with Anti-Inflammatory Properties (review)

This review describes how 6-MSITC exhibits multimodal anti-inflammatory effects, including suppression of NF-κB, modulation of Nrf2 pathways, and antioxidant properties. PMC+1

• The article notes that 6-MSITC reduces NF-κB activation and oxidative stress in various in vitro and in vivo models. PMC
• It also discusses potential clinical applications, though noting that rigorous human trials are still lacking. PubMed+1

6-HITC, an Isothiocyanate from Wasabi, mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress

This more recent study reports on 6-HITC (a variant or analog of wasabi isothiocyanates) and its anti-inflammatory effects. ACS Publications+1

• In LPS-activated RAW264 macrophage cells, 6-HITC suppressed proinflammatory mediators (e.g. nitric oxide, ROS) and signaling pathways. PMC+1
• In animal models (acute and chronic colitis), 6-HITC showed beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. PMC

While not exactly the same as 6-MSITC, this indicates that structurally related isothiocyanates from wasabi have anti-inflammatory activity.