Related Terms

• Allyl isothiocyanate, alpha-tocopherol, Brassicaceae (family), Cochlearia wasabi, desulfosinigrin, Eutrema japonica, Eutrema wasabi Maxim, isothiocyanates, Japanese domestic horseradish, Japanese spice, Japanese wasabi, Korean wasabi, wasabi-derived 6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate, Wasabi japonica, Wasabi japonica Matsum, wasabi leafstalk, wasabi powder, wasabi roots, Wasabia japonica.

• Note: This monograph does not include horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), which is a common substitute for wasabi.

Background

• The wasabi plant grows naturally along stream beds in mountain river valleys in Japan, but is cultivated in certain regions in Japan and North America. Traditionally, the root is shredded to create a pungent condiment used with fish, especially sushi. In laboratory studies, wasabi has inhibited cancer cell growth and survival. However, one wasabi constituent also promoted cancer cell growth. Wasabi has also shown anti-inflammatory activity, antiplatelet activity, and anabolic bone metabolism activity in laboratory tests. However, there is currently insufficient available evidence in humans to support the use of wasabi for any indication.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Analgesia, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-platelet agent (blood thinner), cancer, detoxification, food preservation, food uses, gastric ulcers, leukemia, melanoma prevention, osteoporosis.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

• There is no proven effective dose for wasabi in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• There is no proven effective dose for wasabi in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to wasabi (Wasabia japonica) or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Wasabi is likely safe when ingested in food amounts, based on use in Japanese cuisine. However, in the currently available literature, reports of adverse effects due to wasabi are lacking. Wasabi is commonly used for its sharp, spicy flavor, which is due to the stimulation of neurons associated with painful cold sensations. Use cautiously in patients using capsaicin-based analgesics applied to the skin, as topical wasabi may produce pain and activate the same neurons as capsaicin.

• Wasabi may have anti-H. pylori activity.

• Use cautiously in patients with cancer or a predisposition to cancer, those taking agents metabolized by the liver, or those with coagulation (blood) disorders.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Wasabi is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Wasabi applied on the skin may produce pain and activate the same neurons as topical analgesics, especially capsaicin-based analgesics. Caution is advised when using wasabi with other pain relieving agents applied on the skin.

• All parts of the wasabi plant may have antibiotic activity. Thus, using wasabi with other agents that have antibacterial effects may result in additive effects.

• Although not well studied in humans, wasabi may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Wasabi may inhibit COX-1 enzyme activity. Caution is advised in patients taking wasabi plus other anti-inflammatory agents.

• Several constituents in wasabi have shown anticancer activity. However, the evidence is currently mixed. Nonetheless, caution is advised when taking wasabi and any anticancer agent. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for interactions.

• All parts of the wasabi plant may have anti-H. pylori activity.

• Wasabi may interact with drugs metabolized by the liver. Caution is advised when using wasabi with other agents that may are metabolized by the liver, or that are potentially liver damaging.

• Extracts from wasabi leafstalk (Wasabi japonica Matsum) may have an anabolic effect on bone metabolism. Caution is advised when taking wasabi with selective estrogen receptors modifiers (SERMs), hormonal agents, or biophosphonates.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• All parts of the wasabi plant may have antibacterial activity. Thus, using wasabi with other herbs that have antibacterial effects may result in additive effects.

• Although not well studied in humans, wasabi may inhibit platelet aggregation increasing the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking herbs or supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto.

• Wasabi may inhibit COX-1 enzyme activity. Caution is advised in patients taking wasabi plus other anti-inflammatory herbs.

• Several constituents in wasabi have shown anticancer activity. However, the evidence is currently mixed. Nonetheless, caution is advised when taking wasabi and any anticancer agent. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for interactions.

• Based on laboratory study, all parts of the wasabi plant may have anti-H. pylori activity.

• Wasabi applied to the skin may produce pain and activate the same neurons as capsaicin and Cannabis sativa.

• Wasabi may interact with herbs metabolized by the liver. Caution is advised when using wasabi with other agents that may are metabolized by the liver, or that are potentially liver damaging.

• Extracts from wasabi leafstalk (Wasabi japonica Matsum) may have an anabolic effect on bone metabolism. Caution is advised when taking wasabi with phytoestrogens or hormonal herbs or supplements.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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2. Hinman A, Chuang HH, Bautista DM, et al. TRP channel activation by reversible covalent modification. Proc Natl.Acad.Sci U.S.A 12-19-2006;103(51):19564-19568. View Abstract

3. Hou DX, Fukuda M, Fujii M, et al. Transcriptional regulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate: quinone oxidoreductase in murine hepatoma cells by 6-(methylsufinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate, an active principle of wasabi (Eutrema wasabi Maxim). Cancer Lett 12-20-2000;161(2):195-200. View Abstract

4. Jordt SE, Bautista DM, Chuang HH, et al. Mustard oils and cannabinoids excite sensory nerve fibres through the TRP channel ANKTM1. Nature 1-15-2004;427(6971):260-265. View Abstract

5. Morimitsu Y, Hayashi K, Nakagawa Y, et al. Antiplatelet and anticancer isothiocyanates in Japanese domestic horseradish, wasabi. Biofactors 2000;13(1-4):271-276. View Abstract

6. Nabekura T, Kamiyama S, Kitagawa S. Effects of dietary chemopreventive phytochemicals on P-glycoprotein function. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2-18-2005;327(3):866-870. View Abstract

7. Nomura T, Shinoda S, Yamori T, et al. Selective sensitivity to wasabi-derived 6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate of human breast cancer and melanoma cell lines studied in vitro. Cancer Detect.Prev. 2005;29(2):155-160. View Abstract

8. Shin IS, Masuda H, Naohide K. Bactericidal activity of wasabi (Wasabia japonica) against Helicobacter pylori. Int J Food Microbiol. 8-1-2004;94(3):255-261. View Abstract

9. Watanabe M, Ohata M, Hayakawa S, et al. Identification of 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate as an apoptosis-inducing component in wasabi. Phytochemistry 2003;62(5):733-739. View Abstract

10. Weil MJ, Zhang Y, Nair MG. Colon cancer proliferating desulfosinigrin in wasabi (Wasabia japonica). Nutr Cancer 2004;48(2):207-213. View Abstract

11. Weil MJ, Zhang Y, Nair MG. Tumor cell proliferation and cyclooxygenase inhibitory constituents in horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) and Wasabi (Wasabia japonica). J Agric.Food Chem 3-9-2005;53(5):1440-1444. View Abstract

12. Yamaguchi M. Regulatory mechanism of food factors in bone metabolism and prevention of osteoporosis. Yakugaku Zasshi 2006;126(11):1117-1137. View Abstract