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Almost everyone loves Japanese food. But many also have mixed feelings about wasabi.

A recent study from Japan proposed that the inclusion of wasabi, a condiment commonly paired with sushi, might potentially enhance the memory of healthy older individuals without cognitive impairments. The researchers looked into 6-MSITC, the primary bioactive component in wasabi recognized for its claimed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes linked to cognitive enhancement.

Seventy-two healthy adults aged 60 to 80 were randomly assigned either a 6-MSITC capsule or a placebo for three months for the study. Cognitive assessments were conducted at the study's onset and conclusion.

The participants received capsules containing 100mg of wasabi extract powder, equating to 0.8mg of 6-MSITC. While the study explored various cognitive functions, including focus and executive function, it exclusively noted memory improvements associated with the wasabi supplements. Researchers speculate that the participants' relatively good overall cognitive function due to their age might have contributed to the absence of broader cognitive benefits from the supplements, as suggested by Dr. Marloes Dekker Nitert from the University of Queensland.

Wasabi and brain health

Psychosomatic medical expert Dr. Takakazu Oka highlights the potential connection between wasabi's properties and memory enhancement, drawing from his research on wasabi's health effects. The precise mechanism behind this improvement in cognitively sound older adults remains ambiguous. However, there could be a link between the recent findings and past studies about the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of wasabi.

This association between brain health and the consumption of wasabi is not new. A past study revealed that the isothiocyanates derived from wasabi can potentially exert neuroprotective effects on cells.