A recent study published in the journal Nutrients showed that the Japanese condiment wasabi can improve memory function in older adults. Researchers say this is the first evidence that an active ingredient in mustard benefits memory function in older adults.
Research shows that spices and herbs have health benefits; for example, consuming ginger and garlic can improve cognitive function in older adults with and without dementia.
what is mustard
Wasabi, also known as Japanese horseradish, is the rhizome of a plant in the Brassicaceae family. It is ground and eaten fresh as a popular condiment in Japan. Fresh wasabi is more flavorful and less spicy than the imitations commonly found in Japanese grocery stores. Mustard powder made from processed horseradish and green food coloring is also available. However, fresh plants are not widely available and more expensive. Grated mustard is not sold because it goes rancid easily and loses flavor.
This study found that ingesting 6-methylsulfinylhexylisothiocyanate (6-MSITC), which is extracted from the unique spiciness of mustard, improved cognitive function in older adults.
Study participants were between the ages of 60 and 80, and the effects of 12 weeks of wasabi consumption on older adults were studied. The researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in which the testers and participants were blinded to the hypothesis being tested, and the researchers, testers, and participants were blinded to the intervention. In addition to age, applicants must be native Japanese speakers, right-handed, have no food allergies, take any medications that affect cognitive function, and have no history of mental disorders, diabetes, cranial nerve disease, or heart disease.
The researchers first randomly divided participants into two groups, taking one capsule containing 100 mg of mustard extract powder containing 0.8 mg of 6-MSITC or one placebo capsule 12 times a day before bed for one week.
Psychological examiners, blinded to the study content and participants' group affiliation, administered a battery of cognitive tests assessing processing speed, attention, short-term memory, working memory, episodic memory, executive functions, and visuospatial abilities. Measured.
Results showed that people who took daily mustard supplements performed better on tests of working memory and contextual memory. Episodic memory is memory about experienced events. The tests included a logical memory test and a test of remembering the faces and names of people who are often forgetful, and in both cases, people who took wasabi had better results. However, no significant improvements were observed in any other cognitive domain.
The 6-MSITC contained in mustard is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. This effect can inhibit inflammation in the hippocampus, which is important for memory ability, and reduce oxidants and protect it from damage. Researchers believe this may improve cognitive function.
Journal reference
Nouchi, R., Kawata, NYDS, Saito, T., Nouchi, H., & Kawashima, R. (2023). 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, 15(21), 4608. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214608
