Narrative review: The multifaceted benefits of wasabi herbal supplements: Enhancing immune function, cognitive performance, and physical endurance

Nobari H., Parnian-Khajehdizaj N., Fleming A.

Journal of Functional Foods, cilt.132, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 132
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.106980
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Functional Foods
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Cognitive performance, Immune function, Isothiocyanates, Physical endurance, Wasabi herbal supplements
  • Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This narrative review explores the multifaceted pharmacological benefits of wasabi herbal supplements, particularly due to their high isothiocyanate content, most notably 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC). We systematically examine wasabi's potential to: (1) modulate immune function through NF-κB and AP-1 pathway inhibition, reducing inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, IL-6); (2) enhance cognitive performance via Nrf2-mediated antioxidant protection and HPA axis regulation; and (3) improve physical endurance by mitigating exercise-induced oxidative stress. Beyond these core benefits, we highlight wasabi's anti-obesity effects (via lipid metabolism regulation), cardiovascular protection (through endothelial Nrf2/HO-1 activation), and epigenetic influence on sex determination genes (CYP19a1a, dmrt1) in aquatic models. These findings position wasabi supplements as versatile therapeutic agents bridging traditional medicine and evidence-based applications in metabolic health, and neuroprotection. The review advances current understanding by integrating molecular mechanisms with translational applications, while highlighting remaining research gaps in dosage optimization and long-term efficacy assessment.