Bioactive Compounds and Health Benefits of Wasabi (Eutrema Japonicum): Antibacterial, Cytotoxic, and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Root and Leaf Extracts
Article Sidebar
Published:
Jun 5, 2025
Keywords:
Eutrema japonicum,
Bioactive compounds,
Health benefits,
Wasabi
Main Article Content
Rafaella Daniella
Wenbin Wang
Bernhard Hellman
Steven Suryoprabowo
Abstract
Background of study: Eutrema japonicum, commonly known as wasabi, is a perennial plant native to Japan and a member of the Brassicaceae family. Traditionally used as a pungent condiment in Japanese cuisine, wasabi has garnered scientific interest for its wide array of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties. While its rhizome (commonly referred to as the "root") is the primary component used in culinary applications, recent studies suggest that both the root and leaf extracts may serve as sources of valuable phytochemicals with health-promoting effects. Aims and scope of paper: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties of root and leaf extracts of Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum), with a focus on identifying key bioactive compounds responsible for these biological activities. The study seeks to evaluate the therapeutic potential of both plant parts to support their application in functional foods, nutraceuticals, or natural health products.
Methods: This review aims to find scientific evidence in order to support claims related to Eutrema japonicum. As a consequence, it is very important to gather studies related to the functional properties of butterfly pea from scientific research.
Result: The study revealed that both root and leaf extracts of Eutrema japonicum (wasabi) are rich in key bioactive compounds, including isothiocyanates, phenolics, and flavonoids, which underlie their biological effects. The root extract showed notably stronger antibacterial effects, along with greater cytotoxicity toward human cancer cell lines such as HeLa, MCF-7, and A549. Although the root was more biologically active overall, the leaf extract also demonstrated promising therapeutic potential. These results highlight the value of both plant parts as potential sources of functional ingredients for
the development of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Conclusion: This study highlights the significant health-promoting properties of Eutrema japonicum (wasabi) through the evaluation of its root and leaf extracts. Both plant parts were found to be rich in bioactive compounds, particularly isothiocyanates, phenolics, and flavonoids, which are responsible for their observed antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Article Details
How to Cite
Daniella, R., Wang, W., Hellman, B., & Suryoprabowo, S. (2025). Bioactive Compounds and Health Benefits of Wasabi (Eutrema Japonicum): Antibacterial, Cytotoxic, and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Root and Leaf Extracts . International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition Innovations, 1(1), 1–9. Retrieved from https://e-journal.gomit.id/ijfsni/article/view/7
Section
Literature Review
References
Ambriz-Pérez, D. L., Leyva-López, N., Gutierrez-Grijalva, E. P., & Heredia, J. B. (2016). Phenolic compounds: Natural alternative in inflammation treatment. A Review. Cogent Food and Agriculture, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2015.1131412
Bae, S., Ahn, H., Kim, M., Park, S., & Kim, Y. (2025). Tailored Spectral Lighting Enhances Growth and Photosynthetic Efficiency of Wasabia japonica. Horticulturae, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020162
Bolat, E., Sarıtaş, S., Duman, H., Eker, F., Akdaşçi, E., Karav, S., & Witkowska, A. M. (2024). Polyphenols: Secondary Metabolites with a Biological Impression. Nutrients, 16(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152550
Di, H., Cui, C., Fang, P., Ma, J., He, M., Li, M., . . . Zheng, Y. (2022). Variation in the main health-promoting compounds and antioxidant activity of different organs of Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) from two producing areas. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1043378
Direito, R., Rocha, J., Sepodes, B., & Eduardo-Figueira, M. (2021). Phenolic compounds impact on rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and microbiota modulation. Pharmaceutics, 13(2), 1-39. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13020145
Dos Santos Szewczyk, K., Skowrońska, W., Kruk, A., Makuch-Kocka, A., Bogucka-Kocka, A., Miazga-Karska, M., . . . Granica, S. (2023). Chemical composition of extracts from leaves, stems and roots of wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) and their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36402-y
Dufour, V., Stahl, M., & Baysse, C. (2015). The antibacterial properties of isothiocyanates. Microbiology (United Kingdom), 161(2), 229-243. https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.082362-0
Kim, T. H., Truong, V. L., & Jeong, W. S. (2022). Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ligularia fischeri Turcz: A Comparison between Leaf and Root Extracts. Plants, 11(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11213005
Lu, Z., Dockery, C. R., Crosby, M., Chavarria, K., Patterson, B., & Giedd, M. (2016). Antibacterial activities of wasabi against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7(SEP). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01403
Mi ekus, N., Marszałek, K., Podlacha, M., Iqbal, A., Puchalski, C., & Swiergiel, A. H. (2020). Health Benefits of Plant-Derived Sulfur Compounds, Glucosinolates, and Organosulfur Compounds. Molecules, 25(17). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25173804
Park, J. E., Lee, T. H., Ham, S. L., Subedi, L., Hong, S. M., Kim, S. Y., . . . Lee, K. R. (2022). Anticancer and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Constituents Isolated from the Roots of Wasabia japonica. Antioxidants, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11030482
Peña, M., Guzmán, A., Martínez, R., Mesas, C., Prados, J., Porres, J. M., & Melguizo, C. (2022). Preventive effects of Brassicaceae family for colon cancer prevention: A focus on in vitro studies. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, 151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113145
Phan, M. G., Do, T. T., Nguyen, T. N., Do, T. V. H., Dong, N. P., & Vu, M. T. (2021). Chemical Constituents of Eupatorium japonicum and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic, and Apoptotic Activities of Eupatoriopicrin on Cancer Stem Cells. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6610347
Saleh, H. A., Yousef, M. H., & Abdelnaser, A. (2021). The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Phytochemicals and Their Effects on Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in TLR4/NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation. Frontiers in Immunology, 12. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.606069
Sova, M., & Saso, L. (2020). Natural sources, pharmacokinetics, biological activities and health benefits of hydroxycinnamic acids and their metabolites. Nutrients, 12(8), 1-30. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082190
Speisky, H., Arias-Santé, M. F., & Fuentes, J. (2023). Oxidation of Quercetin and Kaempferol Markedly Amplifies Their Antioxidant, Cytoprotective, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Antioxidants, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010155
Tarar, A., Peng, S., Cheema, S., & Peng, C. A. (2022). Anticancer Activity, Mechanism, and Delivery of Allyl Isothiocyanate. Bioengineering, 9(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9090470
Wiczk, A., Hofman, D., Konopa, G., & Herman-Antosiewicz, A. (2012). Sulforaphane, a cruciferous vegetable-derived isothiocyanate, inhibits protein synthesis in human prostate cancer cells. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Cell Research, 1823(8), 1295-1305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.05.020
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Article Sidebar
Bioactive compounds,
Health benefits,
Wasabi
Main Article Content
Rafaella Daniella
Wenbin Wang
Bernhard Hellman
Steven Suryoprabowo
Abstract
Background of study: Eutrema japonicum, commonly known as wasabi, is a perennial plant native to Japan and a member of the Brassicaceae family. Traditionally used as a pungent condiment in Japanese cuisine, wasabi has garnered scientific interest for its wide array of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties. While its rhizome (commonly referred to as the "root") is the primary component used in culinary applications, recent studies suggest that both the root and leaf extracts may serve as sources of valuable phytochemicals with health-promoting effects. Aims and scope of paper: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties of root and leaf extracts of Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum), with a focus on identifying key bioactive compounds responsible for these biological activities. The study seeks to evaluate the therapeutic potential of both plant parts to support their application in functional foods, nutraceuticals, or natural health products.
Methods: This review aims to find scientific evidence in order to support claims related to Eutrema japonicum. As a consequence, it is very important to gather studies related to the functional properties of butterfly pea from scientific research.
Result: The study revealed that both root and leaf extracts of Eutrema japonicum (wasabi) are rich in key bioactive compounds, including isothiocyanates, phenolics, and flavonoids, which underlie their biological effects. The root extract showed notably stronger antibacterial effects, along with greater cytotoxicity toward human cancer cell lines such as HeLa, MCF-7, and A549. Although the root was more biologically active overall, the leaf extract also demonstrated promising therapeutic potential. These results highlight the value of both plant parts as potential sources of functional ingredients for
the development of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Conclusion: This study highlights the significant health-promoting properties of Eutrema japonicum (wasabi) through the evaluation of its root and leaf extracts. Both plant parts were found to be rich in bioactive compounds, particularly isothiocyanates, phenolics, and flavonoids, which are responsible for their observed antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Article Details
References
Ambriz-Pérez, D. L., Leyva-López, N., Gutierrez-Grijalva, E. P., & Heredia, J. B. (2016). Phenolic compounds: Natural alternative in inflammation treatment. A Review. Cogent Food and Agriculture, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2015.1131412
Bae, S., Ahn, H., Kim, M., Park, S., & Kim, Y. (2025). Tailored Spectral Lighting Enhances Growth and Photosynthetic Efficiency of Wasabia japonica. Horticulturae, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020162
Bolat, E., Sarıtaş, S., Duman, H., Eker, F., Akdaşçi, E., Karav, S., & Witkowska, A. M. (2024). Polyphenols: Secondary Metabolites with a Biological Impression. Nutrients, 16(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152550
Di, H., Cui, C., Fang, P., Ma, J., He, M., Li, M., . . . Zheng, Y. (2022). Variation in the main health-promoting compounds and antioxidant activity of different organs of Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) from two producing areas. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1043378
Direito, R., Rocha, J., Sepodes, B., & Eduardo-Figueira, M. (2021). Phenolic compounds impact on rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and microbiota modulation. Pharmaceutics, 13(2), 1-39. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13020145
Dos Santos Szewczyk, K., Skowrońska, W., Kruk, A., Makuch-Kocka, A., Bogucka-Kocka, A., Miazga-Karska, M., . . . Granica, S. (2023). Chemical composition of extracts from leaves, stems and roots of wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) and their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36402-y
Dufour, V., Stahl, M., & Baysse, C. (2015). The antibacterial properties of isothiocyanates. Microbiology (United Kingdom), 161(2), 229-243. https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.082362-0
Kim, T. H., Truong, V. L., & Jeong, W. S. (2022). Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ligularia fischeri Turcz: A Comparison between Leaf and Root Extracts. Plants, 11(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11213005
Lu, Z., Dockery, C. R., Crosby, M., Chavarria, K., Patterson, B., & Giedd, M. (2016). Antibacterial activities of wasabi against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7(SEP). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01403
Mi ekus, N., Marszałek, K., Podlacha, M., Iqbal, A., Puchalski, C., & Swiergiel, A. H. (2020). Health Benefits of Plant-Derived Sulfur Compounds, Glucosinolates, and Organosulfur Compounds. Molecules, 25(17). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25173804
Park, J. E., Lee, T. H., Ham, S. L., Subedi, L., Hong, S. M., Kim, S. Y., . . . Lee, K. R. (2022). Anticancer and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Constituents Isolated from the Roots of Wasabia japonica. Antioxidants, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11030482
Peña, M., Guzmán, A., Martínez, R., Mesas, C., Prados, J., Porres, J. M., & Melguizo, C. (2022). Preventive effects of Brassicaceae family for colon cancer prevention: A focus on in vitro studies. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, 151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113145
Phan, M. G., Do, T. T., Nguyen, T. N., Do, T. V. H., Dong, N. P., & Vu, M. T. (2021). Chemical Constituents of Eupatorium japonicum and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic, and Apoptotic Activities of Eupatoriopicrin on Cancer Stem Cells. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6610347
Saleh, H. A., Yousef, M. H., & Abdelnaser, A. (2021). The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Phytochemicals and Their Effects on Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in TLR4/NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation. Frontiers in Immunology, 12. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.606069
Sova, M., & Saso, L. (2020). Natural sources, pharmacokinetics, biological activities and health benefits of hydroxycinnamic acids and their metabolites. Nutrients, 12(8), 1-30. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082190
Speisky, H., Arias-Santé, M. F., & Fuentes, J. (2023). Oxidation of Quercetin and Kaempferol Markedly Amplifies Their Antioxidant, Cytoprotective, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Antioxidants, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010155
Tarar, A., Peng, S., Cheema, S., & Peng, C. A. (2022). Anticancer Activity, Mechanism, and Delivery of Allyl Isothiocyanate. Bioengineering, 9(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9090470
Wiczk, A., Hofman, D., Konopa, G., & Herman-Antosiewicz, A. (2012). Sulforaphane, a cruciferous vegetable-derived isothiocyanate, inhibits protein synthesis in human prostate cancer cells. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Cell Research, 1823(8), 1295-1305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.05.020
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