Wasabia japonica kills leukemia cells

Study demonstrates the one of the Unique Compounds found in Wasabia japonica kills Leukemia cells.

Back in 2019 a group of scientists investigated the action of one of the 3 unique chemical found in Wasabia japonica on a human Leukemia cell line known as K562.[1]

They only studied the action of 6-(Methylsulfinyl) Hexyl Isothiocyanate and found that the evidence suggested that 6-MITC inhibited human leukemia K562 cell growth and induced cell death of the leukemia cell. The mode of cell death was through two distinct pathways involving autophagy and mitotic arrest.

It has been reported that 6-MITC possesses antitumor characteristics through the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway, the disturbance of mitochondrial function, and finally, the induction of cell apoptosis in different cancer cells [4,5].

Previously, they found that 6-MITC acted against tumor cell growth through mitotic arrest, the induction of apoptosis, and the inhibition of the expression of SOX2, a cancer stem cell molecule in human pancreatic cancer cells [3]. In this study they demonstrated a novel mechanism through which 6-MITC suppressed leukemia cell growth by two different modes of cell death.

Although 6-MITC is isolated from an edible plant, the safety of 6-MITC on non-target cells is also a critical concern. A previous report showed that 6-MITC had no significant toxicity on human fibroblast cells [2]. The result indicated that 6-MITC is a safe natural compound with cytotoxicity specific to tumor cells.

Previous Studies

A previous study published in 2017 [6] focused on evaluating 6-MITC’s in vitro cytotoxic, cytostatic and cytodifferentiating activities, as well as its pro-apoptotic potential. The results demonstrated that 6-MITC exerts a stronger cytotoxic effect on tumour cells than on healthy cells. It was also observed that 6-MITC is able to limit tumour growth by slowing down and blocking the cell cycle, in a dose and time-related manner, while exerting no activity of any kind on the replication of healthy cells.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of 6-MITC as a chemopreventive agent in leukaemia cell lines. More specifically, its antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects were analysed in human lymphoblastic leukaemia cells (Jurkat cells) and in human promyelocytic leukaemia cells (HL-60 cells).

6-MITC and Chemoprevention

6-(methylsulfonyl) hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MITC), is present in high concentrations in the Wasabia Japonica rhizome.

Wasabia Japonica, is becoming increasingly important in the scientific field due to the presence, at high concentrations, of numerous Isothiocyanates (ITCs) including 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8-MITCs. Among them, 6-MITC is the one present at the highest concentration and is the most interesting bioactive compound. Numerous scientific and epidemiological studies have confirmed, for example, its significant anti-inflammatory [7,8,9] and antioxidant [10,11,12 ] properties, leading to its hypothesised use in chemoprevention.

The aim of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the potential of 6-MITC as a chemopreventive agent in leukaemia cell lines. More specifically, its antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects were analysed in human lymphoblastic leukaemia cells (Jurkat cells) and in human promyelocytic leukaemia cells (HL-60 cells). In addition to evaluating its cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on transformed cells, its selectivity for non-transformed human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) was also tested using the same endpoints.

In conclusion, 6-MITC inhibited the growth of human CML K562, HL-60 and Jurkat cells. The compound induced a unique mode of cell death with coexisting mitosis and autophagy, which are regarded as distinct cellular events with counteracting presence.

It was found that 6-MITC, a natural compound from Wasabia japonica, has therapeutic potential against Leukemia.

Reference"

[1] Wu, K.; Liao, H.; Chi, C.; Kou, Y.; Chen, Y. Wasabi Compound 6-(Methylsulfinyl) Hexyl Isothiocyanate Induces Cell Death with Coexisting Mitotic Arrest and Autophagy in Human Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia K562 Cells. Biomolecules 2019, 9(12), 774

[2] Lee, M.J.; Tseng, W.S.; Lai, J.C.; Shieh, H.R.; Chi, C.W.; Chen, Y.J. Differential Pharmacological Activities of Oxygen Numbers on the Sulfoxide Moiety of Wasabi Compound 6-(Methylsulfinyl) Hexyl Isothiocyanate in Human Oral Cancer Cells. Molecules 2018, 23.

[3] Chen, Y.J.; Huang, Y.C.; Tsai, T.H.; Liao, H.F. Effect of Wasabi Component 6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl Isothiocyanate and Derivatives on Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Evid. Based Complement. Altern. Med. ECAM 2014, 2014, 494739.

[4] Yano, S.; Wu, S.; Sakao, K.; Hou, D.X. Wasabi 6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate induces apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells through p53-independent mitochondrial dysfunction pathway. Biofactors 2018.

[5] Fuke, Y.; Hishinuma, M.; Namikawa, M.; Oishi, Y.; Matsuzaki, T. Wasabi-derived 6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate induces apoptosis in human breast cancer by possible involvement of the NF-kappaB pathways. Nutr. Cancer 2014, 66, 879–887

[6] Lenzi M., Cocchi V., Malaguti M., Cristina Barbalace M., Marchionni S., Hrelia S., Hrelia P. 6-(Methylsulfonyl) hexyl isothiocyanate as potential chemopreventive agent: molecular and cellular profile in leukaemia cell lines. Oncotarget. 2017; 8: 111697-111714.

[7] Uto T, Fujii M, Hou DX. 6-(Methylsulfinil)hexyl isothiocyanate suppresses inducibile nitric oxide synthase expression through the inhibition of Janus kinase 2-mediated JNK pathway in lipopolysaccharide-activated murine macrophages. Biochem Pharmacol. 2005; 70:1211–21.

[8] Uto T, Fujii M, Hou DX. Effects of 6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate on cyclooxygenase-2 expression induced by lipopolysaccharide, interferon-gamma and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Oncol Rep. 2007; 17:233–8.

[9] Uto T, Hou DX, Morinage O, Shoyama Y. Molecular mechanism underlying anti infiammatory actions of 6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate derived from wasabi (Wasabia japonica). Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2012.

[10] Hasegawa N, Matsumoto Y, Hoshino A, Iwashita K. Comparison of effects of Wasabia japonica and allyl isothiocyanate on the growth of four strains of vibrio parahaemolyticus in lean fatty tuna meat suspensions. Food Microbiol. 1999; 49:27–34.

[11] Morimitus Y, Hayashi K, Nakagawa Y, Fujii H, Horio F, Uchida K, Osawa T. Antiplatelet and anticancer isothiocyanate in Japanase domestic horseradish, Wasabi. Mech Ageing Dev. 2000; 116:125–34.

[12] Trio ZP, Fujisaki S, Tanigawa S, Hisanaga A, Sakao K, Hou DX. DNA microarray highlights Nrf2-mediated neuron protection targeted by wasabi-derived Isothiocyanates in IMR-32 cells. Gene Regul Syst Bio. 2016; 10:73–83.

Extreme Health Benefits of Wasabia japonica

Extreme Health Benefits using Wasabia japonica

Here are a few of the Extreme Health Benefits of Wasabia japonica (Wasabi)

Cancer Prevention – Regular addition of Wasabia japonica to the diet can prevent certain types of cancer. The most notable and beneficial nutrients found in Wasabia japonica are the isothiocyanates. These form from glucosinolates after the plant is harvested or cut. The various isothiocyanate antioxidants are very beneficial in eliminating free radicals throughout the body’s systems.

Studies have shown that one unique form of isothiocyanate in Wasabia japonica, 6-MITC, has been clearly shown to inhibit the expansion of leukemia and stomach cancer cells. It actually promotes apoptosis (cell death) within 24 hours of consumption. The use of Wasabia japonica may prevent the growth of tumors, even at a pre-clinical or pre-treatment size. The most attractive thing about this type of treatment is that the unique isothiocyanates (6-MITC) appears to kill cancer cells without damaging the healthy, surrounding cells.

The most attractive thing about this type of treatment is that 6-MITC appears to kill cancer cells without damaging the healthy, surrounding cells.

Similar studies have found 6-MITC to be equally effective against breast cancer and melanoma cells, leading many researchers to support Wasabia japonica as a simple preventative method against multiple types of cancer. Research regarding Wasabia japonica’s strength against other kinds of cancer is still ongoing, but this powerfully flavored plant has already proven itself in the oncological community.

Only genuine Wasabia japonica has the diverse unique isothiocyanates that can fight a wide range of cancerous conditions. Even other plants in the Brassica family pale in comparison, particularly because they are traditionally cooked before eating, which can reduce the nutritional content, and can degrade the enzymes that lead to isothiocyanate formation.

If you want to help prevent cancer through dietary change, only use 100% Pure Wasabia japonica rhizome!

Cardiovascular Health – Another popular reason for regularly adding Wasabia japonica to your diet is to prevent cardiovascular issues. It has anti-hypercholesterolemic properties which help in lowering high cholesterol levels in the human body, strokes and heart attacks. The unique isothiocyanates in Wasabia japonica do more than prevent cancer. They also have inhibitory affects on platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation is basically the grouping together or clumping of blood platelets into a thrombus, or blood clot. These clots are the main causes of strokes and other cardiovascular crises. By breaking down and inhibiting the formation of these clots throughout the body, Wasabia japonica effectively reduces your risks for heart disease and stroke!

Arthritis and Inflammation – The pungent plant, Wasabia japonica, has also been shown to reduce cases of joint swelling, inflammation, and can even subdue the effects of arthritis. Again, the powerful antioxidant isothiocyanate compounds have been shown to reduce the inflammation of joints, ligaments, and muscles that may contribute to arthritis and joint pain. Studies suggest that Wasabia japonica helps in maintaining bone integrity in humans and can help in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. In the same way that isothiocyanates can reduce platelet aggregation to protect from heart disease, they also can reduce the aggregation at weak points on the body that cause pain or discomfort.

Add some Wasabia japonica rhizome to your diet and feel younger!

Antibacterial Effects – The powerful, natural components of Wasabia japonica have also been shown to fight off bacterial infections! In a recent study of the antibacterial properties of various foods and vegetables, Wasabia japonica ranked as the most successful antibacterial food against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph infections). This means that food poisoning and other unfortunate conditions can be prevented by maintaining levels of isothiocyanates in the diet through the consumption of Wasabia japonica. Again, the unique isothiocyanates were proven to be the vital component that neutralized these potentially deadly bacteria within the body. Some companies have begun to include trace elements of Wasabia japonica extract in their antibacterial creams and gels to boost their strength and effectiveness!

Respiratory Conditions – Wasabia japonica can be a strong line of defense against certain respiratory tract pathogens. The gaseous component of Wasabia japonica, which causes such a powerful reaction in the nasal passages and sinuses, is actually the gaseous release of Allyl Isothiocyanate, which can actively inhibit the proliferation of respiratory tract pathogens like those that cause influenza and pneumonia. The smell and the sensation in your nose after eating Wasabia japonica may be strong, but it can do a lot of good for your health and well-being.

Wasabia japonica “clears the sinuses” when the gaseous component reaches the nasal passage. This can often help people who suffer from seasonal allergies, or even the common cold, to stimulate the sinuses and open the nasal passageways to increase airflow.