Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) Reduces Obesity and Blood Pressure in Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Abstract

6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) has several biological functions. The present study aimed to evaluate the composition of hydroponically grown Tasmanian wasabi (Eutrema japonicum (Miq.) Koidz.) for 6-MSITC in all plant tissues and investigate the influence of wasabi (rhizome and stem blend) in high-carbohydrate, high-fat (H) diet-fed rats. Male Wistar rats were fed either a corn starch (C) or H diet. After the initial 8 weeks, half of the animals on the C and H diets were given 5% (w/w) wasabi powder in their respective diets for an 8-week duration (CW and HW). The control animals received diets without supplementation throughout the 16-week experiment. Our findings demonstrated that wasabi grown under hydroponic conditions contained 6-MSITC in all parts of the plant such as the stem, leaf and flower, as well as the commonly used rhizome, albeit at lower concentrations. Rats treated with wasabi showed reductions in body weight (H, 460.0 ± 9.5; HW, 416.0 ± 3.6 g), fat mass (H, 178 ± 14; HW, 120 ± 23 g), plasma triglycerides (H, 1.7 ± 0.3; HW, 0.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L) and total cholesterol (H, 1.5 ± 0.1; HW, 1.0 ± 0.04 mmol/L), and the plasma activities of aspartate transaminase. Systolic blood pressure and the area under the curve of blood glucose concentration were decreased by wasabi treatment. Thus, wasabi may be a novel alternative treatment to assist in the management of obesity and related metabolic disorders.