Search Results (38)

Eutrema japonicum is a perennial herb belonging to the Eutrema genus in the crucifer family. In recent years, numerous substances with notable pharmacological activities have been successfully isolated from E. japonicum. Despite significant advancements in related research, the efficacy of the rhizome extract of E. japonicum against root-knot nematodes remains unknown. In this study, the rhizome extract of E. japonicum was used as raw material to demonstrate the inhibitory and nematicidal effects of the extract on Meloidogyne enterolobii. The results showed that the LC₅₀ of the E. japonicum rhizome extract on second-stage juveniles (J2s) was 69.590 mg/mL and 22.336 mg/mL at 24 h and 48 h after treatment, respectively. The mortality rate of J2s reached 88.93% at 48 h post-treatment when the concentration was 200 mg/mL, and the inhibition rate of single-egg hatching reached 88.14%. This study analyzed the chemical composition of the ethanol extract of E. japonicum, and 10 organosulfur compounds and lipid compounds with insecticidal and antibacterial effects were preliminarily screened out. Among them, sec-butyl isothiocyanate and geraniol were further investigated for their nematicidal activity, demonstrating high efficacy against M. enterolobii. Moreover, we conducted network pharmacology analysis and RT-qPCR analysis to predict the potential inhibitory mechanisms of sec-butyl isothiocyanate and geraniol on M. enterolobii. These findings offer a scientific foundation and theoretical framework for utilizing E.japonicum as a potential raw material for developing novel natural plant nematicides. Full article

This paper introduces a novel similarity measure to link transactions which spend outputs of CoinJoin transactions, CoinJoin Spending Transactions (CSTs), by analyzing their on-chain properties, addressing the challenge of preserving user privacy in blockchain systems. Despite the adoption of privacy-enhancing techniques like CoinJoin, users remain vulnerable to transaction linkage through shared output patterns. The proposed method leverages timestamp analysis of mixed outputs and employs a one-sided Chamfer distance to quantify similarities between CSTs, enabling the identification of transactions associated with the same user. The approach is evaluated across three major CoinJoin implementations (Dash, Whirlpool, and Wasabi 2.0) demonstrating its effectiveness in detecting linked CSTs. Additionally, the work improves transaction classification rules for Wasabi 2.0 by introducing criteria for uncommon denomination outputs, reducing false positives. Results show that multiple CSTs spending shared CoinJoin outputs are prevalent, highlighting the practical significance of the similarity measure. The findings underscore the ongoing privacy risks posed by transaction linkage, even within privacy-focused protocols. This work contributes to the understanding of CoinJoin’s limitations and offers insights for developing more robust privacy mechanisms in decentralized systems. To the authors knowledge this is the first work analyzing the linkage between CSTs. Full article

CO₂, a major industrial (waste)water treatment process byproduct, significantly contributes to climate change, desertification and overall water depletion. Therefore, there is a significant interest in decreasing CO₂ amounts, generated by various technological processes, through a wide range of methods from geological sequestration to biological sequestration. The CO₂ (waste)water treatment byproduct sequestration into agricultural CO₂-enhanced irrigation water offers several benefits by enhancing crop yield and repurposing emissions. This sustainable approach supports climate neutrality via biological sequestration, promotes circular economy principles, and strengthens the link between agriculture and climate change. In this study, the effect of CO₂-enriched water irrigation was analyzed in a complex network of plants germination, soil bacterial populations’ dynamics and soil composition. Results showed that germination rates of plants irrigated with CO₂-enriched water were species specific. Sage plants increased their germination and growth when irrigated with CO₂-enriched water compared with plants irrigated with plain water. Moreover, CO₂ addition favored the development of soil anaerobic bacteria in detriment of aerobic bacteria and subsequently changing organic and nitrogenous compounds soil composition compared to plain water irrigation. For the first time, the germination process influenced by CO₂ was correlated with on overall possible CO₂ effects on bacterial population growth dynamics and soil quality metabolites availability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hexaraphane, also known as 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate, derived from wasabi (Eutrema japonicum), increases heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) mRNA expression by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in both HepG2 cells and the mouse liver. Given the presence of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) response element (PPRE) in the HO-1 and ALDH2 promoters, the present study aimed to determine the effects of hexaraphane on PPARα-associated genes, age-related weight gain, plasma triglyceride levels, and hepatic senescence. Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with hexaraphane to evaluate PPARα target gene expression and PPRE transcriptional activity. Male C57BL/6J young control, aged control, and aged mice administered with hexaraphane for 16 weeks were assessed for food and water intake, body and tissue weights, plasma parameters, and hepatic PPARα-related gene expression. Results: Hexaraphane increased HO-1 mRNA expression levels in HepG2 cells, which was inhibited by GW6471, a PPARα antagonist. It elevated PPRE transcriptional activity and increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) mRNA expression levels, indicating PPARα activation. In aged mice, hexaraphane intake reduced body weight gain by decreasing the adipose tissue weight. Increased CPT1A expression levels and a tendency toward increased acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) expression levels in the liver of aged mice administered hexaraphane were associated with reduced plasma triglyceride levels and body weight gain. Increased hepatic Sirt1 expression levels in aged mice administered hexaraphane was associated with lower plasma triglyceride levels. Increased hepatic PPARα mRNA expression levels in aged mice administered hexaraphane suggest a positive feedback loop between PPARα and Sirt1. The expression levels of hepatic p21 mRNA, a senescence marker regulated by Sirt1, were upregulated in aged mice but suppressed by hexaraphane intake. Conclusions: Hexaraphane may prevent age-related body weight gain, elevated plasma triglyceride levels, and hepatic senescence by activating PPARα, potentially contributing to longevity. Full article

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a low-molecular-weight natural chemical predominantly obtained from the autolysis of sinigrin, a glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables like mustard, horseradish, and wasabi. AITC has sparked widespread interest due to its various biological actions, which include strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer capabilities. This compound offers promising potential in several fields, particularly in food preservation, medicine, and enhancing food quality through natural means. AITC’s effectiveness against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including foodborne pathogens and spoilage agents, makes it an attractive natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. The potential to extend the shelf life of perishable foods makes AITC an important tool for food production, meeting rising customer demand for natural additives. In addition to its antimicrobial effects, AITC demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating key signaling pathways, which could make it valuable in managing chronic inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, emerging research highlights its potential in cancer prevention and treatment, as AITC has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell increase in several cancer cell lines, offering a natural approach to chemoprevention. This review delves into the chemical structure, metabolism, and bioavailability of freshly produced AITC, providing a comprehensive overview of its beneficial properties. Challenges related to AITC’s volatility, dosage optimization, and regulatory considerations are also discussed, alongside future research directions to enhance the stability and efficacy of AITC-based formulations. The findings underscore AITC’s role as a versatile bioactive compound with known potential to support human health and the sustainable food industry. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of various supplemental lighting conditions on the growth and rhizome production of Wasabia japonica, a high-value crop. Its cultivation poses challenges due to specific environmental requirements, including cool temperatures and high humidity. By tailoring light spectra, we aimed to optimize photosynthetic efficiency and biomass accumulation. Seedlings (cv. ST1) were grown in a controlled plant factory (18 ± 2 °C, 90 ± 5% RH) using a Yamazaki tri-leaf nutrient solution (EC 1.5–2.0 dS/m, pH 5.8–6.8). Lighting was designed to convert blue (450 nm) to red (630–680 nm) wavelengths at 70–40% ratios, maintaining a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 50 ± 5 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ during a 12 h photoperiod. In the greenhouse, supplemental lighting (40% blue-to-red conversion) was applied for 4 h daily to complement natural light. After 140 days, the optimized 40% blue-to-red conversion lighting significantly improved plant length (34.4 cm), leaf length (15.3 cm), and photosynthetic rates (2.21 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). When tested in the greenhouse, it increased rhizome fresh weight to 75.6 g compared to 30.0 g under natural light. These results indicate that supplemental lighting with specific spectral ratios and controlled intensities can enhance photosynthesis and rhizome production, providing a sustainable approach to wasabi cultivation. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the major cause of mortality and morbidity, causing approximately 1.3 million deaths annually. As a highly successful pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has evolved numerous strategies to evade host immune responses, making it essential to understand the interactions between Mtb and host cells. G-protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84), a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor family, contributes to the regulation of pro-inflammatory reactions and the migration of innate immune cells, such as macrophages. Its role in mycobacterial infection, however, has not yet been explored. We found that GPR84 is induced in whole blood samples from tuberculosis patients and Mycobacterium marinum (Mm)-infected macrophage models. Using a Mm-wasabi infection model in mouse tails, we found that GPR84 is an important determinant of the extent of tissue damage. Furthermore, from our studies in an in vitro macrophage Mm infection model, it appears that GPR84 inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and increases intracellular lipid droplet (LD) accumulation, thereby promoting intracellular bacterial survival. Our findings suggest that GPR84 could be a potential therapeutic target for host-directed anti-TB therapeutics. Full article

This study examines the effects of different LED light spectra and intensities on the growth, photosynthetic performance, and biochemical composition of the ‘Daruma’ cultivar of wasabi (Eutrema japonicum). The primary objective is to enhance the efficiency of indoor cultivation techniques for this economically significant crop. Wasabi seedlings were cultivated under LED lighting with four light intensities (35, 60, 90, and 140 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and three spectral combinations: red and white (1:1); red, white, and blue (1:1:1); and white. Growth parameters, including plant height, petiole length, leaf number, and yield metrics such as fresh weight and leaf area, were measured alongside photosynthetic activity and chemical analysis of glucosinolate levels. The results indicate that higher light intensities (particularly 140 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) greatly enhance overall plant biomass, with red-dominant spectra promoting more significant growth and glucosinolate accumulation, a key secondary metabolite in wasabi. Lower intensities increased chlorophyll content and produced darker green foliage but decreased growth performance. Additionally, the interaction of red and blue light spectra with increased light intensity suggests that specific red light conditions are optimal for maximizing wasabi biomass and biochemical yield. These findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing light regimes for wasabi and similar shade-adapted crops in controlled indoor farming systems, potentially improving yield and quality in plant factories and supporting the future of indoor farming. Full article

Methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) isolated from Eutrema japonicum is a promising candidate for the treatment of breast cancer, colorectal and stomach cancer, metabolic syndrome, heart diseases, diabetes, and obesity due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also, its neuroprotective properties, improving cognitive function and protecting dopaminergic neurons, make it an excellent candidate for treating neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. 6-MSITC acts on many signaling pathways, such as PPAR, AMPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Nrf2/Keap1-ARE, ERK1/2-ELK1/CHOP/DR5, and MAPK. However, despite the very promising results of in vitro and in vivo animal studies and a few human studies, the molecule has not yet been thoroughly tested in the human population. Nonetheless, wasabi should be classified as a “superfood” for the primary and secondary prevention of human diseases. This article reviews the current state-of-the-art research on 6-MSITC and its potential clinical uses, discussing in detail the signaling pathways activated by the molecule and their interactions. Full article

The Brassicaceae family is distinguished by its inclusion of high-value crops such as cabbage, broccoli, mustard, and wasabi, all noted for their glucosinolates. In this family, many polyploidy species are distributed and shaped by numerous whole-genome duplications, independent genome doublings, and hybridization events. The evolutionary trajectory of the family is marked by enhanced diversification and lineage splitting after paleo- and meso-polyploidization, with discernible remnants of whole-genome duplications within their genomes. The recent neopolyploidization events notably increased the proportion of polyploid species within the family. Although sequencing efforts for the Brassicaceae genome have been robust, accurately distinguishing sub-genomes remains a significant challenge, frequently complicating the assembly process. Assembly strategies include comparative analyses with ancestral species and examining k-mers, long terminal repeat retrotransposons, and pollen sequencing. This review comprehensively explores the unique genomic characteristics of the Brassicaceae family, with a particular emphasis on polyploidization events and the latest strategies for sequencing and assembly. This review will significantly improve our understanding of polyploidy in the Brassicaceae family and assist in future genome assembly methods. Full article

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of cancer-related deaths and is the fifth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Its risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, Epstein–Barr virus infection, the consumption of broiled and charbroiled animal meats, salt-preserved and smoke-enhanced foods, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to ionizing radiation, and positive family history. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies and the widespread risk factors of GC encourage the search for new methods of treatment and prevention. In the quest for cheap and commonly available medications, numerous studies focus on herbal medicine, traditional brews, and spices. In this review, we outline the potential use of spices, including turmeric, ginger, garlic, black cumin, chili pepper, saffron, black pepper, rosemary, galangal, coriander, wasabi, cinnamon, oregano, cardamom, fenugreek, caraway, clove, dill, thyme, Piper sarmentosum, basil, as well as the compounds they contain, in the prevention and treatment of GC. We present the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the effectivity of a given seasoning substance and their impact on GC cells. We discuss their potential effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. For most of the spices discussed, we also outline the unavailability and side effects of their use. Full article

Korean wasabi occurs naturally on the young oceanic, volcanic Ulleung Island off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula. Although the Ulleung Island wasabi is reported as Eutrema japonicum and has been suggested to be morphologically identical to cultivars in Korea, very little is known about its taxonomic identity and relationship with other cultivars. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast DNA sequences of three naturally occurring Ulleung Island wasabi plants and six cultivars (‘Daewang’, ‘Daruma’, ‘Micado’, ‘Orochi’, ‘Green Thumb’, and ‘Shogun’) from continental Korea and determined the taxonomic identity of Korean wasabi on Ulleung Island. The size and organization of the complete chloroplast genomes of the nine accessions were nearly identical to those of previously reported wasabi cultivars. In addition, phylogenetic analysis based on the complete plastomes suggested that Ulleung Island wasabi most likely comprises various wasabi cultivars with three chlorotypes (‘Shogun’, ‘Green Thumb’, and a unique Chusan type). Based on the complete plastomes, we identified eight chlorotypes for the major wasabi cultivars and the Ulleung Island wasabi. Two major groups (1—‘Mazuma’ and ‘Daruma’, and 2—‘Fujidaruma’/‘Shimane No. 3’/Ulleung Island wasabi/five cultivars in Korea) were also identified based on mother line genealogical history. Furthermore, different types of variations (mutations, insertions/deletions (indels), mononucleotide repeats, and inversions) in plastomes were identified to distinguish different cultivar lines and five highly divergent hotspots. The nine newly obtained complete plastomes are valuable organelle genomic resources for species identification and infraspecific phylogeographic studies on wild and cultivated wasabi. Full article

Background: Cognitive functions decline with age. Declined cognitive functions negatively affect daily behaviors. Previous studies showed the positive effect of spices and herbs on cognition. In this study, we investigated the positive impact of wasabi, which is a traditional Japanese spice, on cognitive functions. The main bioactive compound of wasabi is 6-MSITC (6 methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate), which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories have an important role in cognitive health. Therefore, 6-MSITC is expected to have positive effects on cognitive function. Previous studies showed the beneficial effects on cognitive functions in middle-aged adults. However, it is unclear that 6-MSITC has a positive effect on cognitive functions in healthy older adults aged 60 years and over. Here, we investigated whether 12 weeks’ 6-MSITC intervention enhances cognitive performance in older adults using a double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT). Methods: Seventy-two older adults were randomly assigned to 6-MSITC or placebo groups. Participants were asked to take a supplement (6-MSITC or a placebo) for 12 weeks. We checked a wide range of cognitive performances (e.g., executive function, episodic memory, processing speed, working memory, and attention) at the pre- and post-intervention periods. Results: The 6-MSITC group showed a significant improvement in working and episodic memory performances compared to the placebo group. However, we did not find any significant improvements in other cognitive domains. Discussion: This study firstly demonstrates scientific evidence that 6-MSITC may enhance working memory and episodic memory in older adults. We discuss the potential mechanism for improving cognitive functions after 6-MSITC intake. Full article

Blackleg disease is devastating for wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) production, occurring at any time and everywhere within the main production area of the Sichuan Province, China. There have been very few studies on the chemical control of this disease. In this study, we isolated and identified a local popular strain of the pathogen Plenodomus wasabiae. The isolated fungus strain caused typical disease spots on the leaves and rhizomes upon inoculation back to wasabi seedlings. The symptoms of blackleg disease developed very quickly, becaming visible on the second day after exposure to P. wasabiae and leading to death within one week. We then evaluated the efficacy of ten widely used fungicides to screen out effective fungicides. The efficacy of the tested fungicides was determined through mycelial growth inhibition on medium plates. As a result, tebuconazole and pyraclostrobin were able to inhibit the mycelial growth of P. wasabiae, and the most widely used dimethomorph in local production areas produced the lowest inhibition activity (13.8%). Nevertheless, the highest control efficacy of tebuconazole and pyraclostrobin on wasabi seedlings was only 47.48% and 39.03%, respectively. Generally, the control efficacy of spraying the fungicide before inoculation was better than that after inoculation. An increase in the application concentration of the two fungicides did not proportionately result in improved performance. We cloned the full-length sequence of sterol 14-demethylase (CYP51) and cytochrome B (CYTB) of which the mutations may contribute to the possible antifungalresistance. These two genes of the isolated fungus do not possess any reported mutations that lead to fungicide resistance. Previous studies indicate that there is a significant difference between fungicides in terms of the effectiveness of controlling blackleg disease; however, the control efficacy of fungicides is limited in blackleg control. Therefore, field management to prevent wound infection and unfavorable environmental conditions are more important than pesticide management. Full article

1-Isothiocyanato-6-(methylsulfinyl)-hexanate (6-MITC) is a natural compound found in Wasabia japonica. The synthetic derivatives 1-Isothiocyanato-6-(methylsulfenyl)-hexane (I7447) and 1-Isothiocyanato-6-(methylsulfonyl)-hexane (I7557) were obtained from 6-MITC by deleting and adding an oxygen atom to the sulfone group, respectively. We previously demonstrated that extensive mitotic arrest, spindle multipolarity, and cytoplasmic vacuole accumulation were induced by 6-MITC and inhibited the viability of human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. In this study, we examined the anti-cancer effects of 6-MITC derivatives on human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells. Autophagy was identified as the formation of autophagosomes with double-layered membranes using transmission electron microscopy. Cell cycle and differentiation were analyzed using flow cytometry. Apoptosis was detected by annexin V staining. After treatment with I7447 and I7557, the G2/M phase of cell cycle arrest was revealed. Cell death can be induced by a distinct mechanism (the simultaneous occurrence of autophagy and aberrant mitosis). The expression levels of acridine orange were significantly affected by lysosomal inhibitors. The natural wasabi component, 6-MITC, and its synthetic derivatives have similar effects on human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells and may be developed as novel therapeutic agents against leukemia. Full article