Kinjirushi Introduces Hexaraphane and Research Into Its Potential Brain Health Benefits to North America

Japanese wasabi specialist brings decades of expertise to North America as research explores the relationship between wasabi-derived compounds, cognitive function and healthy aging

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinjirushi Co., Ltd., a Japanese leader in wasabi cultivation, production and research, today announced the North American introduction of hexaraphane, a naturally occurring compound found in wasabi that has been studied for its potential benefits for cognitive function and healthy aging.

While wasabi is best known in North America as an accompaniment to sushi, researchers have increasingly examined the plant for properties that extend beyond its culinary use. Hexaraphane, also known as 6-MSITC (6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate), is a naturally occurring isothiocyanate found in the rhizome of the wasabi plant and has emerged as an area of interest in research examining cognitive health.

In a 2023 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers examined the effects of 12 weeks of wasabi supplementation containing 6-MSITC among healthy adults ages 60 to 80. Participants who received the wasabi supplement demonstrated significant improvements in working and episodic memory compared with the placebo group, while the study did not find significant improvements in other cognitive domains. The findings have contributed to growing scientific interest in wasabi-derived compounds and their potential relationship with cognitive function as people age.

Kinjirushi has spent decades studying wasabi, including the functional properties of compounds naturally present within the plant. The company's work has included research into hexaraphane, methods for extracting and standardizing wasabi-derived compounds, and the development of applications designed to make those compounds more accessible for continued research and consumer use.

“Wasabi has a long history in Japanese food culture, but our understanding of the plant continues to evolve,” said Dr. Isao Okunishi, known as ‘Dr. Wasabi,’ fellow researcher at Kinjirushi. “Research into hexaraphane is helping us explore an entirely different side of wasabi. We want to bring greater awareness of that science to North America and encourage continued interest in the relationship between wasabi, nutrition and cognitive health.”

Dr. Okunishi has dedicated over 25 years to researching wasabi and its functional properties, becoming a leading expert on the plant and its potential applications beyond food. As “Dr. Wasabi,” he works to make the science surrounding wasabi accessible to audiences outside the research community while encouraging further study into the plant and its naturally occurring compounds. He is also bringing that research to a broader audience through his book, Wasabi for a Healthy Brain, which explores the science of wasabi and brain health.

Kinjirushi's introduction of hexaraphane to North America comes amid growing interest in maintaining cognitive health throughout the aging process. As researchers continue to examine the relationship between diet, lifestyle and brain health, compounds derived from familiar foods are providing new avenues for scientific investigation.

Kinjirushi has also applied its wasabi research to consumer products, including Wasabi Sulfinyl, a dietary supplement currently available in North America that contains wasabi-derived compounds. The product represents one commercial application of Kinjirushi's broader work studying and developing uses for wasabi's functional components. Currently available to U.S. consumers via Amazon, the supplement provides 0.8 mg of 6-MSITC per daily tablet and is sold in 60-tablet bottles, providing a two-month supply.

Through its expanded presence in North America, Kinjirushi aims to increase understanding of hexaraphane, encourage greater awareness of the science surrounding wasabi, and contribute its decades of expertise to ongoing conversations about nutrition, cognitive function and healthy aging.

“Most people in North America already know wasabi, even if they have only experienced it alongside sushi,” added Dr. Okunishi. “What they may not know is how much there is still to discover about the plant. We hope the research inspires people to see wasabi from a new perspective.”

Wasabi for a Healthy Brain by Dr. Isao Okunishi is available on Amazon.

Wasabi Sulfinyl is available on Amazon.

For more information about Kinjirushi, Dr. Wasabi and hexaraphane, visit https://www.kinjirushiusa.com/.

About Kinjirushi
Founded in Japan, Kinjirushi Co., Ltd. is a wasabi specialist with decades of experience spanning cultivation, processing, product development and scientific research. The company has conducted extensive research into wasabi and its naturally occurring compounds, including hexaraphane, while developing food, ingredient and consumer applications that bring the properties of wasabi to markets in Japan and around the world. Through its U.S. education efforts, Kinjirushi aims to increase awareness of wasabi science and advance understanding of the plant’s potential role in health and wellness.

Media Contact:
Kent Borden-Ha
Firecracker PR for Kinjirushi
kent@firecrackerpr.com
1-888-317-4687 ext. 708

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4521fc92-a61d-4bc2-ad6d-d3e92fc1eaf2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65f1307c-c7f6-4640-b759-3b479baaa560

Wasabi for a Healthy Brain and Wasabi Sulfinyl

Dr. Isao Okunishi’s Wasabi for a Healthy Brain and Wasabi Sulfinyl highlight Kinjirushi’s work bringing greater awareness to wasabi-derived compounds and their potential relationship with cognitive health.

Wasabi Sulfinyl Dietary Supplement

Wasabi Sulfinyl is Kinjirushi’s dietary supplement containing wasabi-derived compounds, including 0.8 mg of 6-MSITC per daily tablet.