Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is used as a Japanese traditional spice to avoid both food poisoning and odor.
Allyl isothiocyanate is a major pungent component of wasabi root, and is known to have strong anti-microbial
activity. Recently, other compounds such as polyphenols in wasabi leaves have been identified that
exhibit anti-oxidative and anri-H. pylori activities.
It is widely accepted that the Mongolian gerbil is good model for H. pylori infection, because H. pylori
can easily be inoculated as compared with mice, rats,and others. In this study, we examined the effects of
a leaf extract of Wasabia japonica (Wasabi extract) on oxidative DNA damage induced by H. pylori infection
and on stress loading in Mongolian gerbils.