Apparently, once ITCs are inside of cancer cells, they bind to proteins and induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death. In short, cancer cells commit suicide when exposed to isothiocyanates – which is found in wasabi and other vegetables.
The organic compound isothiocyanate is an ester present in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Horseradish and mustard are also loaded with it. The study’s original aim was to test the compound more generally to determine its efficacy and to see if cruciferous vegetables actually do inhibit the development of bladder cancer cells.