[CH] Wasabi Toothpaste?!!!!!
Linda Reynolds (lr21@cornell.edu)
Fri, 26 Jan 2001 09:18:14 -0500
Thought you all might find this interesting and somewhat on topic.
Hey, Habanero toothpaste could be next!
At any rate, it would jump start your morning!
Wednesday January 24 12:53 PM ET
Scientist Extols Horseradish Toothpaste
TOKYO (Reuters) - It's pungent enough to clear sinuses and may help
ward off cancer. Now a Japanese scientist says wasabi, the spicy
green horseradish that typically accompanies sushi, also prevents
tooth decay.
The same chemical compounds that give the condiment its piquant taste
and aroma work to inhibit the growth of cavity-causing microbes, said
Hideki Masuda, a research director at Japanese food flavorings maker
Ogawa & Co Ltd.
``Wasabi contains isothiocyanates, which have been found to inhibit
the activity of an enzyme that plays an important role in the
formation of dental plaque,'' he said.
The garnish, made by grating the stems of the Wasabi japonica plant,
has long been extolled for preventing dangerous blood clots and
reducing the likelihood of cancer. Potent enough to bring tears to
the eyes, it is also hailed as an anti-asthmatic.
But the results of Masuda's laboratory tests mark the first time
wasabi has been shown to reduce dental bills.
He said that since his findings were limited to the test tube,
further experiments would be needed to confirm the condiment's
microbe-zapping powers on human mouths.
``If it is effective in humans, we can expect to see a wide range of
applications, including wasabi toothpaste,'' Masuda said.
``But we might need to add something to mask the pungent taste.''