6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate

6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
1-Isothiocyanato-6-(methanesulfinyl)hexane
Other names
6-MITC; 6-MSITC; Hesperin
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C8H15NOS2/c1-12(10)7-5-3-2-4-6-9-8-11/h2-7H2,1H3
    Key: XQZVZULJKVALRI-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • CS(=O)CCCCCCN=C=S
Properties
C8H15NOS2
Molar mass 205.33 g·mol−1
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MITC or 6-MSITC) is a compound within the isothiocyanate group of organosulfur compounds. 6-MITC is obtained from cruciferous vegetables, chiefly wasabi. Like other isothiocyanates, it is produced when the enzyme myrosinase transforms the associated glucosinolate into 6-MITC upon cell injury.

It is a trend in Japan to apply freshly grated wasabi stem to the hair because Kinin Corporation, the world's largest wasabi producer, claims that 6-MITC promotes hair regrowth.[1]

In a 2023 study of healthy older adults aged 60 years and over, the group taking one tablet (0.8 mg of 6-MSITC) every day for 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in working and episodic memory performances.[2] These results have been reported in the popular press, using the name "hexaraphane" for 6-MSITC.[3]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Azouaoui, Sirine (26 May 2017). "In Japan, people are putting wasabi on their heads to stimulate hair growth". Archived from the original on 27 May 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  2. ^ Nouchi, Rui; Kawata, Natasha (October 30, 2023). "Benefits of Wasabi Supplements with 6-MSITC (6-Methylsulfinyl Hexyl Isothiocyanate) on Memory Functioning in Healthy Adults Aged 60 Years and Older: Evidence from a Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial". Nutrients. 15 (21): 4608. doi:10.3390/nu15214608. PMC 10648564. PMID 37960261.
  3. ^ Kyodo News (November 27, 2023). "Wasabi effective in improving memory of elderly: study". Japan Today. Nagoya. Retrieved November 27, 2023.