allyl isothiocyanate
Wasabi's pungent molecule
Allyl isothiocyanate is the chemical compound responsible for the pungent heat of mustard, horseradish, and wasabi.
Unlike the capsaicin in chili peppers, which produces a lingering burn, allyl isothiocyanate delivers a sharp, volatile sensation that hits the sinuses and dissipates quickly.
It's also used as a fumigant and in synthetic flavorings.
Substance from cellular processes
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
- antifungalDestroys or stops mold growth
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
- antioxidantOxidation-preventing molecule
detoxification · bioavailability · anticancer · anti-inflammatory · nutraceutical · therapeutic · cruciferous · brassica
Spicy root used as condiment
- sushiVinegared rice with toppings
- pasteThick sticky substance
- rhizomeHorizontal underground plant stem
- nigiriHand-formed rice with topping
sashimi · condiment · Japanese · green · ginger · daikon · shiso · bento
Spicy root used as condiment
- condimentFlavor-adding table sauce
- seedEmbryonic plant capsule
- spreadTo distribute widely
- sandwichFilling between bread slices
bratwurst · hotdog · relish · deli · pastrami · sauerkraut · dressing · vinegar
Causing tears to flow
- volatileLiable to sudden change
- stingingCausing sharp pain
- burningCombustion in progress
- nasalOf the nose
noxious · acrid · caustic · inflammatory · vesicant · eye-watering · respiratory · pungency
metabolite
Substance from cellular processes
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
- antifungalDestroys or stops mold growth
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
antioxidant · detoxification · bioavailability · anticancer · anti-inflammatory · nutraceutical · therapeutic · cruciferous · brassica
horseradish
Spicy root used as condiment
- sushiVinegared rice with toppings
- pasteThick sticky substance
- rhizomeHorizontal underground plant stem
nigiri · sashimi · condiment · Japanese · green · ginger · daikon · shiso · bento · imitation
horseradish
Spicy root used as condiment
sandwich · bratwurst · hotdog · relish · deli · pastrami · sauerkraut · dressing · vinegar
tear-inducing
Causing tears to flow
nasal · noxious · acrid · caustic · inflammatory · vesicant · eye-watering · respiratory · pungency · capsaicin
- allyl compounds
- Isothiocyanates
- Spice Chemicalscapsaicin, curcumin, allicin, vanillin, thymol
- irritantstear gas, pepper spray, CS gas, mace, bear spray
- fumigantsphosphine, sulfuryl fluoride, 1, hydrogen cyanide, propylene oxide
- Glucosinolates