allyl isothiocyanate

PhytochemicalIsothiocyanateBest with a meal

What is it

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is the pungent compound produced when mustard, wasabi, and horseradish are crushed or chewed. It forms from the glucosinolate sinigrin by myrosinase enzyme activity.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Flavor / pungency in food

Good Evidence

AITC is the characteristic active in mustard, wasabi, and horseradish. Direct health-claim evidence in humans is limited.

How it works

AITC activates TRPA1 sensory ion channels, accounting for its hot, nose-clearing sensation. In vitro and animal studies report antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and possibly anticancer effects via Nrf2 activation and other pathways. In food and supplement use, AITC contributes flavor and, at modest doses, a brief warming/decongestant sensation. Concentrated supplementation is uncommon.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Food exposure is in the milligram range per serving. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Consumed with food in culinary use. No specific time of day.

1 commercial form

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Allyl isothiocyanate (from mustard/wasabi)

Found in mustard, wasabi, horseradish, and some cruciferous vegetables.

Reactive; absorbed and conjugated rapidly.

Safety

At food levels, very well tolerated. Concentrated AITC is highly irritating to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. High oral doses can cause GI upset.

Who should be cautious

Avoid concentrated AITC topical or oral use without guidance. Pregnancy: food intake is fine; concentrated supplements have less data.

Interactions

No significant interactions at typical food doses. Concentrated AITC may potentiate the action of other irritant or vasoactive substances.

Food sources

Mustard, wasabi, horseradish

Amount
varies
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is AITC the same as the heat in wasabi?⌄

Yes. It is the main compound responsible for the sharp, nose-clearing sensation.

Will it prevent cancer?⌄

Preclinical work suggests anticancer activity, but human evidence is preliminary and food-level intake is the relevant exposure.

References

allyl isothiocyanate on Wikidata — Wikidata link

allyl isothiocyanate (ChEBI:73224) — ChEBI link

allyl isothiocyanate (PubChem CID 5971) — PubChem link

allyl isothiocyanate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on allyl isothiocyanate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.