My students and I study how and why plant toxins evolved and how attackers of plants, including humans, detoxify these molecules.
Wasabi, as any sushi-eater knows, invokes the sensation of heat: the plant's attempt to scare herbivores off. Wasabi's mustard oils are a feeding deterrent and natural insecticide.
Mustard oils, nicotine and caffeine are among many diverse plant toxins forged in the ancient arms race between herbivores and plants over the last several hundred million years. Ironically, many plant toxins are enjoyed by humans.
Paradoxically, in small doses, such toxins may benefit humans in many ways.
Mustard oils slow the progression of Parkinson's-like disease in fruit flies. Also, if they are first fed broccoli extract - which contains mustard oils - before being stressed, the flies live longer.
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We are searching for the genetic mechanisms that explain these observations. Studying fruit flies may illuminate what beneficial physiological changes occur in the broccoli-fed flies that might also occur in humans.
Dietary mustard oils are currently being tested in a clinical trial in Oregon as therapy for recurrent prostate cancer.
It is humbling to consider that the tear-jerking heat in a drop of wasabi is the product of plant-animal interactions that are millions of years old. I'm delighted that I can enjoy wasabi's gustatory and possible health benefits in my research laboratory and on my dinner plate.
About the scientist
Noah K. Whiteman is a University of Arizona assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. His research investigates the ecology and evolution of species interactions through the lens of genomics. Because flies share 75 percent of their genes with humans and are easy to study in the lab, he uses flies to explore how dietary mustard oils may provide health benefits to humans.
Experience Science
• Noah Whiteman's webpage: www.noahwhiteman.org
• Walk in the park yields biological treasure: uanews.org/node/35612
