Ginger Is Considered An Anti­cancer Food

Ginger Is Considered An Anti­cancer Food. Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com. Photo © AdobeStock 57425866 (under license)

Several scientific studies have now supported the idea that ginger has anti-cancer qualities! Let’s look at a few of these.

In 2013 scientists discovered that 6­-Shogaol, a major component of ginger, induces apoptosis (cell death) in human leukemia cells both in vitro and in vivo – without side effects! [1] This is an important result as in vivo indicates that the compound is active not only in lab cultures but in in living organisms. The study reports that 6-shogaol “markedly inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis in U937 xenograft mouse model.”

A further important study [2] was published in 2014 regarding the action of 6-shogaol against cancer cells. 6-shogaol was found to have amazing activity against breast cancer cells in cell cultures in the lab – including action against simulations of cancer cells that chemotherapy drug taxol showed no activity against even at high concentrations of 10,000x. Unlike chemotherapeutic drugs that harm healthy cells, the concentrations at which 6-shogaol is effective only affects cancer cells – normal cells were resistant to the effects of the substance after 6 days.

This “selective action” is rightly considered a hugely important attribute for a cancer medicine! The great challenge of cancer medicine has in fact been to kill the cancer cells without killing healthy cells. The study concluded that 6-shogaol was 2 to 5 times as active than taxol against the “regular” breast cancer cells.

Note that this 2014 research was an in vitro lab study and this substance is metabolized as it is absorbed by the body. It is not established how much of this substance would be available at the target site in a living person (bioavailability) – and that may affect how effective it is against actual cancer cells. However the aforementioned in vivo result of 2013 [1] would seem to indicate that some of the compound is finding its target, which is highly encouraging.

In 2008, a previous study investigated the bioavailability of 6-shogaol. It was found that 6-shogaol is absorbed by the body after oral dosing but is ultimately bio-converted (either in the liver or intestinal mucosa, researchers were not sure) to glucuronide conjugates – which can be detected in serum for a few hours after ingestion; before being eliminated by the body’s natural processes. [3]

A further study from the esteemed Oxford University Press, published in Carcinogenesis (2014), [4] has found that ginger extract “showed 2.4-fold higher tumor growth-inhibitory efficacy than isolated constituents”. In addition, gingerol glucuronides were detected in feces upon intravenous administration confirming that the substance is cleared out from the body effectively by the liver.

What this means in more simple terms is that the action of whole ginger may prove to be more beneficial than that of individual molecules isolated from it. This is in a sense a win for herbalism over pharmaceutical and highlights something herbalists have maintained for a long time, which is that the numerous components of a whole extract may have synergistic effects. This makes fundamental sense when you consider that the natural, unadulterated form is that which our bodies are evolutionarily adapted to. That’s something that big pharma might not want you to know…

Note of course that we absolutely cannot claim that ginger “will cure cancer” – and much research still needs to be done, but ginger is a “generally recognized as safe” foodstuff that is available to us right now! So if you want to give your immune system a boost and potentially help fight against cancer cells, simply add some ginger to your diet!

You can opt to add fresh grated or sliced ginger to your drinks (like ginger tea or even water with some ginger and mint). Salads? Grated or finely chopped ginger can be added easily. If you cook, you can add ginger as a spice to your stir-fry or grated ginger to bread and cakes as well!

Ginger’s Mechanisms of Action Against Cancer

Ginger’s anticancer properties are attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly gingerols, shogaols, and paradols. These compounds work through multiple mechanisms to combat cancer:

Apoptosis Induction: Ginger compounds, especially 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, can trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis) in various cancer cells. This process involves activating caspase enzymes and disrupting cancer cell mitochondria[5][6].

Cell Cycle Arrest: Ginger extracts have shown the ability to halt cancer cell division by interfering with cell cycle progression. This effect is often observed at the G2/M phase, preventing cancer cells from multiplying[7].

Angiogenesis Inhibition: Compounds in ginger can suppress the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread. This anti-angiogenic effect has been demonstrated in several cancer types, including ovarian and colon cancer[8].

Anti-inflammatory Action: Chronic inflammation is linked to cancer development. Ginger’s potent anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its ability to inhibit NF-κB and COX-2 enzymes, may contribute to its cancer-preventive effects[9].

Antioxidant Effects: Ginger’s strong antioxidant capacity helps protect cells from DNA damage caused by free radicals, potentially preventing the initial steps of carcinogenesis[6].

Modulation of Cell Signaling: Ginger compounds can interfere with various cell signaling pathways crucial for cancer cell survival and proliferation, including PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways[5].

Research has shown ginger’s potential against several cancer types, including:

• Colorectal cancer: Ginger may reduce the risk of colon cancer and inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer cells[7].
• Breast cancer: Studies indicate that ginger extract can suppress breast cancer cell growth and invasion[5].
• Prostate cancer: Ginger has shown promise in inhibiting growth and inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer cells[6].
• Ovarian cancer: Ginger compounds have demonstrated the ability to inhibit growth and induce cell death in ovarian cancer cells[8].

While these findings are promising, it’s important to note that most studies have been conducted in laboratory settings or animal models. More clinical trials are needed to fully understand ginger’s potential as an anticancer agent in humans. Nevertheless, incorporating ginger into a balanced diet may contribute to overall health and potentially aid in cancer prevention.