Compound K: A systematic review of its anticancer properties and probable mechanisms

Abstract

Panax ginseng is a common natural product, which is well‐known to have a wide range of pharmacological activities in cancer. Its metabolite, compound K (CK), has been reported to have anticancer activity. We aimed to systematically review the literature for evidence of anticancer effects of CK. We conducted a systematic search in eight databases. We included all in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the anticancer effects of CK with no restrictions. Quality assessment was applied by ToxRTool. Fifty‐four articles were included in our study. The purity of CK in our included studies was at least 95%. The in vitro studies reported that CK had a potential anticancer activity on several cell lines including human lung cancer cell lines (A549, PC‐9), nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (Hk‐1), liver cancer cell line (BEL 7402), and pediatric acute myeloid leukemia cell lines (Kasumi‐1, MV4‐11). The in vivo studies reported a significant decrease in tumor volume in mice treated with CK. CK is a potential supplementary treatment in cancer chemotherapies. The safety and further clinical trials of CK should be explored for future drug development.

Antimalarial activities of benzothiazole analogs: A systematic review

“…This tool examined five criteria for both in vivo and in vitro data: identification of the test substance, characterization of the test system, documentation of the results, description of the study design, and plausibility of the design and data [38]. The authors' judgment was grouped into three categories according to the total record: reliable without bias (for in vitro studies with 15–18 points or in vivo studies with 18–21 points), reliable with bias limitations (for in vitro studies with 11–14 points or in vivo studies with 13–17 points), and not reliable due to bias (for in vitro studies less than 11 points or in vivo studies with less than 13 points) [37]. Each study was independently evaluated by three authors, and any differences in opinion were resolved through discussion to reach a consensus.…”

“…The included studies were assessed for the risk of bias using ToxRTool evaluation [37]. This tool examined five criteria for both in vivo and in vitro data: identification of the test substance, characterization of the test system, documentation of the results, description of the study design, and plausibility of the design and data [38].…”

Compound K Production: Achievements and Perspectives

“…Importantly, CK exhibits significant biological and pharmaceutical properties in different aspects, such as antioxidation, antiproliferation, protecting organs, cognitive, central nervous systems, and anticancer activities, which have been reported over the decades. In addition, CK also plays a significant role in hepatic function and antidiabetic disease (Figure 1) [19,20]. Furthermore, while a small quantity of CK is adequate for therapeutic applications, it is insufficient for the development of novel drugs for the management of a variety of diseases.…”