Ginger as an anticolorectal cancer spice: A systematic review of in vitro to clinical evidence

Abstract

Ginger and its derivatives have been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer. We undertook a systematic review to answer the question of whether ginger has a role in modifying the biomarkers of cancer in cell culture conditions and on colorectal cancer in randomized clinical trials. We performed a comprehensive search of the literature from Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews. At first, all 12 papers studied the effect of ginger or its derivatives on cell culture conditions. The results of cell culture studies show that ginger has a powerful role in inducing apoptosis. In the second part, five studies of clinical trials were analyzed. By analyzing antitumor markers of clinical trials, ginger increased some anticancer markers but performed poorly in inducing some anticancer markers. This systematic review showed that the consumption of ginger extract has the potential to prevent and treat colorectal cancer but this ability is weak.

Ginger Root Bioactive Compounds Specifically Inhibits Growth of Colon Cancer Cells in Culture

“…The dose of ginger has not been optimized in most human studies. 7 , 8 Here, we prepared a ginger juice with total phenolics content at 0.8 ± 0.1 mg garlic acid equivalent/mL. The ginger juice selectively inhibited cancer cell growth at a very narrowed dose window.…”

“…Ginger roots (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) are common in Asian cuisine. 7 , 8 It is also becoming popular in Western foods, for example, gingerbread (fortification in cookie), ginger tea (fortification in beverage), and ginger powder (fortification as spice). According to the database published by USDA, 100 g fresh ginger roots contain 1.8 g proteins, 17.8 g carbohydrates, 0.7 g lipids, and various minerals and vitamins.…”

“…As previously reported, ginger roots are rich in phytochemicals, such as gingerols and phenols. 7 , 8 In vitro and in vivo studies also present that ginger roots have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, 7 , 8 though the mechanisms of action are not well elucidated.…”

Clinical dermatologic applications of ginger: a focused review

“…39 In a systematic review of in vitro evidence of ginger as therapy against colon cancer, it was shown to induce apoptosis and resulted in increased levels of several anticancer markers. 40 In an in vitro study, the ginger-derived compound 6-shogaol eliminated breast cancer monolayer cells and spheroid culture. 41 6-Shogaol has also been used on prostate cancer cells where it induced apoptosis through inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chainenhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) signaling.…”

“…Evidence exists supporting the use of ginger as prevention and adjunct therapy for various malignancies including colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers 39 . In a systematic review of in vitro evidence of ginger as therapy against colon cancer, it was shown to induce apoptosis and resulted in increased levels of several anticancer markers 40 . In an in vitro study, the ginger‐derived compound 6‐shogaol eliminated breast cancer monolayer cells and spheroid culture 41 .…”