The anti-cancer and chemoprotective properties of ginger
Medicinal plants are becoming increasingly valued for their ability to protect and even treat disease, and one of the most popular is ginger (Zingiber officinale). Traditionally used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, ginger is now also known for its protective effects against cancer.
With more than 2 million cases of cancer expected in the United States this year, it is important to find alternative therapies that are helpful against this disease. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of ginger.
The Pharmacodynamic Effects of Ginger against Colon and Rectal Cancer
In 2020, there were more than 1.9 million new diagnoses and 935,000 deaths related to colorectal cancer worldwide, making it the cancer with the highest incidence rate and the second highest mortality rate. Numerous recent studies have found that ginger has therapeutic effects against this type of cancer, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-regulating effects. One study notes:
“Indisputable evidence shows that ginger (Zingiber officinale), used as a spice in foods and beverages worldwide, is a unique source of bioactive compounds that have both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects against various types of cancer and have recently attracted the interest of medical science.”
A 2024 review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlights ginger’s ability to inhibit and treat colon cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, blocking the cell cycle, promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death), and suppressing cancer cell invasion and migration. The report, which examined clinical trials as well as animal and in vitro experiments, also found that ginger enhances the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy drugs.
An animal study examining the effects of ginger on colon cancer was also published in 2022 in the journal Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. The researchers induced colon cancer in rats using dimethylhydrazine, a cancer-causing chemical. They then divided the subjects into those who received the cancer drug cisplatin and those who were treated with ethanolic ginger extract.
Remarkably, after 21 weeks of treatment, it was found that ginger extract not only worked better than cisplatin, but also did not harm the kidneys or liver, indicating its safety.
“This study proved that the antitumor activity of GE against DMH-induced CRC is better than that of cisplatin. GE was also safer than cisplatin and did not cause hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. GE induced apoptosis and has carcinostatic activity,” the study authors concluded.
Studies examine the cancer-protective ingredients of ginger
The unique and complex composition of ginger is responsible for its beneficial anti-cancer effects. This root plant contains more than 60 active substances with strong biological activity and pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, all of which help suppress tumor formation.
A 2023 study published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology examined the components of ginger that give it its antitumor effects against cancers of the digestive tract, including stomach, liver, larynx, colon, and pancreatic cancer. These beneficial components include:
– Gingerol – A specific type of gingerol, called 6-gingerol, has been found to slow the growth of colon cancer cells by counteracting the action of a substance called phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). PMA activates proteins that allow cancer cells to survive and thrive. When scientists added 6-gingerol to PMA-induced colon cancer cells, it interfered with the cellular signaling pathways activated by PMA. The 6-gingerol also activates the caspases, protease enzymes essential for apoptosis.
– Shogaol – 6-Shogaol also activates caspases, helping to eliminate tumor cells. In addition, it has been found to kill tough Mahlavu cells – a type of liver cancer cell that is highly resistant to treatment – by causing oxidative stress.
– Zingerone – According to researchers, this compound has significant pharmacological effects. Dried or cooked ginger contains higher amounts of zingerone than raw ginger. Zingerone creates an uncomfortable, stressful environment for colon cancer cells. When scientists treated HCT116 colon cancer cells with this compound, more reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced, which damage mitochondria and weaken the cells’ natural defenses, causing them to die.
– Paradol – Paradol, found in dried ginger, has antitumor and antiproliferative effects. It fights pancreatic cancer by reducing the amount of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which triggers cancer cell growth. Paradol also slows down PI3K/AKT signaling, which are the cellular communication pathways in cancer cells that cause them to grow and resist death.
In addition, ginger contains important terpene components such as β-bisabolene, curcumene, α-farnesene and β-sesquiculene. According to the study authors, the extraction of these active components will help to develop more effective modern treatments for gastrointestinal tumors.
“The active compounds of ginger have the ability to regulate several signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, EGFR and NF-κB. This regulation is achieved through components such as 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, zingerone and others, which can act directly or indirectly on signaling targets, resulting in antitumor effects,” the conclusion states.
Ginger extract has cytotoxic effects against breast and cervical cancer cells
The above-mentioned active ingredients have also been shown to be useful in other types of cancer, including breast and cervical cancer, which are predominantly found in women. According to the World Health Organization, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. In the same year, 660,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer.
A 2021 report published in the International Journal of Molecular Science looked at ginger’s ability to protect against these two cancers, as well as other types of cancer. It presented a 2015 experiment that found that breast cancer cells treated with 6-shogaol suffered cell death by attacking the cancer stem cells.
The researchers stated: “The efficacy of 6-shogaol in monolayer and cancer stem cell-like spheroids raises hopes for its therapeutic utility in the treatment of breast cancer.”
A methanolic ginger extract was tested on cervical and breast cancer cells in a separate study. The researchers observed changes in the cells, such as shrinking, which indicates apoptosis. They also found that the ginger extract had a dose-dependent effect: the more extract they used, the more cancer cells died.
In a 2020 study, researchers examined the effects of ginger on two types of breast and pancreatic cancer cells. They found that ginger extract eliminated cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Although breast cancer cells were killed more easily and less extract was needed for it to be effective than pancreatic cancer cells, the effects were seen in both types of cancer.
“Since the selectivity for cancer cells, high tolerability for humans and low toxicity for normal cells are ideal properties for potential chemopreventive and therapeutic agents against cancer, ginger extract may be considered as a novel chemopreventive and therapeutic agent after further animal studies and human trials (especially using the purified active ingredients).”
Ginger protects against the side effects of chemotherapy
The conventional treatments available for cancer are often aggressive and toxic, not to mention expensive. Chemotherapy, even though extremely harmful, is one of the most common treatments undergone by cancer patients.
Chemotherapy drugs bring debilitating side effects. According to one study, 88% of patients who underwent chemotherapy experienced one or more side effects.
Since cancer patients need to stay well-nourished and energized during aggressive chemotherapy, alleviating these side effects is a necessity—and using ginger is one way to do that. Studies have found that ginger protects against the side effects of chemotherapy.
A 2022 study conducted by researchers at Daejeon University in Korea examined four randomized controlled trials involving a total of 337 patients, some of whom received ginger after completing chemotherapy and others of whom did not.
The study authors found that in breast cancer patients who received ginger, acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) was delayed and less severe than in those who did not take ginger. In addition, there were no serious adverse effects associated with ginger.
While the above study showed the positive effects of ginger after chemotherapy, an earlier study highlights that taking ginger before or during chemotherapy also has immense effects.
According to the study, daily intake of ginger extract three days before chemotherapy resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant activity and a reduction in oxidative markers in patients receiving chemotherapy with moderate to high emetogenic potential compared to a placebo. In addition, the compounds 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol were able to overcome the multidrug resistance of cancer cells, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
“Ginger derivatives have high potential for chemopreventive properties, such as cell cycle arrest, enhanced cell death (apoptosis, autophagy and autosis) and disruption of redox homeostasis. In addition, they inhibit angiogenesis, the formation of CSCs and the EMT process.
Therefore, this natural compound directly and indirectly affects the survival of tumor cells and inhibits invasion and metastasis processes, without significant toxic effects on normal cells,” the researchers concluded.
Ginger promotes healthy aging and longevity
While these studies highlight ginger’s benefits against various types of cancer, the therapeutic use of this versatile root plant has long been appreciated, particularly in Asian cultures. In traditional Chinese, Indian and Ayurvedic medicine, ginger is used to loosen and expel mucus through its expectorant properties. Its ability to relieve pain, treat digestive problems and relieve nausea is also well known.
A review published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity states that ginger contributes to healthy aging and protects against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia, cardiovascular problems, respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal diseases.
“Aging is a complex process determined by numerous and interdependent genetic, cellular and environmental factors. Ginger, one of the most widely used natural products for both gastronomic and medicinal purposes, has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and chemopreventive properties,” the researchers said.
In a previous animal study, subjects given ginger extract had fewer deposits of β-amyloid proteins, which contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. In another study, 6-shogaol was found to protect brain cells through its anti-neuroinflammatory effects.
Another animal study highlighted the importance of optimal gut function for neurodegenerative diseases. In mice that had intestinal damage associated with Parkinson’s disease, ginger was able to reduce inflammation, protect nerve cells, and maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. In addition, ginger’s ability to reduce the risk of obesity is also praised. The researchers said:
“Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota may be an important target in the treatment of obesity. A recent study reported that ginger supplementation reduced body weight, fatty liver and insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fat diet by restoring the gut microbiota.”
What else is ginger good for?
You will be pleased to know that ginger is not only used to protect against cancer and support healthy aging, but also offers a number of other benefits for the whole body:
- Reducing inflammation and pain in conditions such as dysmenorrhea and osteoarthritis
- Promote vasodilation to control blood pressure
- Stimulating fat loss to support weight management
- Relief from motion sickness, nausea and headaches
- Supporting Cardiovascular Health
- Lowering blood sugar levels to protect against diabetes
Ginger is a culinary treasure; cooked and added to your favorite dishes, it adds a delicious yet mild spiciness and pleasant fragrance. There’s no reason not to incorporate more of it into your daily meals, and if you need a few tips, here are a few suggestions:
- Place a few pieces of fresh ginger in a cup and pour hot water over them to make a fragrant ginger tea.
- Add fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped, or powdered ginger to your curry or wok
- Add a small amount of fresh ginger to your morning smoothie
The revolutionary path to healing and longevity
For 50 years I have been tirelessly searching for ways to optimize health and well-being and prevent disease. Each year I get closer to the truth. But this time I am convinced that I have finally discovered the core of truth that will help almost everyone recover from any physical illness they suffer from.
I have discovered a groundbreaking revelation that has the amazing ability to transform global health and that is the power of cellular energy. This is not just another health trend, but the fundamental key to unlocking the body’s own healing abilities and achieving lasting vitality.
The Hidden Health Crisis
Almost everyone reading this is only generating about a third of the energy they need to reverse disease and enable their bodies to regenerate and repair damaged cells. Almost all of us are in a black hole where our gut bacteria, which are vital to regaining our full energy potential, are being further and further destroyed.
Here’s a startling fact: A very sensitive and inexpensive blood test tells us that over 99% of us are insulin resistant and, as a result, unknowingly live with limited cellular energy. This silent epidemic explains why millions of people struggle with persistent health problems and feel trapped in a cycle of treatments that never fully solve the problem. But there is hope, and it lies in your own cells.
Imagine a life where your body buzzes with energy, where healing occurs naturally, and where age is just a number. This isn’t a distant dream – it’s the reality.
Author: Dr. Joseph Mercola
yogaesoteric
November 2, 2024