Researchers found that Kencure, a tropical plant of the Zingiberaceae family, and its main active ingredient, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EMC), significantly inhibited the growth of cancer cells. The research team identified mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) as a key factor in this anticancer effect.
A type of ginger from Southeast Asia may be a raw material for new anti-cancer markers.
Kenkers may be recognized as a fragrant spice that complements meals, or as a natural solution to digestive problems. But scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have found promising evidence that this tropical plant, a member of the ginger family native to Southeast Asia, has anticancer properties.
Researchers led by Associate Professor Akiko Kojima of the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology have found that Kencur extract and its main active ingredient, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EMC), significantly stimulated cancer cell proliferation at the cellular and animal levels. It has been demonstrated that
Jamu – Indonesian drink made from kenkur ginger.Credit: Akiko Kojima, Osaka Metropolitan University
Previous studies on EMC have shown that it exerts its anticancer effects by reducing the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), which is associated with cancer cell proliferation, but the exact mechanism is hitherto remained unknown.
“The results of this study support the anti-cancer effects of Kencur extract and its main active ingredient, EMC. There are great expectations that it will become a reality,” said Professor Kojima.
Reference: “Kempferia galanga L. extract and its main component, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, suppress the proliferation of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by suppressing TFAM expression” Yutaro Sasaki, Toshio Norikura, Yuasa Matsui Isao, Ritsuko Fujii, Limantara Lienawati, Akiko Kojima, Yuasa, June 23, 2023, Heryon.
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17588
