Shogaol

Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol), an active compound isolated from Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc), exhibits a variety of biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation. In Vitro: Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) has anticancer activity against several cell lines^[1]. Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) is identified to be cytotoxic in various cell lines, with KB (IC₅₀=7.4±2.2 μM) and HL60 (IC₅₀=7.9±2.0 μM) cells most susceptible to 6-shogaol^[2]. 6-shogaol (IC₅₀=8 μM) has much stronger growth inhibitory effects than 6-gingerol (IC₅₀=150 μM) on HCT-116 human colon cancer cells^[3]. Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) stimulates phosphorylations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as ERK, JNK, and p38. Moreover, the 6-shogaol-induced expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 are attenuated by treatments of SB202190 (a p38 specific inhibitor) and LY294002 (an Akt specific inhibitor)^[4]. In Vivo: The Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) decreases the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-mediated elevations of serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase as well as the DEN-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation. Inductions of Nrf2 and HO-1 by 6-shogaol are also confirmed in the mice. The administration of Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) to the mice also restores the DEN-reduced activity and protein expression of hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase^[4].