A study recently published in Scientific Reports describes the discovery of a compound naturally found in kencur ginger that can disrupt cancer cells by interfering with how they generate energy. Healthy cells use oxygen to make energy, but cancer cells often rely on another method. This kencur ginger-derived compound doesn’t just attack that method; it shuts down the cancer cells’ fat-making machinery, which causes the cancer cells to ramp up their energy trick even more.
Creating Energy
Often, new and unprecedented results that affect cells on a molecular level are found when looking for answers to complex questions and solutions. Energy creation is no exception to this. Take, for instance, the fact that human cells oxidize glucose to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), for our energy source required to sustain life.
However, cancer cells produce ATP through glycolysis, not utilizing oxygen even when it is present, and they convert glucose into both lactic and pyruvic acids, called the Warburg effect. This method is inefficient and has raised many questions as to why cancer cells use this pathway to fuel proliferation and survival.
Ginger vs Cancer
This study analyzed the cinnamic acid ester ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (a main component of kencur ginger) and its mechanism of action. Previous research discovered that ethyl p-methoxycinnamate has inhibitory effects on cancer cells. Furthering their study, the acid ester was administered to Ehrlich ascites tumor cells to assess which component of the cancer cells’ energy pathway was being affected.
These results revealed that the acid ester inhibits ATP production by disrupting de novo fatty acid synthesis and lipid metabolism, rather than through glycolysis as commonly theorized. Further, the researchers noted that discovering acid ester-induced inhibition triggered increased glycolysis, which acted as a possible survival mechanism in the cancer cells. This adaptability was theorized to be attributed to ethyl p-methoxycinnamate’s inability to induce cell death.
“These findings not only provide new insights that supplement and expand the theory of the Warburg effect, which can be considered the starting point of cancer metabolism research, but are also expected to lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the development of new treatment methods,” stated Associate Professor Akiko Kojima-Yuasa’s team at Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology.
The Pressing Need to Find a Cure for Cancer
Ongoing statistics and demographics paint a pretty clear picture of why finding a cure for cancer is incredibly important for several crucial reasons, such as:
- Saving lives: Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. A cure would prevent countless deaths and give individuals diagnosed with cancer the chance to live full and healthy lives.
- Reducing suffering and improving quality of life: Cancer and its treatments can cause significant physical and emotional suffering. A cure would eliminate or significantly reduce the pain, discomfort, and side effects associated with the disease and current treatments, leading to a better quality of life for patients and their families.
- Diminishing human and economic tolls: Cancer places a significant burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Finding a cure would lessen these burdens, allowing people to live more productive lives and reducing the economic costs associated with cancer treatment and care.
- Overcoming treatment limitations: Currently, many cancer treatments aim to manage the disease or achieve remission (a temporary absence of cancer manifestations), but cancer can often recur. A true cure would completely eradicate the cancer, offering a permanent solution.
- Allowing for a greater focus on prevention: While a cure is crucial, prevention is also a vital aspect of fighting cancer. Finding a cure would likely provide deeper insights into the mechanisms of cancer, which could, in turn, inform and enhance prevention strategies.
A Look at the Unsettling Numbers
According to the American Cancer Society, as of 2022, there were an estimated 18.1 million cancer survivors in the United States. In 2022, there were approximately 1.8 million new cancer cases diagnosed, and around 613,000 cancer deaths. The cost of cancer in America is substantial, with the National Cancer Institute estimating the national expenditures at $208.9 billion in 2020, which includes both direct medical costs and indirect costs like lost productivity. Out-of-pocket expenses for patients, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, are a significant portion of this cost.
The Global Cancer Statistics 2022 report states that there were an estimated 19.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed worldwide in 2022. This includes both men and women, and all types of cancer, except non-melanoma skin cancer. The top five most common cancer types diagnosed worldwide were lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. An NIH study estimated that the global economic cost of cancers from 2020 to 2050 is $25.2 trillion over the three decades alone.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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