Kencur ginger shows effects that could transform cancer treatment

A new scientific study has revealed that Kencur ginger, a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, and similar to the ginger species found in Nigeria, could revolutionize cancer treatment.

Kencur ginger is renowned for its aromatic flavour and spicy properties and is a key ingredient in herbal remedies.

The research led by Akiko Kojima, an associate professor at the graduate school of Human Life and Ecology at the Osaka Metropolitan University Japan, studied the plant’s molecular components and their effects on cancer cells.

The study showed that Kencur ginger extract, and more specifically its main active component called ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EMC), had a pronounced effect in suppressing cancer cell growth. The suppressive effect was replicated in animal tests.

It is not the first time scientists have eyed EMC with interest. Prior research hinted at its anti-cancer potential, especially concerning its ability to decrease the expression of a component of cells called mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM).

This particular factor has been closely associated with cancer cell proliferation. Yet, despite these initial findings, the exact mechanism through which EMC exerted its effects remained shrouded in mystery.

Professor Kojima’s team aimed to bring an explanation to that sequence.

“The results of this study confirm the anti-cancer effects of Kencur extract and its main active ingredient, EMC. It is highly expected that TFAM will become a new marker for anti-cancer effects in the future as research advances in related fields,” Professor Kojima said of the findings, according to Earth.com.

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Scientifically known as Kaempferia galanga, the wide-leaved plant belongs to the same family as ginger and turmeric.

For centuries, the tropical plant, a generic relative to the species found in Nigeria, has served culinary and therapeutic functions as it is found to contain several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils.

While preliminary studies indicate a promising inference on the health benefits of Kencur, conclusions on its potency remain subject to further rigorous scientific research as common to many traditional medicines.