Kinga Marianna Grabowska, Ewa Długosz, Izabela Jasicka-Misiak

Bioactive compounds of ginger rhizome (Zingiberis rhizoma) in the therapy of gynecological cancers from molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications

DOI: 10.32383/farmpol/241782

2026-10-29

Research subject. Gynecological cancers, including ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer, remain a major challenge in oncology due to frequent disease recurrence, the development of drug resistance, and adverse effects associated with chemotherapy. Recent years have seen a growing interest in natural compounds that may support conventional anticancer therapy. Among them, Zingiber officinale Roscoe is a rich source of phenolic compounds with documented biological activity.

Research objective. To review the current evidence on the potential use of ginger-derived bioactive compounds as adjuvant agents in gynecological cancers, with particular emphasis on their molecular mechanisms of action, chemosensitizing effects, and available preclinical and clinical evidence.

Material and methods. A literature review was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Original research articles, preclinical and clinical studies, and systematic reviews published between 2016 and 2026 were included. The analysis focused on molecular mechanisms of action, the influence of ginger-derived compounds on chemotherapy, and limitations related to their bioavailability and clinical use.

Results. The available evidence indicates that 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol are the best-characterized bioactive compounds of ginger. Experimental studies show that these compounds modulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and chemoresistance. In several preclinical models, they also enhanced the activity of selected chemotherapeutic agents, particularly platinum-based drugs and paclitaxel. Clinical evidence for direct anticancer effects remains limited. In contrast, the use of ginger preparations for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is supported by clinical studies.

Conclusions. Ginger-derived bioactive compounds represent promising candidates for adjuvant therapy in gynecological cancers. However, their clinical application requires further validation in well-designed clinical trials using standardized preparations. Future studies should focus on improving bioavailability and establishing effective dosing strategies.

Keywords: Zingiber officinale, Zingiberis rhizoma, gingerols, shogaols, gynecological cancers, chemosensitization.

© Farm Pol, 2026, 82(5): 253–266