Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the main female reproductive organs. Most women who have ovarian cancer are over age 50, according to MedlinePlus. More research is needed, but tentative results show that regular consumption of ginger can inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer. If you want to use ginger or any other supplements, talk to your doctor first.
Anti-tumorigenic Effects
Scientists at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have demonstrated the preventive and inhibitory effects of ginger against ovarian cancer. Cancer cells can become resistant to radiation therapy. This is especially disturbing in the case of ovarian cancers, where radiation is the principal method of treatment. The results from these experiments suggest that ginger selectively targets that ovarian cancer cells that do not respond to standard cancer therapy, notes Rebecca Liu, M.D., an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Apoptosis
Results from cell culture and animal studies suggest a potential role for ginger in limiting the promotion and development of ovarian cancer, according to George Mason University. It may aid in the recovery of ovarian cancer tumors by inducing apoptosis and autophagy in ovarian cancer cells. Apoptosis and autophagy -- two physiological forms of cell death -- play important roles in the development and maintenance of the human body.
Ginger Phytochemicals
Ginger contains a complex mixture of phytochemicals, many of which have been shown to have potential health benefits in vitro. The anti-cancer effect of ginger is attributed to compounds known as vallinoids that are present in it, according to a 2007 study published in the journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology." Ginger inhibits tumor initiation through several mechanisms, although the specific mechanism by which ginger kills ovarian cancer cells is not known. It might be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of gingerol, a class of vallinoids, report Y. Shukla and M. Singh, cancer researchers at the Industrial Toxicology and Research in India.
Precautions
Ginger is generally considered safe for regular consumption. At high doses, ginger can cause mild heartburn, mouth irritation and gastrointestinal upset in some people. People with gallstones should consult their physicians prior to taking this herb. Ginger can increase the blood-thinning effects of certain medications, including Coumadin and aspirin, and may increase the risk of bleeding in general. If you have bleeding disorders, speak with your health care provider before using ginger.
References
- MedlinePlus: Ovarian Cancer
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; Cancer Preventive Properties of Ginger: A Brief Review; Y. Shukla and M. Singh; May 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- University of Michigan Health System; Ginger Causes Ovarian Cancer Cells to Die, U-M Researchers Find; Nicole Fawcett; April 2006
- George Mason University; Ginger; Erica Kendrick; 2008
