Red ginseng is an ancient natural remedy and a key element in Asian medicine. While the root of this plant has multiple uses as a dietary supplement, a new study has found that with some enhancements, it can also stop cancer spread.
South Korean researchers discovered that red ginseng can prevent the metastasis of lung cancer when treated with microwaves. In fact, ginseng comes in three main types: fresh, white, and red. In the case of red and white ginseng, these roots must grow for at least five years before use. Unlike untreated white ginseng, Korean red ginseng is steamed and dried. Researchers state that the composition and benefits of consuming red ginseng vary depending on how the root is processed.
Dr. Dongkyu Ham from the Korean Institute of Science and Technology and Dr. Hyunseok Ko from Asan Medical Center in Seoul identified two key compounds in red ginseng that can block cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. The team explains that the active constituents in red ginseng, Rk1 and Rg5, can inhibit the protein that may lead to the spread of lung cancer cells throughout the body. Dr. Ham developed a new microwave technique to roast red ginseng roots, stating that it applies the same principles as a typical microwave oven used in regular kitchens. Compared to steaming and drying red ginseng, this new processing method increases the concentration of Rk1 and Rg5 compounds by more than 20 times.
Previous studies by the researchers found that red ginseng roots processed in this manner are also effective against prostate, cervical, and skin cancers, and have protective powers against kidney damage related to drug usage.
How does red ginseng suppress lung cancer? The researchers say that normal cells die when they become detached from their original tissues, whereas cancer cells have the ability to migrate to other tissues in the body and grow anew, a process known as metastasis that cancer treatments aim to prevent or slow down. The study found that the TGF-β1 protein, a cellular protein, serves as a source to guide and stimulate cancer cells, promoting their movement and enhancing stem-cell-like functions in cancer cells. Treatment of lung cancer cells with the Rk1 and Rg5 compounds effectively halted these TGF-β1-induced functions.
While the components of red ginseng have previously been shown to kill cancer cells, this study proved that these components possess other anti-cancer effects and can prevent the spread of lung cancer in the body, providing practical evidence that may lead to the future development of anti-cancer drugs derived from natural products.
