10-Gingerol inhibits proliferation and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells through suppression of Akt and p38MAPK activity

In the present study, we investigated the roles and molecular mechanism of 10-gingerol, a phenolic compound isolated from Zingiber officinale, in regulating cell proliferation and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. 10-gingerol treatment inhibited cell proliferation through downregulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins such as cyclin-dependent kinases and cyclins, and subsequent induction of G(1) phase arrest. In addition, 10-gingerol treatment blocked cell invasion in response to mitogenic stimulation. These antitumor activities of 10-gingerol were mediated through inactivation of Akt and p38(MARK) activity, and suppression of epidermal growth factor receptor expression. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the pharmacological roles of 10-gingerol in regulating breast cancer cell growth and progression, and suggest further evaluation and development as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.