MAKNA-UPM Cancer Research Laboratory establishes the effectiveness of ‘Shampoo Ginger’ as an anti-cancer agent


The MAKNA-UPM Cancer Research Laboratory (MATCH) – an alliance between Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA) and the Institute of Bioscience of Universiti Putra Malaysia and tasked to enhance cancer research in Malaysia – has successfully confirmed the efficacies of the medicinal Zingiber zerumbet (commonly known as Pinecone or Shampoo Ginger) as an anti-cancer agent.

In researching this variety of ginger against the disease, researcher Dr Ahmad Bustamam Haji Abdul found that the variety could successfully suppress the proliferation of human cervical carcinoma cell lines (HeLa), and the progression of tumour in mice induced with cervical cancer.

According to Dr Ahmad’s study, when combined with Cisplastin (a platinum-based chemotherapy drug) as a co-treatment for the mice, the treatment showed some positive effects. Dr Ahmad’s research incorporated Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) to view the sign of apoptosis (a form of programmed cell death in multi-cellular organisms) in Zerumbone, a phytochemical from the edible ginger Zingiber Zerumbet Smith.

The research is one of three current projects being carried out by MATCH, and aimed at studying anti-cancer effects of Zerumbone. The other two studies are on anti-cancer properties of plant-derived and chemically synthesised compounds on breast cancer cells, and anti-tumourogenic effects of corresponding chemical analogues in chemical intraepithelial neoplasia of female balb/c mice.

Shampoo Ginger is no stranger to medicinal uses. It is termed so for the milky substance in its cones and is also a common ingredient in shampoos. In Hawaii, its spicy-smelling fresh rhizomes are pounded and used for indigestion and other ailments. Locals store the rhizomes in a cool, dark place to keep for use when needed.

MATCH’s objectives include conducting fundamental research on cancers and utilising this approach to pursue clinical investigations; coordinating all cancer research conducted at the university, and initiating research groups of clinicians and medical scientists with the primary aim of providing investigative laboratory assistance in managing and treating cancer patients.

Ginger as Anti - Cancer Agent