(P26-060-25) The Superior Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Baby Ginger Regulate Metabolism, Reduce Lipid Accumulation, and Inhibit Proliferation in Liver Cancer Cells

Objectives: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an emerging niche crop for small farmers in Virginia. Currently, locally grown ginger is harvested before full maturity and marketed as baby ginger. Compared to fully mature imported ginger, immature baby ginger is more perishable, less fibrous, and more pungent. Our data indicate that ginger has the highest concentration of phenolic compounds and superior antioxidant activity when harvested early (as immature baby ginger). However, as ginger matures, both the concentration of phenolic compounds and its antioxidant activity progressively decrease by up to 50%. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent forms of chronic liver disease and is commonly associated with metabolic syndromes such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Methods: We investigated the effects of baby ginger on liver cells and assessed its impact on metabolism, including glucose uptake, lipid accumulation, triglyceride content, and anticancer activity.

Results: Our data indicate that baby ginger at concentrations of 50 and 75 µg/ml significantly increased glucose uptake by 20%–30%. Treatment with 50 µg/ml of baby ginger significantly reduced intracellular lipid accumulation by 20%, as evidenced by decreased Oil Red O staining. Consistently, triglyceride accumulation was significantly reduced by 20% (p < .05) following treatment with 50 or 75 µg/ml of baby ginger extract compared to the untreated group. Furthermore, we examined the effects of ginger extract (GE) on the proliferation of HepG2 cell lines.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that ginger may help regulate lipid accumulation and inhibit hepatic cell proliferation, thereby attenuating liver cancer. A holistic dietary approach incorporating ginger could contribute to the prevention of NAFLD and liver cancer.

Funding Sources: USDA Capacity Building grant