[6]-Gingerol ((S)-(+)-[6]Gingerol), an antioxidant, protects HL-60 cells from oxidative stress. It has protective effects for Yous tumors in the pancreas, ovaries, breast tissue, the bowel, among other tissues.

[6]-Gingerol selectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells while sparing normal colon cells. It modulates cell signaling by down-regulating phorbol myristate acetate-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAP kinases and reducing AP-1 transcription factor activation, with minimal impact on p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation and NF-kappa B activation[1]. Moreover, [6]-gingerol enhances intestinal barrier function and diminishes proinflammatory responses in DSS-treated Caco-2 monolayers, partly by activating AMPK[2]. Additionally, it significantly reduces osteosarcoma cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, increases sub-G1 cell cycle arrest, and activates caspase cascades while adjusting Bcl2 and Bax protein levels[3].

In animal studies, [6]-gingerol effectively mitigates DSS-induced colitis symptoms by reversing body weight loss, decreasing intestinal bleeding, and preventing colon shortening. It also inhibits the DSS-induced increase in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-12)[2].

[6]-gingerol stock (20 mg/mL) is prepared in ethanol and the working concentrations are prepared by diluting this stock in dimethyl sufoxide (DMSO). For MTT assay, 5×103 cells/well of human colon cancer cells and 104 cells/well of mouse IECs are seeded in 96-well plates. Cells are treated with [6]-gingerol for 48 h,72 h or 96 h before performing MTT assay and for 16 h before Annexin-V staining[1].