Cell apoptosisin healthy cells would be worrisome, but is ideal for stopping cancer growth. The wonderful thing is, the compound, which is found in a variety of ginger species, did not harm healthy cells nor did it cause side effects.Their process, using6-shogaol compound from ginger (Zingiber officinale):

Mice were randomized into two groups of 7 mice/group and 6-shogaol was dissolved in 0.1% DMSO and 10% polyoxyethylene castor oil. Three days after tumor inoculation, the treatment group received 6-shogaol (50 mg/kg per day for 20 days) and the control group received an equal volume of solvent control. The tumor volume (V) was measured every three days…

I did not see where there were measurements of the tumors while inside the mice. Rather, after the 20 days, the mice were killed and their tumors were further studied in a solution that revealed cancer apoptosis. I was hoping to see the mice declared cancer-free eventually since they already confirmed apoptosis three times in vitro, and it would have been interesting to see the length of time for the leukemia to disappear.

The authors conclude:

The potent anti-leukemia activity of 6-shogaol found bothin vitroandin vivoin our study make this compound a potential anti-tumor agent for hematologic malignancies.

In 2003,another similar studyon a different component of ginger – gingerol – found that it too, induced the death of leukemia cells, by fragmenting their DNA. Of course, it appears that these studies are largely done, and with isolates, to see if pharmacological drugs can be made (patented) for cancer treatment. Still, it is eye-opening to see the astounding medicinal effects of this spice. Ginger has no side effects, unless there is an allergy. But consultation should be sought before eating/taking extra amounts if taking diabetic, heart, blood thinner medication or painkillers (even over-the-counter). Hang on to your ginger… It’s a bit worrisome that the FDA has taken extra scrutiny towards spices like ginger – even as medicinal science continuously announces its marvels. Did you know that the FDA recently did a 200+ page report attempting to paint spices as adeadly substance??It actually coincides with when the above study was published. When you see the summary of their report, you will see how ridiculous that portrayal is! When it comes to tuberous roots, organic matters. You can get organic bulk ginger spice, surprisingly inexpensive (compared to non-organic spice bottles at the grocer) at thehealth food store. They also like to carry liquidextracts, gingercandyand soda pops infused with real ginger. You can alsomake your own. Make your ownteaby boiling water and adding a peeled, chopped or grated inch of ginger and add sweetener. Heather Callaghanis a natural health blogger and food freedom activist. You can see her work atNaturalBlaze.comandActivistPost.com. Like atFacebook.