Cell experiment:

The effects of 6-shogaol on the viability of HepG2 cells are determined by a MTT assay after 24 h treatment. The data are expressed as percent cell viability compared to that of control. The concentrations of the treatments 6-shogaol varied from 10 to 100 μg/mL[4].

Animal experiment:

Mice: Male Balb/c mice are treated with 6-shogaol-rich ginger extracts (10 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) or silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w.), a positive control, and challenged with diethyl-nitrosoamine (DEN, 30 mg/kg b.w.) 3 days per week for 3 weeks[4].

Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol), an active compound isolated from Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc), exhibits a variety of biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation.

Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) has anticancer activity against several cell lines[1]. Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) is identified to be cytotoxic in various cell lines, with KB (IC50=7.4±2.2 μM) and HL60 (IC50=7.9±2.0 μM) cells most susceptible to 6-shogaol[2]. 6-shogaol (IC50=8 μM) has much stronger growth inhibitory effects than 6-gingerol (IC50=150 μM) on HCT-116 human colon cancer cells[3]. Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) stimulates phosphorylations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as ERK, JNK, and p38. Moreover, the 6-shogaol-induced expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 are attenuated by treatments of SB202190 (a p38 specific inhibitor) and LY294002 (an Akt specific inhibitor)[4].

The Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) decreases the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-mediated elevations of serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase as well as the DEN-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation. Inductions of Nrf2 and HO-1 by 6-shogaol are also confirmed in the mice. The administration of Shogaol ([6]-Shogaol) to the mice also restores the DEN-reduced activity and protein expression of hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase[4].

References:
[1]. Semwal RB, et al. Gingerols and shogaols: Important nutraceutical principles from ginger. Phytochemistry. 2015 Sep;117:554-68.
[2]. Peng F, et al. Cytotoxic, cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of isolated phenolic compounds from fresh ginger. Fitoterapia. 2012 Apr;83(3):568-85.
[3]. Sang S, et al. Increased growth inhibitory effects on human cancer cells and anti-inflammatory potency of shogaols from Zingiber officinale relative to gingerols. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Nov 25;57(22):10645-50.
[4]. Bak MJ, et al. 6-shogaol-rich extract from ginger up-regulated the antioxidant defense systems in cells and mice. Molecules. 2012 Jul 4;17(7):8037-55.