6-Shogaol is a minor, bioactive component of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. It is present in fresh ginger at low levels, but quantities of 6-shogaol are significantly increased in dried ginger. 6-Shogaol induces apoptosis in cancer cells through the production of reactive oxygen species and the activation of caspase, impairs tubulin polymerization, downregulates NF-κB signaling, inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators, and suppresses Toll-like receptor signaling. 6-Shogaol-rich extracts have been shown to enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms by inducing Nrf2/ARE-mediated gene expression in cell and animal models. It can also activate both TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels (EC50s = 0.32 and 16 μM, respectively).
