Purification and differential biological effects of ginger-derived substances on normal and tumor cell lines

This study describes an optimization of [6]-, [8]- and [10]-gingerol isolation and purification in semi-preparative HPLC scale and their anti-proliferative activity. The gingerols purification was carried out in HPLC system using a Luna-C-18 and the best mobile phase evaluated was MeO\H/H2O (75:25, v/v). This new methodology for the gingerols isolation was very effective, since considerable amounts (in the range of milligrams) with a good purity degree (similar to 98%) were achieved in 30 min of chromatographic run. [6]-. [8]- and [10]-Gingerol purified by this methodology inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 tumor cell line with IC50 of 666.2 +/- 134.6 mu M, 135.6 +/- 1 22.6 mu M and 12.1 +/- 0.3 mu M, respectively. These substances also inhibited human fibroblasts (HF) cell proliferation, however in concentrations starting from 500 mu M. In conclusion, our results demonstrate an optimization of gingerols isolation and their specific anti-proliferative activities against tumor cells, suggesting their use as important models for drug design in an attempt to develop new compounds with fewer side effects when compared to conventional chemotherapy. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.