Novel ginsenosides 25-OH-PPD and 25-OCH3-PPD as experimental therapy for pancreatic cancer: anticancer activity and mechanisms of action

We recently isolated and characterized two novel ginsenosides, 25-OH-PPD and 25-OCH3-PPD. We investigated whether these ginsenosides could represent safe and effective therapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that both compounds inhibited proliferation, caused cell cycle arrest, and induced apoptosis. They also both inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors without any host toxicity. Preliminary investigations into the mechanisms of action of the compounds suggest that their effects may be partially mediated by their inhibition of the MDM2 oncogene and related pathways. The data presented here support further evaluation of the ginsenosides for pancreatic cancer therapy.