Compound K: A systematic review of its anticancer properties and probable mechanisms

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#child #humans #animals #mice #cell-line

Compound K: A systematic review of its anticancer properties and probable mechanisms

Tam et al., 2023 | Fundam Clin Pharmacol | Systematic Review

Citation

Tam Dao Ngoc Hien, Nam Nguyen Hai, ... Huy Nguyen Tien. Compound K: A systematic review of its anticancer properties and probable mechanisms. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2023-Aug;37(4):684-712. doi:10.1111/fcp.12874

Abstract

Panax ginseng is a common natural product, which is well-known to have a wide range of pharmacological activities in cancer. Its metabolite, compound K (CK), has been reported to have anticancer activity. We aimed to systematically review the literature for evidence of anticancer effects of CK. We conducted a systematic search in eight databases. We included all in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the anticancer effects of CK with no restrictions. Quality assessment was applied by ToxRTool. Fifty-four articles were included in our study. The purity of CK in our included studies was at least 95%. The in vitro studies reported that CK had a potential anticancer activity on several cell lines including human lung cancer cell lines (A549, PC-9), nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (Hk-1), liver cancer cell line (BEL 7402), and pediatric acute myeloid leukemia cell lines (Kasumi-1, MV4-11). The in vivo studies reported a significant decrease in tumor volume in mice treated with CK. CK is a potential supplementary treatment in cancer chemotherapies. The safety and further clinical trials of CK should be explored for future drug development.

Key Findings

The safety and further clinical trials of CK should be explored for future drug development.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Animals
  • Mice
  • Cell Line
  • Ginsenosides

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09