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

Abstract

AbstractPanax 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.