Kencur, a tropical plant belonging to the ginger family native to Southeast Asia, is commonly known for its aromatic qualities that enhance the flavor of dishes and its traditional use as a natural remedy for digestive problems. Nonetheless, researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have uncovered promising indications suggesting that this plant possesses anti-cancer properties.
Under the leadership of Associate Professor Akiko Kojima from the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, the team of scientists demonstrated that extracts from Kencur, as well as its primary active compound, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EMC), exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the growth of cancer cells, both at the cellular and animal levels.
Jamu – an Indonesian drink prepared from Kencur ginger. Credit: Akiko Kojima, Osaka Metropolitan University
While prior research had suggested the anti-cancer potential of EMC by reducing the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), which is associated with the proliferation of cancer cells, the precise underlying mechanism had remained unclear until now.
Professor Kojima commented, "The outcomes of this study validate the anti-cancer properties of Kencur extract and its principal active component, EMC. It is highly anticipated that TFAM will emerge as a novel indicator for gauging anti-cancer effects as research in related fields continues to progress."
Reference: “Kaempferia galanga L. extract and its main component, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, inhibit the proliferation of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by suppressing TFAM expression” by Yutaro Sasaki, Toshio Norikura, Isao Matsui-Yuasa, Ritsuko Fujii, Leenawaty Limantara and Akiko Kojima-Yuasa, 23 June 2023, Heliyon. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17588
I began my career in the banking industry in 1997, and stayed approx 6 years in it. This industry boost his knowledge about the economic condition in Indonesia, both macro and micro, and how to
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understand it. My banking career continued in Yogyakarta when I joined in a program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB),as the coordinator for a program aimed to help improve the quality of learning and teaching process in private universities in Yogyakarta. When the earthquake stroke Yogyakarta, I chose to join an international NGO working in the area of ?disaster response and management, which allows me to help rebuild the city, as well as other disaster-stricken area in Indonesia. I went on to become the coordinator for emergency response in the Asia Pacific region. Then I was assigned for 1 year in Cambodia, as a country coordinator mostly to deliver developmental programs (water and sanitation, education, livelihood). In 2009, he continued his career as a protocol and HR officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, and two years later I joined the Political and Economic Section until now, where i have to deal with extensive range of people and government officials, as well as private and government institution troughout eastern Indonesia.
I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief in Good News From Indonesia (GNFI), a growing and influential social media movement, and was selected as one of The Most Influential Netizen 2011 by The Marketeers magazine.
I also wrote a book on "Fundamentals of Disaster Management in 2007"?, "Good News From Indonesia : Beragam Prestasi Anak Bangsa di dunia"? which was luanched in August 2013, and "Indonesia Bersyukur"? which is launched in Sept 2013. In 2014, 3 books were released in which i was one of the writer; "Indonesia Pelangi Dunia"?, "Indonesia The Untold Stories"? and "Growing! Meretas Jalan Kejayaan"
I give lectures to students in lectures nationwide, sharing on full range of issues, from economy, to diplomacy
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