Effect and Mechanism of 6-Gingerol against Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Experiment

Background Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer (PLGC) are critical in the secondary prevention of gastric cancer. Despite the notable effects of natural products on PLGC, the specific mechanisms by which compounds, like 6-gingerol, influence these lesions are not fully understood. Aims This study aimed to confirm the effect and mechanism of 6-gingerol in the treatment of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC). Objective The objective of this study was to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of 6-gingerol against PLGC using network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Methods We employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets and pathways influenced by 6-gingerol, followed by validation through in vitro experiments using a PLGC cell model. Results Network pharmacology analysis highlighted the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as significantly influenced by 6-gingerol. In vitro experiments confirmed that 6-gingerol effectively inhibited proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of MC cells, promoted apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest, primarily through modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Statistical analysis revealed significant inhibition (p < 0.05) across these cellular processes in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion This study demonstrated that 6-gingerol acts as an effective agent against PLGC, with clear dose-dependent effects that pave the way for further experimental and clinical exploration.