Gingerol formulation and methods for treating cancer and bacterial infection

A method of reducing cell viability of colon cancer cells, comprising:

• contacting an encapsulated gingerol composition with the colon cancer cells at a concentration of 15 to 50 μg/mL,
• wherein the encapsulated gingerol composition comprises gingerol nanoparticles extracted from Zingiber officinale, an ionic cross-linker, a polysorbate, and chitosan nanoparticles, wherein the ionic cross-linker is bonded to the chitosan,
• wherein the encapsulated gingerol composition is in the form of nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than 100 nm,
• wherein the contacting reduces the cell viability of the colon cancer cells to 40% or less, and
• wherein 5-10% by weight of the gingerol nanoparticles in the encapsulated gingerol composition is released from the encapsulated gingerol composition within one hour of the contacting, 25-35% by weight of the gingerol nanoparticles in the encapsulated gingerol composition is released from the encapsulated gingerol composition within 4 hours, and 60% by weight of the gingerol nanoparticles in the encapsulated gingerol composition is released from the encapsulated gingerol composition within 8 hours.