Gazi University Journal of Science 2147-1762 Gazi University 10.35378/gujs.1705918 Biological Network Analysis Genomics and Transcriptomics Biyolojik Ağ Analizi Genomik ve Transkriptomik Drug-Likeness Screening, Enrichment Analysis, Molecular Docking, and Dynamics Simulation of Bioactive Compounds from Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) as Anti-Angiogenic Agents Targeting VEGFA for Potential Pancreatic Cancer Treatment https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4831-3869 Putra Wira Eka Universitas Negeri Malang https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6844-3906 Widiastuti Diana Universitas Pakuan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2519-621X Isnanto Hary King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8623-8471 Sustiprijatno Sustiprijatno National Research and Innovation Agency https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1929-3635 Hidayatullah Arief United Nations Development Programme https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4672-8107 Heikal Muhammad Fikri Khon Kaen University 01 28 2026 39 1 354 376 05 25 2025 12 02 2025 Copyright © 1988, Gazi University Journal of Science 1988 Gazi University Journal of Science

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages, characterized by angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies, making it particularly difficult to treat. Therefore, the discovery of safer and more effective therapeutic options is urgently needed. Zingiber officinale var. rubrum known as red ginger is a traditional medicinal plant recognized for its therapeutic properties, particularly its anticancer potential. This present work utilized an extensive in silico methodology to assess the antiangiogenic potential of red ginger bioactive compounds by targeting VEGFA, a key regulator of angiogenesis. Drug-likeness screening, toxicity prediction, permeability analysis, and biological activity profiling were used to identify lead compounds. Enrichment analysis revealed involvement in cancer-associated pathways such as PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Ras, and Rap1. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations showed that apigenin, (+)-catechin, and (-)-epicatechin bind effectively to VEGFA, with performance comparable to or better than the reference drug Sunitinib. Apigenin demonstrated the highest complex stability, followed by (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin. These findings highlight the therapeutic promise of red ginger compounds for pancreatic cancer treatment through VEGFA inhibition. Additional lab-based experiments are needed to validate their molecular mechanisms and clinical potential.

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