Healthy Zerumbone: From Natural Sources to Strategies to Improve Its Bioavailability and Oral Administration

Abstract

Zerumbone is a multifunctional compound with antimicrobial, antitumor, hyperalgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications, and constitutes a point molecule for the future synthesis of derivatives with improved efficiency. This monocyclic sesquiterpenoid is found in high content in wild ginger (Zingiber zerumbet Smith), a perennial herb with economic importance as an ornamental as well as a medicinal plant. The presence of zerumbone is a distinctive feature that allows identification and differentiation from other species, not only in Zingiber, but also in Curcuma, Alpinia, Boesenbergia, Ethlingera and Ammomum spp., as well as related families (Costaceaee). To successfully use zerumbone in areas such as medicine, food and agriculture, further research on improving its low solubility and bioavailability, as well as its preservation, is a major current priority. In addition, despite its promising pharmacological activities, preclinical and clinical studies are required to demonstrate and evaluate the in vivo efficacy of zerumbone.

Immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of the extracts and secondary compounds of Zingiber and Alpinia species: a review

“…Zerumbone strongly inhibited the oxidative burst of zymosan and phorbol myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated neutrophils. It significantly decreased extracellular ROS generation in PMNs, with an IC 50 value of 17.36 M, comparable to aspirin ( Akhtar et al, 2019 ; Ibanez et al, 2023 ). Zerumbone was also effective against fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible Candida albicans biofilms and disrupted the extracellular matrix ( Abreu-Pereira et al, 2023 ).…”

Magnetic-Guided Targeted Delivery of Zerumbone/Spion Co-Loaded in Nanostructured Lipid Carrier into Breast Cancer Cells

“…ZER is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene present abundantly in the rhizome of Zingiber Zerumbet (L.) Smith. Since its first isolation in 1960, numerous studies have been conducted to elucidate the medicinal values of ZER, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and anticancer activities [22]. The anticancer potential of ZER has been demonstrated against several types of cancers, including breast cancer.…”

“…ZER induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells by activating the pro-apoptotic proteins, Bax and Bak [23]. However, the therapeutic application of ZER is greatly limited by its poor water solubility [22]. To overcome this limitation, Rahman and co-workers devised a strategy to encapsulate ZER in a biocompatible and biodegradable NLC [24].…”

Virtual Prediction of Zerumbone Compound in Lempuyang as Anti-Bacterial Agent Through In-Silico Approach

“…According to Koga et al (2016), terpenes and polyphenols are the primary chemical components found to dominate in lempuyang, with the main bioactive compound being zerumbone. Zerumbone is a valuable compound with various biological functions, including anti-bacterial capabilities (Veena et al, 2020;Ibáñez et al, 2023). Previous studies reported that the zerumbone compound has excellent anti-bacterial inhibitory properties in gramnegative and gram-positive microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli (Moreira Da Silva et al, 2018).…”