BioMed Research International

Review Article

Biomedical Properties of a Natural Dietary Plant Metabolite, Zerumbone, in Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention Trials

Table 1

Characteristic features of zerumbone.
CharactersDescription
Natural occurrenceZingiber species
Chemical classSesquiterpene
Chemical formula(2E, 6E, 10E)-2,6,9,9-tetramethylcycloundeca-2,6,10-trien-1-one
Molecular formulaC15H22O
Chemical structureThree-double bond (two conjugated and one isolated), α, -unsaturated carbonyl group, and a double conjugated carbonyl group in 11-membered ring structure
Molecular weight218.3 dalton
Flashing point272°F
Boiling point321-322°C at 760 mmHg
Melting point65.3°C
Vapor pressure0.000295 mm/Hg at 25°C
Purity92–100%
Appearance Solid white crystals or powder
Short term storage+4°C
StabilityStable for at least 2 years when stored at −20°C
SolubilityCompletely soluble in ethanol, DMSO, while solubility in water is approximately 1.296 mg/L at 25°C
ExtractionMainly isolated from fresh rhizomes by hydrodistillation (steam distillation) and recrystallization methods
UsageFor researches and medical purposes, not for flavor or fragrance