Description: <b>Zerumbone</b> is a sesquiterpene α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound derived primarily from Zingiber zerumbet (shampoo ginger). It is one of the most intensively studied dietary terpenoids for anticancer activity, with a strong and internally consistent mechanism-of-action profile across multiple cancer types.
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Zerumbone induces intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptosis via:<br>
-↑ ROS generation in cancer cells<br>
-Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential<br>
-↑ Bax / ↓ Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL<br>
-Cytochrome c release<br>
-Caspase-9 → caspase-3 activation<br>
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Zerumbone is a potent NF-κB inhibitor<br>
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Anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects
-Observed actions include:
-↓ VEGF and HIF-1α
-↓ MMP-2 / MMP-9
-Suppression of EMT markers (N-cadherin, vimentin)
-Reduced migration and invasion
Zerumbone is a redox-bifunctional agent:
In cancer cells:
-↑ ROS beyond survival threshold
-Triggers mitochondrial collapse
In normal cells:
-Activates Nrf2
-Induces phase II detox enzymes (HO-1, NQO1, GST)
This differential redox response explains selective toxicity.
Bioavailability is limited
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