Lempoyang (Zingiber zerumbet): A Versatile Herb Bridging Tradition and Modern Medicine
Lempoyang, scientifically known as Zingiber zerumbet, is a tropical medicinal herb belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Commonly referred to as “shampoo ginger” or “wild ginger,” this herb has been treasured for centuries in traditional Southeast Asian medicine for its wide range of health benefits. Known for its aromatic rhizomes and unique pine-cone-shaped flower heads, lempoyang is not only an herbal remedy but also a symbol of the deep-rooted knowledge embedded in indigenous healing systems. In recent decades, modern research has begun to validate the traditional uses of lempoyang, identifying its rich phytochemical profile and unlocking its therapeutic potential.
Scientific Classification and Botanical Profile
Lempoyang is classified under the genus Zingiber, which includes other culinary and medicinal gingers. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates and is native to regions such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Pacific Islands. Its botanical name is Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith. The plant features leafy stems, underground rhizomes, and striking red or yellow inflorescences, which contain a mucilaginous fluid traditionally used as a natural hair conditioner—hence the name "shampoo ginger."
Traditional Uses and Ethnomedicine
In traditional Malay, Javanese, and Ayurvedic practices, lempoyang holds a revered place as a multipurpose herbal remedy. It has long been used to treat digestive problems such as flatulence, indigestion, and lack of appetite. The rhizome is often boiled into a tonic or herbal tea to relieve stomach discomfort and expel intestinal worms. It is also used as a postpartum tonic to rejuvenate and strengthen the body after childbirth.
Lempoyang is commonly applied externally to ease muscle aches, arthritis, and joint pain. In some villages, grated lempoyang rhizome is wrapped in cloth and applied as a warm poultice on affected areas. Its unique floral head fluid is traditionally used to wash and soften hair, promoting scalp health and preventing dandruff.
Phytochemical Composition
The medicinal power of lempoyang lies in its rich phytochemical makeup. The most significant active compound is zerumbone, a sesquiterpene with powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Zerumbone has been the subject of multiple pharmacological studies due to its promising role in cancer cell inhibition and immune system modulation.
Other phytochemicals found in Zingiber zerumbet include:
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Flavonoids – known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
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Phenolic compounds – which help combat oxidative stress
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Essential oils – providing antimicrobial and soothing effects
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Terpenoids – which contribute to both flavor and pharmacological activity
These compounds work synergistically to provide holistic therapeutic benefits, aligning closely with the multi-target approach found in traditional medicine.
Modern Medicinal Uses
The scientific community has begun to explore the health benefits of lempoyang through clinical and laboratory studies. Modern research supports many of its traditional uses and has discovered new applications. For example, zerumbone has shown potential in inhibiting the growth of various cancer cell lines, including breast, colon, liver, and leukemia. It also exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity, making it valuable for treating arthritis, gastritis, and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
In addition, lempoyang has demonstrated:
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Antioxidant activity – protecting cells from oxidative damage
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Antibacterial and antifungal effects – useful in treating infections
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Gastroprotective properties – helping to prevent ulcers and support digestion
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Hepatoprotective effects – protecting liver function
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Antidiabetic potential – assisting in the regulation of blood sugar levels
With such a broad spectrum of medicinal qualities, lempoyang is increasingly incorporated into modern herbal supplements, teas, ointments, and hair care products.
Usage and Precautions
Lempoyang is used in various forms, including decoctions, capsules, tinctures, and topical applications. A simple preparation involves slicing the fresh rhizome and boiling it to create an herbal tea for digestive or general wellness purposes. The grated rhizome can be applied externally for pain relief or infused in oil for massage therapy. The flower head’s gel can be used directly on the scalp as a natural shampoo.
While generally safe in moderate amounts, high doses should be avoided during pregnancy due to possible uterine stimulation. Individuals with allergies to ginger or other Zingiberaceae family plants should exercise caution. As with any herbal remedy, it is best to consult a qualified healthcare provider before using lempoyang to manage chronic conditions.
List of Research On Lempoyang
1. Zerumbone’s Effects in Cancer Cells (In Vitro & Animal Studies)
• Colorectal cancer (SW480 cell line)
Zerumbone—a major terpene found in Z. zerumbet—suppressed proliferation, induced apoptosis, generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, activated caspases (3/8/9), and altered Bax/Bcl-2 expression in SW480 colon cancer cells. It also caused cell cycle arrest at G₂/M and inhibited migration pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+12pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+12isrctn.com+12.
• Leukemia and solid tumors (e.g., P-388D, HL‑60)
Early research demonstrated that zerumbone extracted from Z. zerumbet rhizomes induced DNA fragmentation, inhibited growth of leukemia and P‑388D tumour cells, and extended survival in mice by 20–27% at dosages of 2–5 mg/kg pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
• Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model (in mice)
A methanolic extract of the rhizome showed strong antioxidant properties and triggered apoptosis in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma–bearing mice. Treatment reduced tumor cell growth, extended lifespan, and normalized hematological parameters; apoptosis was confirmed via caspase‑dependent pathways pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (rat model)
In a diethylnitrosamine‑induced liver cancer model in rats, zerumbone significantly reduced tumor proliferation, decreased VEGF, MMPs, and Ki‑67 expression, and showed strong anti‑angiogenic effects en.wikipedia.org+15phcog.com+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15.
• Broad cytotoxic activity
A 2024 study found Z. zerumbet extracts selectively cytotoxic to several cancer cell types—including lung, colon, leukemia, ovarian, skin, liver, and breast cancer lines—with apoptosis as the cell death mechanism. Toxicity toward normal cells occurred only at very high doses phcog.com+13journals.sagepub.com+13ejournal.upsi.edu.my+13.
2. Mechanistic & Molecular Insights
• Inflammatory signaling modulation
Standardized extracts of Z. zerumbet, rich in zerumbone, inhibited pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK (JNK, ERK, p38), and PI3K-Akt in macrophage models, reducing COX‑2 expression and pro‑inflammatory mediator release; this suggests potential in preventing inflammation-associated tumor progression mdanderson.elsevierpure.com.
3. Preliminary Clinical Evidence (Human Pilot Study)
• Phase II pilot in advanced cancer patients
A pilot (non-randomized, open-label) study in Brazil administered 400 mg zerumbone capsules twice daily for 8 weeks to 35 patients with advanced solid tumors lacking other treatment options. Among the 16 patients who completed the protocol, there was significant improvement in quality of life parameters—including emotional, social, and fatigue scores—as measured via QLQ-C30, HADS, and FACIT‑F scales. Anxiety and depression symptoms improved meaningfully, and overall toxicity was low pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3isrctn.com+3.
Reference -data compiled by chat gpt
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Ali, B. H., Blunden, G., Tanira, M. O., & Nemmar, A. (2008). Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(2), 409–420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.085
Jantan, I., Rafi, A. A., & Gunasekaran, S. (2005). Antifungal activity of the essential oils of nine Zingiberaceae species. Pharmaceutical Biology, 43(8), 740–745. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880200500213902
Murakami, A., Tanaka, T., Lee, J. Y., Surh, Y. J., Kim, H. W., & Ohigashi, H. (2004). Zerumbone, a Southeast Asian ginger sesquiterpene, markedly suppresses free radical generation, pro-inflammatory protein expression and cancer cell proliferation accompanied by apoptosis: The α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group is a prerequisite. Carcinogenesis, 25(5), 795–802. https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgh077
Rahman, M. T., & Al-Ghadeer, A. R. (2012). Pharmacological and phytochemical studies of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith: A review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 1(1), 33–39.
Zakaria, M. N. M., Hisham, A. N., Zainal, Z., Mat Jais, A. M., & Somchit, M. N. (2007). Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith: A review of its ethnomedicinal, chemical, and pharmacological uses. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 4(4), 465–471. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nem043
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