Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with rising interest in herbal remedies for safer and more effective treatments. Shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) traditionally used across Southeast Asia for treatment of several diseases. It contains zerumbone, a bioactive compound with promising anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Zerumbone induces apoptosis (tumor cell death), controls immune responses, and inhibits cancer cell growth across various cancers including breast, colon, cervical, brain, gastric, liver, and leukemia. Its therapeutic potential highlights the importance of exploring medicinal plants for future drug development. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, zerumbone faces several challenges, including limited clinical data and safety concerns further research is needed to ensure its safety and therapeutic effectiveness.

Key words : Cancer remains, global health, therapeutic effectiveness, bioactive compound 

Cite : Dash, B. (2025). From root to remedy: The journey of zerumbone in cancer care. Vigyaksha, 1(1), 37–45. Newredmars Education.