An improved process for the preparation of Zerumbone crystals from shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet)

This invention provides "An improved process for the preparation of Zerurnbone crystals from shampoo ginger (Zingiber Zerumbet)". The method involves size reduction of the zerumbet ginger rhizomes, crushing, de-starching, isolation of volatile oil by distillation and crystallization of zerumbone crystals. "Zerumbone" is chemically known as a sesquiterpene phytochemical and its authenticity was established by structural elucidation with NMR spectra. Purity established by Gas Chromatography. It is a facile process for the preparation of pure Zerurnbone crystals, which results in the pharmaceutical benefits such as antitumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, analgesic etc. Also, the invention provides a byproduct viz. starch which has good nutritional properties.