Antioxidant Activities and Cytotoxicity of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith Rhizome

Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith, popularly known as shampoo ginger, is one of the most commonly used ingredients in Indo-Malaysian traditional medicines. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the ethanolic extract of Z. zerumbet rhizome (ZZ) was investigated. 2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays showed significant radical scavenging activities of ZZ. The extract was rich in polyphenol and flavonoids. Cytotoxicity was assessed in vitro by trypan blue exclusion test. Human peripheral blood lymphocyte cells were incubated in different concentrations of ZZ (0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 300 and 600 μg/ml) for 3 h at 37 °C. The rhizome extract was found to be cytotoxic at concentrations higher for human consumption. In addition, HPLC analysis revealed ZZ as a rich source of kaempferol. Based on the results of the present investigation the rhizome may be used safely as a therapeutic antioxidant.