Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Sm. (Narkachoor): Phytopharmacological profile and its utilization in traditional Unani medicine

Zingiber zerumbet (ZZ) (L.) Sm.(Narkachoor) is a highly valued perennial medicinal plant, deeply integrated into traditional systems like Unani medicine as a cardio-tonic and remedy for pain, fever, and digestive ailments. The review was done from authentic Unani medicine classical text, pharmacognostical and other texts, and peer-reviewed, indexed journals. This extensive review may integrate the medicinal history of ZZ with extensive modern preclinical research, establishing its broad pharmacological efficacy and elucidating the key mechanisms of its primary constituents, such as the sesquiterpene Zerumbone. Preclinical data demonstrate potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Modern research has unveiled significant potential for chronic disease management, including antidiabetic activity that improves insulin sensitivity and provides protection against retinopathy and nephropathy by suppressing AGEs/RAGE signaling. Plant exhibits anti-cancer apoptosis induction and anti-angiogenesis activity. ZZ also displays robust antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and larvicidal properties. Safety evaluations confirm that the plant’s extracts are generally well tolerated in animal models, positioning ZZ as a promising therapeutic agent rooted in traditional practice and validated by mechanistic scientific evidence.