Zerumbone is a natural monocyclic sesquiterpene first isolated from rhizomes of the wild ginger Z. zerumbet. It potently inhibits the activation of Epstein-Barr virus by phorbol esters (IC50 = 140 nM). Zerumbone inhibits Sonic hedgehog signaling and induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines. It has also been shown to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, contributing to immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects.