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.
