Traditional extraction methods for obtaining bioactive compounds from the rhizome of Zingiber zerumbet are associated with long extraction times and the use of hazardous organic solvents, posing significant health and environmental risks. In this study, a modern approach was used in which the fresh rhizome of Z. zerumbet was extracted by subcritical water extraction (SWE). Zerumbone concentration and antioxidant activity of the extract generally increase with longer extraction time. The highest zerumbone concentration (57.278 ± 6.066 mg/g) was obtained at an extraction time of 25 minutes with a crude concentration of 10 mg/mL. However, the antioxidant activity value (92.234 ± 3.132 %) was highest at an extraction time of 10 minutes, slightly higher than the value at 25 minutes (89.489 ± 1.913 %) at the same concentration. The IC5 values decreased significantly with longer extraction times, indicating an increased antioxidant potential. The 25 minutes extraction showed a robust IC50 value of 0.041 ± 0.022 mg/mL, indicating a strong 50 % inhibition of free radicals. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in zerumbone concentration (p = 0.930) and antioxidant activity (p = 0.851) between the different extraction times and extract concentrations. Correlation analysis showed a bidirectional relationship between zerumbone concentration and antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.9316, r = 0.703), indicating a moderate to strong relationship. The consistent trends in this study support SWE as an effective method for extracting fresh rhizomes, yielding extracts with significant zerumbone concentration and antioxidant activity. Due to the large sample size (N = 36), this study was credible and provides valuable insights for various industries, including pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, food, and natural health products.

Over the past eight decades, numerous research has been conducted on the extraction of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome. The mini-review includes information on the pharmacological properties of zerumbone extracted from Z. zerumbet rhizome and the extraction methods conducted over the previous 80 years. Zerumbone is recognised as having a proven pharmacological effect and is a significant medicinal component used to treat various ailments. The pharmacological values are stated based on the research findings. The extraction method and technology are essential to extract zerumbone. Thus, the review helps the reader keep up with the history of each technique or technology used in extracting zerumbone from Z. zerumbet rhizome, starting with conventional technology and moving toward advanced technology.