Abstract The essential oil of Zingiber zerumbet (Zingiberaceae) obtained by hydrodistillation of the rhizomes was subjected for GC/MS analysis, which resulted in the identification of 36 compounds. Curzerenone (14.4%), zerumbone (12.6%), camphor (12.8%), isoborneol (8.9%) and 1,8-cineole (7.1%), were found as major compounds.