Zerumbone helps a master switch (Nrf2) move into the nucleus of skin cells, turning on protective genes—this happens within 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Scientific Claim
Zerumbone at 2–8 μM induces nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and decreases cytosolic Keap-1 expression in human skin fibroblasts, leading to activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway within 0.5–4 hours of treatment.
Original Statement
“ZER treatment (2-8 μM, 2 h) dose-dependently increased the total Nrf2 protein levels... Degradation of Keap-1... confirming that Nrf2 activation was mediated via the sequestration of Keap-1 in cytosol... nuclear Nrf2 was observed from 0.5 h time point and was gradually increased up to 4 h.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The study directly tracked Nrf2 translocation using subcellular fractionation and time-course analysis with statistical validation; the claim is precisely supported by the data.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The study shows that zerumbone, a natural compound, helps skin cells activate a protective system by moving a key protein (Nrf2) into the nucleus and reducing its inhibitor (Keap-1), which happens within hours of treatment.