Native to Asia and used as an ornamental plant in Brazil, shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) is the main ingredient in products by Biozer, a phytotherapeuticals company in the city of Manaus, state of Amazonas. The roots of the plant contain zerumbone, a compound with anti-inflammatory and cicatrizant (wound healing) properties. The company is conducting studies for its use in soaps, phytotherapy medicines, and energy drinks. Biozer was founded by researcher Carlos Cleomir from the National Institute for Research in the Amazon (Inpa), who is also a professor at the Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam), where zerumbone was the topic of his PhD dissertation. At Inpa, Cleomir developed technology to obtain a 99% pure extract of the substance. In 2011, at Biozer’s request, Inpa granted licenses for two patents that list Cleomir as inventor. The company has also prepared and filed patents with the Brazilian Industrial Property Institute (INPI) for the production of jams, yogurt, gels, and cicatrizant ointments, as well as soaps that fight acne.
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