Piper Species: A Comprehensive Review on Their Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Applications
Bahare Salehi
Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria
Rabin Gyawali
William N Setzer
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332258458_Piper_Species_A_Comprehensive_Review_on_Their_Phytochemistry_Biological_Activities_and_Applications
Abstract
Piper
species are aromatic plants used as spices in the kitchen, but their
secondary metabolites have also shown biological effects on human
health. These plants are rich in essential oils, which can be found in
their fruits, seeds, leaves, branches, roots and stems. Some Piper
species have simple chemical profiles, while others, such as Piper
nigrum, Piper betle, and Piper auritum, contain very diverse suites of
secondary metabolites. In traditional medicine, Piper species have been
used worldwide to treat several diseases such as urological problems,
skin, liver and stomach ailments, for wound healing, and as antipyretic
and anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, Piper species could be used
as natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents in food preservation.
The phytochemicals and essential oils of Piper species have shown strong
antioxidant activity, in comparison with synthetic antioxidants, and
demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activities against human
pathogens. Moreover, Piper species possess therapeutic and preventive
potential against several chronic disorders. Among the functional
properties of Piper plants/extracts/active Molecules 2019, 24, 1364 2 of
117 components the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and
neuropharmacological activities of the extracts and extract-derived
bioactive constituents are thought to be key effects for the protection
against chronic conditions, based on preclinical in vitro and in vivo
studies, besides clinical studies. Habitats and cultivation of Piper
species are also covered in this review. In this current work, available
literature of chemical constituents of the essential oils Piper plants,
their use in traditional medicine, their applications as a food
preservative, their antiparasitic activities and other important
biological activities are reviewed.
