Piper Species: A Comprehensive Review on Their Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Applications

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 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.

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Chemical Constituents and Biological Activity Profiles on Pleione (Orchidaceae)

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules24173195 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (17) ◽

pp. 3195 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Xiao-Qian Wu ◽

Wei Li ◽

Jing-Xin Chen ◽

Jun-Wen Zhai ◽

Hui-You Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Activity ◽

Structural Analysis ◽

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

Significant Role ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Chemical Compounds ◽

Southern Asia ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Pleione (Orchidaceae) is not only famous for the ornamental value in Europe because of its special color, but also endemic in Southern Asia for its use in traditional medicine. A great deal of research about its secondary metabolites and biological activities has been done on only three of 30 species of Pleione. Up to now, 183 chemical compounds, such as phenanthrenes, bibenzyls, glucosyloxybenzyl succinate derivatives, flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, etc., have been obtained from Pleione. These compounds have been demonstrated to play a significant role in anti-tumor, anti-neurodegenerative and anti-inflammatory biological activities and improve immunity. In order to further develop the drugs and utilize the plants, the chemical structural analysis and biological activities of Pleione are summarized in this review.

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Insightful Valorization of the Biological Activities of Pani Heloch Leaves through Experimental and Computer-Aided Mechanisms

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25215153 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (21) ◽

pp. 5153

Author(s):

Naureen Banu ◽

Najmul Alam ◽

Mohammad Nazmul Islam ◽

Sanjida Islam ◽

Shahenur Alam Sakib ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Methanol Extract ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Experimental Models ◽

Clot Lysis ◽

Control Group ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Pani heloch (Antidesma montanum) is traditionally used to treat innumerable diseases and is a source of wild vegetables for the management of different pathological conditions. The present study explored the qualitative phytochemicals; quantitative phenol and flavonoid contents; in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and thrombolytic effects; and in vivo antipyretic and analgesic properties of the methanol extract of A. montanum leaves in different experimental models. The extract exhibited secondary metabolites including alkaloids, flavonoids, flavanols, phytosterols, cholesterols, phenols, terpenoids, glycosides, fixed oils, emodines, coumarins, resins, and tannins. Besides, Pani heloch showed strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 99.00 µg/mL), while a moderate percentage of clot lysis (31.56%) in human blood and significant anti-inflammatory activity (p < 0.001) was achieved with the standard. Moreover, the analgesic and antipyretic properties appeared to trigger a significant response (p < 0.001) relative to in the control group. Besides, an in silico study of carpusin revealed favorable protein-binding affinities. Furthermore, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity analysis and toxicological properties of all isolated compounds adopted Lipinski’s rule of five for drug-like potential and level of toxicity. Our research unveiled that the methanol extract of A. montanum leaves exhibited secondary metabolites that are a good source for managing inflammation, pyrexia, pain, and cellular toxicity. Computational approaches and further studies are required to identify the possible mechanism which responsible for the biological effects.

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Chemical Composition and Anti-inflammation Activity of Essential Oils from Citrus unshiu Flower

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x1400900538 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1934578X1400900 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Min-Jin Kim ◽

Kyong-Wol Yang ◽

Sang Suk Kim ◽

Suk Man Park ◽

Kyung Jin Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Raw 264.7 Cells ◽

Prostaglandin E ◽

Raw 264.7 ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Though many essential oils from citrus peels are claimed to have several medicinal functions, the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils of Citrus flowers have not been well described. Therefore, this study intended to investigate the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory potential of essential oils from C. unshiu flower (CEO) to support its purported beneficial health effects. The chemical constituents of the CEO, analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), included γ-terpinene (24.7%), 2-β-pinene (16.6%), 1-methyl-2-isopropylbenzene (11.5%), L-limonene (5.7%), β-ocimene (5.6%), and α-pinene (4.7%). The effects of the CEO on nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages were also examined. The results indicate that the CEO is an effective inhibitor of LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production in RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, CEO was shown to suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6. Based on these results, CEO may be considered a potential anti-inflammatory candidate with human health benefits.

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Biological Activities and Chemical Constituents of Essential Oils from Piper cubeba Bojer and Piper nigrum L.

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules24101876 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (10) ◽

pp. 1876 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Yusuf Andriana ◽

Tran Dang Xuan ◽

Tran Ngoc Quy ◽

Hoang-Dung Tran ◽

Quang-Tri Le

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Herbicidal Activity ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Piper Nigrum ◽

Chemical Compositions ◽

Ionization Mass

In this study, we evaluated antioxidant, antihyperuricemic, and herbicidal activities of essential oils (EOs) from Piper cubeba Bojer and Piper nigrum L.; two pepper species widely distributed in tropics, and examined their chemical compositions. Dried berries of P. cubeba and P. nigrum were hydro-distilled to yield essential oil (EO) of 1.23 and 1.11% dry weight, respectively. In the antioxidant assay, the radical scavenging capacities of P. cubeba EO against DPPH and ABTS free radicals were 28.69 and 24.13% greater than P. nigrum, respectively. In the antihyperuricemic activity, P. cubeba EO also exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase (IC50 = 54.87 µg/mL) than P. nigrum EO (IC50 = 77.11 µg/mL). In the herbicidal activity, P. cubeba EO showed greater inhibition on germination and growth of Bidens pilosa and Echinochloa crus-galli than P. nigrum EO. Besides, P. cubeba EO decreased 15.98–73.00% of photosynthesis pigments of B. pilosa and E. crus-galli, while electrolyte leakages, lipid peroxidations, prolines, phenolics, and flavonoids contents were increased 10.82–80.82% at 1.93 mg/mL dose. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analyses revealed that P. nigrum and P. cubeba EOs principally possessed complex mixtures of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Terpinen-4-ol (42.41%), α-copaene (20.04%), and γ-elemene (17.68%) were the major components of P. cubeba EO, whereas β-caryophyllene (51.12%) and β-thujene (20.58%) were the dominant components of P. nigrum EO. Findings of this study suggest both P. cubeba and P. nigrum EOs were potential to treat antioxidative stress and antihyperuricemic related diseases. In addition, the EOs of the two plants may be useful to control B. pilosa and E. crus-galli, the two invasive and problematic weeds in agriculture practice.

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Chemical Structure and Biological Activities of Secondary Metabolites from Salicornia europaea L.

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26082252 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (8) ◽

pp. 2252

Author(s):

Sojeong Kim ◽

Eun-Young Lee ◽

Prima F. Hillman ◽

Jaeyoung Ko ◽

Inho Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

Salt Marshes ◽

Chemical Structure ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Salt Tolerant ◽

Salicornia Europaea ◽

Tolerant Plant ◽

Therapeutic Properties ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Salicornia europaea L. is a halophyte that grows in salt marshes and muddy seashores, which is widely used both as traditional medicine and as an edible vegetable. This salt-tolerant plant is a source of diverse secondary metabolites with several therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the chemical structure and biological activities of secondary metabolites isolated from Salicornia europaea L.

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Phytochemistry and therapeutic potential of black pepper [Piper nigrum (L.)] essential oil and piperine: a review

Clinical Phytoscience ◽

10.1186/s40816-021-00292-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kaliyaperumal Ashokkumar ◽

Muthusamy Murugan ◽

M. K. Dhanya ◽

Arjun Pandian ◽

Thomas D. Warkentin

Keyword(s):

Animal Models ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Black Pepper ◽

Piper Nigrum ◽

Bioactive Constituents ◽

Intermittent Fever

Abstract Background Black pepper [Piper nigrum (L.), Family: Piperaceae] is used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases including; cough, cold, dyspnea throat diseases, intermittent fever, dysentery, stomachache, worms and piles. The pharmacological potential of black pepper is due to the presence of metabolites like phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, etc. The multipurpose use of black pepper dried seeds has several other beneficial health effects that also received in the light of traditional as well as current medicine perspectives. The review aims to discuss the botany, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological properties of piperine and black pepper essential oil (BPEO). Results Phytochemical analyses have described the main chemical constituents of black pepper, including carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, tannins, flavonoids and carotenoids. The volatile oil content ranges from 0.4 to 7 % in dried berries. The major constituents of BPEO are sabinene, 3-carene, D-limonene, α-pinene, caryophyllene, β-phellandrene, α-phellandrene, α-thujene, and β-bisabolene. Additionally, piperine is the naturally occurring and principal bioactive alkaloid constituent of black pepper owing to its potential therapeutic properties, including cerebral brain functioning and increased nutrient absorption. The BPEO has several biological roles, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-obesity, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, and insecticidal activities. Conclusions This review examines and presents the appropriate evidence on black pepper and its traditional uses as well as biological activities of BPEO and piperine. Although several previous reports showed diverse biological effects for piperine and bioactive constitutes of BPEO. Thus, minimal investigations were conducted using animal models, and many of these studies also lacked appropriate experimental setting like doses, control details. Hence, future studies are necessary to understand the mechanism of piperine, BPEO, bioactive constituents and their effects upon their use by animal models and humans with the proper experimental procedure which we can facilitate the protection of human health from several diseases.

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Lavandula Essential Oils: A Current Review of Applications in Medicinal, Food, and Cosmetic Industries of Lavender

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x1801301038 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 1934578X1801301 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Rebecca Wells ◽

Felisha Truong ◽

Ayelign M. Adal ◽

Lukman S. Sarker ◽

Soheil S. Mahmoud

Keyword(s):

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Food Systems ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Food Preservation ◽

Medicinal Food ◽

Pharmaceutical Properties ◽

Potential Use ◽

A Current

The global essential oil market has been steadily increasing in size over the past few years, and is estimated to reach ca. $7.5 billion USD per annum by 2018. Lavenders ( Lavandula; Lamiaceae) contribute significantly to this market, yielding ca. 1500 tons of essential oils which are primarily used in cosmetics, personal care products, and medicines. Recent literature indicates that these oils may also have applications in food preservation and pest control, among others. The medicinal and pharmaceutical properties of lavenders are chiefly due their essential oils, in particular the major essential oil constituents linalool and linalyl acetate, although certain activities have been attributed to the phenolic compounds. In addition, there is evidence that the major and minor essential oil constituents act synergistically to provide various biological effects. A substantial amount of current research focuses on evaluating the biological activities of lavender essential oils for potential use in traditional and complementary medicine, food systems, cosmetic and fragrance formulations, and insect control products. This review examines recent progress in these areas, and highlights the current and future implications for these economically and medicinally valuable plants.

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Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Clary Sage and Coriander Essential Oils Produced on Polluted and Amended Soils-Phytomanagement Approach

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26175321 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (17) ◽

pp. 5321

Author(s):

Robin Raveau ◽

Joël Fontaine ◽

Anthony Verdin ◽

Loris Mistrulli ◽

Frédéric Laruelle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Essential Oils ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Chemical Compositions ◽

Experimental Conditions ◽

Aerial Parts ◽

Mycorrhizal Inoculation ◽

Anti Inflammatory

The potential of essential oils (EO), distilled from two aromatic plants—clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)—in view of applications as natural therapeutic agents was evaluated in vitro. These two were cultivated on a trace element (TE)-polluted soil, as part of a phytomanagement approach, with the addition of a mycorrhizal inoculant, evaluated for its contribution regarding plant establishment, growth, and biomass production. The evaluation of EO as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, with considerations regarding the potential influence of the TE-pollution and of the mycorrhizal inoculation on the EO chemical compositions, were the key focuses. Besides, to overcome EO bioavailability and target accession issues, the encapsulation of EO in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was also assessed. Firstly, clary sage EO was characterized by high proportions of linalyl acetate (51–63%) and linalool (10–17%), coriander seeds EO by a high proportion of linalool (75–83%) and lesser relative amounts of γ-terpinene (6–9%) and α-pinene (3–5%) and coriander aerial parts EO by 2-decenal (38–51%) and linalool (22–39%). EO chemical compositions were unaffected by both soil pollution and mycorrhizal inoculation. Of the three tested EO, the one from aerial parts of coriander displayed the most significant biological effects, especially regarding anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, all tested EO exerted promising antioxidant effects (IC50 values ranging from 9 to 38 g L−1). However, EO encapsulation in β-CD did not show a significant improvement of EO biological properties in these experimental conditions. These findings suggest that marginal lands polluted by TE could be used for the production of EO displaying faithful chemical compositions and valuable biological activities, with a non-food perspective.

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Fibrinolytic, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Potentialities of Extracts and Chemical Constituents of Manglicolous Lichen, Graphis ajarekarii Patw. & C. R. Kulk

The Natural Products Journal ◽

10.2174/2210315508666180604101813 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 87-93 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Vinay Bharadwaj Tatipamula ◽

Girija Sastry Vedula

Keyword(s):

Protein Denaturation ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Fibrin Clot ◽

Hydroalcoholic Extract ◽

Paw Oedema ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Rat Paw ◽

Rat Paw Oedema

Background: Lichens which are betide to mangroves are termed as Manglicolous Lichens (ML). As these ML are habituated under stress conditions, they are screened for unique metabolites and biological activities. Objective: The study aimed to establish the chemical and biological profile of ML, Graphis ajarekarii. Methods: The Ethyl Acetate Extract of G. ajarekarii (EAE) was subjected to chromatographic techniques and the obtained isolates were characterized by spectroscopic analysis. The hydroalcoholic extract of G. ajarekarii (AE), EAE, isolates and Hydroalcoholic Extract of host (HE) were evaluated for fibrinolytic (fibrin clot method), in vitro (protein denaturation method) and in vivo (formalin-induced rat paw oedema assay), anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity (MTT assay) activities. Results: Chemical investigation of the EAE led to the isolation of two known compounds namely atranorin (1) and ribenone (2), which were confirmed by spectral data. The AE and EAE gradually lysed the fibrin clot with 94.54 and 65.07%, respectively, at 24 h. The AE inhibited protein denaturation of about 88.06%, while the standard (Indomethacin) with 93.62%. Similarly, the in vivo antiinflammatory analysis of AE (200 mg/mL) showed potent reduction of rat paw oedema than the standard, whereas EAE and 1 depicted moderate depletion. In addition, the AE revealed prominence inhibition on MCF-7, DU145 and K-562 with IC50 values of 69.5, 42.5 and 38 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the HE exhibited mild inhibitory profile against fibrin clot, inflammation and cancer. Conclusion: From the results, it can be concluded that the G. ajarekarii has an aptitude to act against coagulation, inflammation and cancer cells.

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Meroterpenoids: A Comprehensive Update Insight on Structural Diversity and Biology

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom11070957 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 957

Author(s):

Mamona Nazir ◽

Muhammad Saleem ◽

Muhammad Imran Tousif ◽

Muhammad Aijaz Anwar ◽

Frank Surup ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Structural Diversity ◽

Chemical Diversity ◽

Biosynthetic Pathways ◽

Natural Sources ◽

Hybrid Compounds ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Meroterpenoids are secondary metabolites formed due to mixed biosynthetic pathways which are produced in part from a terpenoid co-substrate. These mixed biosynthetically hybrid compounds are widely produced by bacteria, algae, plants, and animals. Notably amazing chemical diversity is generated among meroterpenoids via a combination of terpenoid scaffolds with polyketides, alkaloids, phenols, and amino acids. This review deals with the isolation, chemical diversity, and biological effects of 452 new meroterpenoids reported from natural sources from January 2016 to December 2020. Most of the meroterpenoids possess antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, enzyme inhibitory, and immunosupressive effects.

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