Piperlongumine Is an NLRP3 Inhibitor With Anti-inflammatory Activity

Piperlongumine (PL) is an alkaloid from Piper longum L. with anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. Numerous studies have focused on its antitumor effect. However, the underlying mechanisms of its anti-inflammation remain elusive. In this study, we have found that PL is a natural inhibitor of Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, an intracellular multi-protein complex that orchestrates host immune responses to infections or sterile inflammations. PL blocks NLRP3 activity by disrupting the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome including the association between NLRP3 and NEK7 and subsequent NLRP3 oligomerization. Furthermore, PL suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia and MSU-induced peritonitis in vivo, which are NLRP3-dependent inflammation. Thus, our study identified PL as an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome and indicated the potential application of PL in NLRP3-relevant diseases.

Green synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Piper longum and its Antioxidant Activity

Background: Piper longum, a traditional plant used for regenerative medicine commonly known as the long pepper, is used to treat many pathological conditions. Piper longum is used as a source for obtaining the production of various nanoparticles and testing their efficacy. Piper longum has many beneficial activities, such as antifungal, anti-amoebic, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressants activities. Silver nanoparticles are widely and commonly used for its antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms. Our study aimed to synthesize Piper longum based silver nanoparticles and to investigate its anti-oxidant property. Materials and Methods: Piper longum plant extract was prepared and silver nanoparticles extract was synthesized. DPPH assay was then performed to assess the free radical scavenging activity of the Piper longum silver nanoparticle extract. The further analysis was that the formation of brownish-red color observed was evident, resulting in thesynthesization of silver nanoparticles. Results: Brown discolouration represents formation of silver nanoparticles and the antioxidant activity was noted to be from 60% to 70% from 10 to 50μL. But when compared to standard vitamin C values the Piper longum silver nanoparticles showed less antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The Piper longum mediated silver nanoparticles showed remarkable and considerable antioxidant activity but when compared with the standard sample values the antioxidant activity was low.

Piper longum (Linn.) restores ovarian function in Letrozole induced PCOS in Rats: Comparison with Metformin and Clomiphene citrate

This study evaluates the prospective use of an herbal plant Piper longum in letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome using a rat model. The study used female wistar rats, which were divided into 9 groups, each containing 6 animals. Group I (Control) daily received 1% Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC)as a vehicle control. Letrozole (1mg/kg) was administered by oral route for period of 21days for induction of PCOS in group (II-IX). During experimental period, vaginal smear of all females were collected daily for the estrous cycle determination. During 28 days of letrozole administration, changes in estrous cycle of females were observed and studied. This study showed that PCOS was induced. After Letrozole treatment, 6 animals from group III-IX treated orally with, standard drugs Metformin (300mg/kg/oral route), Clomiphene citrate (100mg/kg/oral route), plant drug Piper longum L. at a concentration of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg, drug interaction groups: Metformin + Piper longum L, 800mg/kg and Clomiphene citrate +Piper lonum L., 800mg/kg body weight and studied for consecutive estrous cycles. Vaginal smear were examined, it showed that hydro alcoholic extract of fruits of Piper longum Linn. group has potential effect on PCOS bringing estrous cycle to normalcy. Also, after Letrozole treatment ovary and reproductive weights of normal rats increased which is normalizes with plant drug treatment. Further studies of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits Piper longum Linn. need to be carried out to check other related parameters of PCOS.

The Antiviral and Antibacterial properties of Plectranthus amboinicus and Piper longum with the Addition to Focaccia Bread Nutritional Value and Sensory Evaluation

Focaccia is an Italian bread baked with herbs in a similar way to pizza, this can be utilized as a regular meal in daily basis, thus the bread prepared without cheese, it is considered as a good health supplement. The addition of herbs like Plectranthus amboinicus (Indian Borage) and Piper longum (long Pepper) to focaccia may increase the medicinal value. Borage is used as a medicine in treating contagious diseases like viral flu and cough through antiviral, antibacterial and antifebrile activity, likewise Piper longum acts as an antibacterial and have immunomodulation properties, piper longum is commonly known as Indian long pepper mostly used in siddha medicine to treat cough and respiratory disease. The upper respiratory infection mainly influence cough, sinusitis, sore throat, pharyngitis, also develop lung inflammation and this herb could be consumed in regular diet. The objective of this research is to analyze antiviral and antibacterial properties of Plectranthus amboinicus and Piper longum. Furthermore, to evaluate the Focaccia bread in addition with these herbs in preparation by sensory evaluation.