Pharmacological properties and therapeutic indications of Piper aduncum L. (matico) to relieve various diseases

Abstract

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are goods of biological origin, from forests, that can be collected in the wild or produced in forest plantations. Currently, interest in NTFPs has increased with growing awareness of forest deforestation and the need to diversify and increase the value of forest resources. Among these non-timber products are extractives that include essential oils. The latter have great ecological importance, because they are attributed the protection of the plant against nematodes, herbivores (insects and mammals), defense against attack by microorganisms (viruses, bacteria and fungi), adaptation against water stress,in addition to being attractive for pollination (Sepúlveda, Porta, & Rocha, 2003). In addition, they are used as inputs in the pharmaceutical, food, therapeutic aroma, cosmetic industry, etc.This publication aims to summarize the chemical-biological scientific knowledge about the matico (Piper aduncumL.)More than 50 compounds have been identified in this species, which can be grouped into chromenes, phenylpropanoids, benzoic acid derivatives and flavonoids. The most relevant aspects of the pharmacological properties were described as their origin, their sources and metabolism, their properties as antiallergic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic.