Family Piperaceae Research Articles

Chemical profiling and clustering of Piperaceae revealed by volatilomics analysis

The Piperaceae family is one of the aromatic plants that have a distinctive odor and is known to have tremendous benefits in human life. Piperaceae is used as raw material for medicines, spices, antibacterial, antiviral, and insecticides. Research on the composition of volatile chemical compounds in Piperaceae members is still limited. This study aims to extract volatile chemical compounds in the Piperaceae family and classify Piperaceae members based on their volatile compounds. The type of research is laboratory research. The research samples were leaves of ten species of Piperaceae members, namely Piper cubeba, P. nigrum, P. betle, P. ornatum, P. retrofractum, P. sarmentosum, Peperomia pellucida, Peperomia scandens, Peperomia caperata, and Peperomia maculosa. The research instrument was an observation sheet of SPME-GCMS analysis results. Data in the form of metabo-analysis was obtained from laboratory analysis using SPME-GCMS by producing a comprehensive volatile compound profile of the Piperaceae family and revealing differences between species. The results of SPME-GCMS analysis on the Piperaceae family obtained 197 identified volatile chemical compounds. The largest group of chemical compounds in 10 species of the family consists of sesquiterpene (16.2%), monoterpene (11.7%), sesquiterpenoid (7.1%), alcohol (6.1%), aldehyde (4.6%), terpene (4.1%), terpenoid (4.1%), alkene (3%), fatty acid (2.5%), ketone (2.5%), phenol (2.5%), alkane (2%) and other groups less than 2%. Characteristics of typical compounds in the genus Peperomia amounted to 10, namely Alpha-pinene, (-)-; Camphene; 2-beta-pinene; l-Limonene; Nonanal; (-)-.beta.-Elemene; alpha.-Copaene; Germacrene D; cis-caryophyllene; Bicycloelemene. In the genus Piper, the variation in the character of volatile chemical compounds is very large, typical characteristics possessed by 6 Piper species are alpha-pinene, (-)-; alpha.-Copaene; alpha.-Humulene; (-)-beta.-Elemene; and trans-Caryophyllene. The study concluded that 197 volatile compounds from 10 Piperaceae species had been identified. The results of this study can be recommended that the Piperaceae family can be optimized for public health.

A Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Nigerian Crotons

Approximately 80% of the world's population relies on traditional plants to produce and synthesize contemporary medications. In the past, the production of plants as sources of pharmaceuticals or medicines for wound healing and treatment was based on superstition and experience that was passed down from one generation to the next. The majority of these plants belong to the families Euphorbiaceae, Leguminoceae, Rutaceae, and Piperaceae. The Euphorbiaceae family includes Croton plants. They are found in tropical and sub-tropical areas of both hemispheres and comprise of 1,300 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs. This work is a critical review of chemical constituents, ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacology of various Nigerian Croton species. The term "ethnomedicinal potentials" refers to the therapeutic applications of plants that have positive pharmacological effects on both human and animal bodies. Prior to the development of modern medicine, certain Croton species were used to cure rheumatism, diabetes, diarrhea, cancer, and other illnesses. Active alkaloids are abundant in the Croton genus. In addition to triterpenoids, flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, phytosterols, N-containing chemicals, cyclohexane derivatives, aliphatic molecules, ferulic acid ester derivatives and diterpenoids are said to be widely distributed throughout the African Crotons.

Exploring the Medicinal Benefits of Filfil Darāz (Piper longum L.): Insights from Unani Medicine and Modern Perspectives

Backround: Filfil Darāz (Piper longum L.) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the Piperaceae family, is therapeutically used in many traditional systems of medicine, such as Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha, etc. Purpose of Review: This review's primary goal is to investigate data on Piper longum botanical description, Pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemicals, and therapeutic uses. This information will ultimately help Unani and other scientists plan various studies for additional research on this significant medicinal plant. Materials and Methods: This systemic review was done through an extensive literature survey of Unani classical and other ethnobotanical literature and published research work available on various search engines viz., Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc. Result: Piper longum L. is the accepted botanical name of Filfil Darāz, long pepper, Pīplamūl as referred in Unani and other traditional medicines. It is grown in Nepal, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Philippines. In India, the plant is found in the lower hills of West Bengal, the Khasi hills, the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats from Konkan to Kerala, and the Nicobar Islands, it is also found in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka. Usually, the fruit of this important medicinal plant is therapeutically used for various ailments, including indigestion, constipation, dysentery, neurogenic gastralgia, skin diseases, nervine weakness, weakness of stomach, flatulence, amenorrhea, dribbling of urine, etc. It contains many important secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, esters, piperine, steroids, and essential oils, etc., which have been reported to possess antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anthelminthic, mosquito-larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-asthmatic, cardioprotective, anti-snake-venom neuro-pharmacological, immunomodulation, antiarthritic and antiulcer and lipidemic agents. Conclusion: Numerous bioactive chemicals that have been isolated and extracted from piper longum have been found to have potential therapeutic benefits for various bodily systems.

The Potential Effect of Daun Sirih (Piperaceae Leaf) on the Burn Wound Healing: A Literature Review

Introduction: Burn injuries, particularly among children and the elderly, result from heat, chemicals, or electricity, leading to skin and tissue damage. The wound healing process involves several stages, and infections from bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus can complicate healing. While burns are typically treated with antiseptics, traditional remedies like Piper betle (Piperaceae) are commonly used in Indonesia. Compounds in Piper betle—including flavonoids, saponins, and tannins—possess antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance burn wound healing. Methods: This literature review synthesized data from various open-access online databases to evaluate the effects of Piper betle on burn wound healing. Results and Discussion: Piper betle, a medicinal plant from the Piperaceae family, accelerates wound healing through several mechanisms. Flavonoids form complexes with proteins, damaging bacterial cells; saponins enhance collagen production, and tannins disrupt bacterial cell walls. Studies confirm that Piper betle reduces inflammation and fosters tissue regeneration via antioxidant activity. Animal trials demonstrate significant improvements in burn wound healing, including faster wound contraction and recovery. Conclusion: Piper betle shows promise in accelerating burn wound healing due to its bioactive compounds. While existing studies support its effectiveness, further research is needed to assess the long-term safety and potential toxicity of Piperaceae-based treatments.

Isolation, Structure Elucidation, and Bioactivity Evaluation of Two Alkaloids From Piper chaba H. Stem: A Traditional Medicinal Spice and Its Chemico-Pharmacological Aspects.

Bangladesh is endowed with an abundance of excellent medicinal plant resources. A well-known traditional medicinal plant Piper chaba H. from the Piperaceae family is rich in bioactive phytochemicals that have antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, and cytotoxic effects. This plant is locally known as "Chuijhal," and the stem is used as spices. In the current research program, the stems of the P. chaba plant were selected and its chemical and biological investigations such as antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects were performed. Moreover, docking models were accomplished by exploiting PyRx-Virtual Screening software and implied that isolated compounds of P. chaba exert different pharmacological activity by inhibiting their targeted receptors. Phytochemical investigations revealed the isolation of Chingchengenamide A, a relatively rare alkaloid from the stems of P. chaba. Another alkaloid Chabamide I which is a piperine dimer was also isolated. Their structures were confirmed by comparing these compounds' spectral data (1H and 13C NMR) with their previously published spectral data. Antidiarrheal activity shows a percent reduction of diarrhea by 46.67% and 40%, respectively, for Chabamide I and Chingchengenamide A (at 20 mg/kg b.w.) compared with an 80% reduction by standard loperamide. Similarly, the percent reduction of writhing was 53.06% and 42.86%, respectively, for Chabamide I and Chingchengenamide A at similar doses compared with an 80% reduction by diclofenac sodium considered as standard. Both the alkaloids showed auspicious outcomes against test microorganisms during disk diffusion antimicrobial assay. Molecular docking and ADME/T analysis of the alkaloids also validate a potent pharmacological basis for the traditional utilization of P. chaba in treating diarrhea, pain, and microbial infection. These results emphasize the need to investigate P. chaba as a potential source of natural therapies for common health issues, laying the foundation for future research.

Exploring the Cultural Significance, Medicinal Properties, and Agricultural Practice Achievements of Timiz (<i>Piper capense</i>) in Ethiopia

Piper capense, widely known as Timiz, is an important spice from the Piperaceae family, native to East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia’s southwestern areas. Traditionally used for a myriad of health issues, Timiz holds a significant place in Ethiopian cuisine, embodying cultural traditions. The plant is distinctive in its morphology, with "timiz" in Amharic indicating its curly form. The flavor profile of Timiz is notably unique, exhibiting a milder and sweeter taste that is reminiscent of cloves and cardamom, which enhances its culinary versatility. Typically, the harvested and dried seed spikes are appreciated for their aromatic properties, which are further enhanced through traditional smoking methods. This review explores the traditional medicinal uses of Timiz, relying on ethnobotanical data that illustrate its employment among various African communities for treating ailments like digestive issues, respiratory infections, and other health problems. The results of research on the collection, conservation of accessions, agronomic practices such as watering frequency and media types, as well as propagation methods, are also highlighted. Furthermore, the review identifies challenges within the value chain, such as a lack of awareness regarding processing methods and quality control, stressing the necessity for improved practices to boost Timiz's marketability. Future directions for research, production, and market integration of Timiz in Ethiopia are also discussed, underscoring the multifaceted significance of this spice in Ethiopian culture and medicine while advocating for sustainable agricultural methods to support its cultivation and conservation.

Essential Oil Composition and Radical Scavenging Activity of Piper penangense C.DC

The genus Piper is among the most important genera in the Piperaceae family. It is known for several medicinally and economically important species that have been used throughout their native range. Piper species have great diversity in the world’s tropical regions and are represented mainly by aromatic shrubs and trees with significant production of essential oils. The present study reports the chemical composition of the essential oil of Piper penangense and its radical scavenging activity. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and fully characterized by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging assay. A total of 12 components (84.5%) were successfully identified, which were characterized by humulene epoxide II (31.9%), caryophyllene oxide (9.9%), muurola-4,10(14)-dien-1β-ol (9.1%) and β-ionone (8.3%). The essential oil showed significant activity towards DPPH radical scavenging (concentration 1,000 μg/mL) with a percentage inhibition of 72.5%. This study may provide valuable information and indications for further exploring the potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications of the Piper species.

Survey on Major Diseases of Chaba (Piper chaba)

Chaba plants, belonging to the Piperaceae family, are susceptible to several diseases. It has become more vulnerable to disease infection due to the climate change. A comprehensive survey was undertaken from July 2021 to July 2022 in Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Magura to identify the major diseases that affect chaba production. The research was conducted in farmers' fields, specifically focusing on 5 different areas where Chaba was cultivated predominantly. The survey identified four diseases, namely foot and root rot, leaf rot, leaf spot, and leaf rust, as important diseases in these areas, based on their occurrence. Dumoria, Khulna has the highest disease incidence. The disease incidence varied between 7.33% and 16.73%. Dumoria upazilas had the highest occurrence of foot and root rot (15-25%) as well as leaf rot (20-30%). While, Alomdanga upazila had the lowest incidence of foot and root rot (10-15%) and leaf rot (10-15%). The farmers in these regions consider these diseases to be a significant risk to the future cultivation and extension of Chaba in the southern portion of Bangladesh.

Seed dispersal by bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) and mutualistic networks in a landscape dominated by cocoa in the Brazilian amazon

Bats play essential roles in neotropical ecosystems, performing crucial ecological functions such as insect pest control, pollination of plants with significant economic, social, and ecological value, and seed dispersal, including that of pioneer plant species. These animals are directly linked to human well-being, and declines in their populations can even have adverse effects, such as increasing the need for pesticides in regions where natural insect control is reduced. The seed dispersal conducted by bats is fundamental for maintaining neotropical biodiversity, as it supports habitat regeneration and the propagation of various plant species. Moreover, the role of these dispersers is enhanced due to their ability to inhabit a variety of environments, from natural forests to anthropized areas. However, the conversion of natural forests into agricultural production areas, as well as urbanization, has affected the structure of mutualistic networks between bats and plants. In this context, the objective of this study was to identify the pattern of seed dispersal by bats of the Phyllostomidae family in an anthropized landscape of the Brazilian Amazon. Data collection was conducted in different areas of natural forest, cocoa cultivation, and urban areas in the municipalities of the States of Pará. Regarding the results, the most representative subfamilies of bats were Carollinae (72.15 %) and Stenodermatinae (21.8 %). The botanical families Piperaceae (35.52 %) and Solanaceae (19.71 %) were the ones most preferred by the bats. Regarding species richness, the general bat-plant interaction network included 15 botanical families and 26 species of bats. The general interaction network was nested (WNODF= 29.8), with low Specialization (H2=0.27), Connectance (0.17), and Modularity corresponding to M=0.21. Thus, we highlight the importance of these species for the restoration of degraded environments. Therefore, through the execution of projects that demonstrate the importance of chiropterochory in the restoration of degraded ecosystems in the Amazon, it will be possible to create measures and subsidies focused on the conservation of bat and plant species that play a role in maintaining the planet's biodiversity.

Performance Study of Betelvine (Piper betle Linn.) Cultivars under Varying Doses of Phytohormone-Triacontanol

Betel vine (Piper betle Linn.) belongs to the family Piperaceae. The experiment was carried out with two factorial randomized block design combining 3 replications and 18 no. of treatments. Adopted plant spacing was 50 cm x10 cm and plot to plot distance was 60 cm. Treatment Details: Factor 1: Triacontanol – 0.1% (T1), Triacontanol – 0.05% (T2), Triacontanol – 0% (T3), Factor 2: Cultivars: Utkal Sudam, Kali Bangla, Kotki, Simurali Bhabna, Simurali Gol Bhabna, Chalani local. Nutrients were applied as FYM (10 tonnes ha-1) and N:P:K::200:100:100 Kg ha-1year-1. Regarding the interaction effect of cultivar with the effect of Triacontanol, the cultivar Kotki treated with Triacontanol @ 0.1% (T1) recorded highest average vine elongation per month (32.83 cm). Whereas both the cultivar Kotki and Kali Bangla, when treated with Triacontanol @ 0.1% (T1) recorded maximum number of leaves per vine per year (4.60). The highest content of total Chlorophyll (3.89 mg/g) and essential oil (0.82%) was obtained from the cultivar Simurali Gole Bhabna treated with Triacontanol @ 0.1% (T1). The cultivar Utkal Sudam with Triacontanol @ 0.05% (T2) was observed highest Phenol content (142.58 mg GAE /100g). Maximum shelf life (18 days) was obtained from the cultivar Kali Bangla and Kotki treated with Triacontanol 0.1% (T1). From this experiment, highest benefit:cost ratio (3.03) was obtained from the cultivar Kali Bangla treated with Triacontanol @ 0.1%(T1) and lowest benefit:cost ratio (1.75) was recorded in cultivar Chalani local without the use of Triacontanol i.e. in control plot.

Medicinal Plants and Natural Products to Treat Obesity through Inhibiting Pancreatic Lipase: A Review (2020-2022)

: Pancreatic lipase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides to monoglycerides and free fatty acids which promote and accelerate their absorption by the intestine, thus leading to obesity. Drugs that have numerous side effects explain the beneficial medicinal effect of plants resulting from their Phyto molecules that exhibit strong anti-lipase activity. The present review reveals the medical treatment and consequently the associated side effects. It also represents an update of various medicinal plants and their metabolites that act as lipase inhibitors published between (2020-2022). We have discussed 93 species belonging to 48 different plant families and numerous bioactive molecules exerting this activity. We have compared 29 species for their anti-lipase potential. Fabaceae and Lamiaceae were the most dominant with 7 species, and the highest percentage (95%) for pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was recorded by “Filipendula kmtaschatia” from Rosaceae family while “Piper betle” from Piperaceae family showed the lowest percentage (15.9%). The medical treatments with low dose effect were liraglutide saxenda (3mg/day), also flavonoids, in particular catechin derivatives, which were the most potent in terms of pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity with the lowest IC50s. This study summarized medical and natural treatments that are used to treat obesity through inhibiting pancreatic lipase and delaying fat assimilation in the intestines. So far, more studies are needed for the use of these as herbal medicine for obesity. Conclusion: This study summarized medical and natural treatments that are used to treat obesity through inhibiting pancreatic lipase and delaying fat assimilation in the intestines. So far, more studies are needed for the use of these as herbal medicine for obesity.

To Evaluate and Compare the Analgesic Activity of Piperine and Extracts of Piper Nigrum L. Fruit

Narcotics (e.g., opioids) or non-narcotics (e.g., salicylates and corticosteroids) are used in the management of pain and inflammation, both of which have side effects, thereby emphasizing the search for natural substances. Piperine found naturally in plants of the Piperaceae family has shown inhibitory activity against 5-lipoxygenase and cycloxygenase-1 in in vitro studies. The present study was aimed to evaluate and compare the analgesic activity of pure compound, piperine along with hexane and ethanol extracts of Piper nigrum L. fruit in mice. The analgesic activity was determined by hot plate, tail immersion method and acetic acid induced writhing test in mice. The piperine showed great pain-relieving impact at a portion of 5 and 10 mg/kg when contrasted with control and standard. Greatest pain-relieving impact was noted at a portion of 10 mg/kg after 120 min. The hexane and ethanol remove demonstrated helpless pain-relieving impact at all dosages (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) by hot plate method. However, with tail immersion method, piperine at a dose of 5mg/kg and ethanol extract at a dose of 20mg/kg after 120 min and hexane extract at a dose of 10mg/kg after 60min exhibited significant analgesic activity. In writhing test ethanol extract significantly stopped the number of writhes at dose of 20mg/kg while piperine at dose of 20mg/kg completely terminated the writhes in mice. It is concluded from the present study that Piper nigrum L. possesses potent analgesic activity in mice. Keywords: Piper nigrum, Piperaceae, Piperine, Hot plate, Tail immersion method, Acetic acid induced writhing test

Modified Canopy Architecture Enhanced Yield of Black Pepper (<em>Piper nigrum</em> L.) through High Absorption and Distribution of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), is a woody perennial climbing plant belonging to family Piperaceae and the most consumed spice in the world. Although the support tree Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) is pruned 3 to 4 times per year, pepper vines are not annually pruned in Sri Lanka. The characteristic cylindrical compact canopy of pepper is inefficient in intercepting solar radiation compared to most other vine crops. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of different canopy pruning practices on the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) interception efficiency of the plant canopy and its effect on the yield. Four treatments on pruning practices were compared to each other. Treatments were, T1 – Control (no pruning); T2 - maintaining cone-shaped canopy by pruning only the plagiotropic branches; T3 - partial pruning of lateral branches of only the upper half (layer 1 and layer 2) of the canopy; and T4 - removal of 25% of lateral branches allowing uniform distribution of sunlight all over the canopy (loose canopy). The results revealed that T2 and T4 pruning methods significantly improved the yield (P<0.05) compared to T1 and T3. Hence, both modifying the cone-shaped canopy and maintaining a loose canopy all over the plant are better pruning practices to maximize yield through efficient PAR absorption. Therefore, adopting either of these pruning methods can be recommended as better practices for farmers to maximize their crop yield.

Fauna and Flora of Gunung Datuk Recreational Forest, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia: A Brief Documentation

The biodiversity of forests in Negeri Sembilan, such as the Gunung Datuk Recreational Forest, is remarkably diverse and supports a wide array of fauna and flora species. These species play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, pollination, medicinal and providing habitats for other species. The study documented nine (9) plant species of the Kingdom Plantae and family Ebenacae, Dioscoreaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Arecaceae, Rubiaceae, Polypodiaceae, Piperaceae and Poaceae, four (4) fungal species of the kingdom Fungi and family Physalacriaceae, Podoscyphaceae, Omphalotaceae and Amanitaceae and five (5) animal species from the kingdom Animalia and family Trigoniulidae, Zephroniidae, Scincidae, Arebidae and Formicidae. The species abundance in the forest emphasizes the interconnectedness of biodiversity and its role in maintaining the ecological balance. This study integrates ecology, environmental science, and cultural values, providing a holistic framework for managing biodiversity. Preserving the forest biodiversity of Gunung Datuk is crucial for ecological stewardship, safeguarding cultural heritage, and ensuring sustainable development for future generations. This fosters a harmonious coexistence where biodiversity and human needs are harmonized.

The Potential of Forest Betel Weed as Raw Materials for Botanical Pesticides in West Sumatra

Forest betel (Piper aduncum) includes weed plants from the Piperaceae family that can be used as the main ingredient in the manufacture of environmentally friendly pest control technology, also known as botanical pesticides. Botanical pesticides from P. aduncum have the active compound dillapiol, which can control pests in various plants, especially horticulture. Commercialization of botanical pesticides needs to be done because the product meets the standards for pest control and is available in sufficient quantities on the market. The partnership was initiated by involving local communities as providers of raw materials. Surian area, Solok Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia, has an area where P. aduncum plants dominate, so it has the potential to provide raw materials. Socialization activities about the potential of forest betel fruit or P. aduncum were given to prospective partner communities. Furthermore, training activities on handling P. aduncum fruit were also provided so that partners had sufficient knowledge and skills to proceed. At the same time, an analysis of P. aduncum fruit extract from the Surian area was also carried out. Sampling was carried out in the Surian area, and then the material was sorted, dried, refined, sieved, maserase, and extracted. Identification of dillapiol content was carried out using GC-MS. The analysis results showed that P. aduncum fruit extract was known to have an average yield of 0.1% with a dillapiol content of 12.23% at a retention time of 19.925 minutes.

IL-6 Inhibitory Compounds from the Aerial Parts of Piper attenuatum and Their Anticancer Activities on Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

Piper attenuatum Buch-Ham, a perennial woody vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, is traditionally used in Southeast Asia for treating various ailments such as malaria, headache, and hepatitis. This study described the isolation and identification of three new compounds, piperamides I-III (1-3), which belong to the maleimide-type alkaloid skeletons, along with fifteen known compounds (4-18) from the methanol extract of the aerial parts of P. attnuatum. Their chemical structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, ESI-Q-TOF-MS, and 1D/2D NMR). All the isolates were evaluated for their ability to inhibit IL-6 activity in the human embryonic kidney-Blue™ IL-6 cell line and their cytotoxic activity against ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3/SKOV3-TR) and chemotherapy-resistant variants (cisplatin-resistant A2780/paclitaxel-resistant SKOV3). The compounds 3, 4, 11, 12, 17, and 18 exhibited IL-6 inhibition comparable to that of the positive control bazedoxifene. Notably, compound 12 displayed the most potent anticancer effect against all the tested cancer cell lines. These findings highlight the importance of researching the diverse activities of both known and newly discovered natural products to fully unlock their potential therapeutic benefits.

Floristics and indigenous knowledge of agro-climatically diverse Sacred groves of central Kerala

The study aimed to identify and document indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants in the selected sacred groves of central Kerala using the typical ethnobotanical approach and record the information. A pre-structured questionnaire survey and quantitative analysis were carried out to record the medicinal plants and to determine the ailments categories. In this study, 141 species belonging to 129 genera and 63 families were recorded from the highland sacred grove Amaran Kavu, and 198 species belonging to 176 genera and 75 families were recorded from the lowland grove Nagampoozhimana Kavu. Habit-wise analysis of the flora showed that trees are the dominant forms (37.58%) in the highland hilly grove, while herbs dominate (36.86%) in the coastal grove. The ethno-floristic survey revealed a total of 102 species of medicinal plants belonging to 90 genera and 50 families. The significance of the plant species was quantified by using family use value, use value index, and informant consensus factor. The highest family use value index (FUV) was reported in the families Piperaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae, etc. and the maximum Use Value (1) was reported in Curcuma longa L. and Ocimum basilicum L., which are the high use valued species among the community and Use Value Index (UVI) ranges from 0.05-1. The Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value ranged from 0.93 to 0 and the greatest value (0.93) was obtained for postnatal care, earache (0.92), migraine, and headache (0.9). The present study reveals that the indigenous people living around the sacred groves depend on the plant species for their health care. However, proper management is required for the conservation of sacred groves through sustainable utilization of medicinal plants occurring in the groves.

Formulation and evaluation of antifungal herbal gel using Aloe Vera and Betel leaves extract for the treatment of candidiasis

The primary objective of the current study was to develop and evaluate an antifungal herbal gel for the treatment of candidiasis using an extract from aloe vera and betel leaves. Herbal remedies are now widely used for both medicinal and commercial reasons. The antibacterial gel made from herbal plants works better than synthetic medications and has fewer side effects. Aloe vera belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, which also includes Aloe barbadensis. One species in the Piper betle L. family of Piperaceae is the betel leaf. Aloe vera and betel leaf products, such as plant branches, roots, and leaves, have also been shown to be abundant in phytochemicals. The most popular herbs for treating fungus infections are aloe vera and betel leaves, which also contain potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by the maceration method. Carbopol 940 was used as a gelling agent to create the gel formulation. Candida albicans has been used to test its antifungal properties. Evaluation:The pH, viscosity, homogeneity, grittiness, extrudability, spreadability, antifungal activity and in vitro drug release research were assessed for the optimally designed herbal gel. Results:In comparison to marketed 1% clotrimazole gel 25 mm and marketed herbal gel 20 mm, the aloe vera and betelleaf extract herbal gel (S4 Batch) was found to be brown in color, homogenous, had good extrudability, no grittiness, pH 6.8, viscosity of 3424±0.45, spreadability of 4.3±0.3, and zone of inhibition of 23 mm. After being stored for 60 days, the herbal gel mixture, including extracts of aloe vera, tulsi, and peppermint leaves, did not alter in appearance. The pH has not changed in two months.

An Review: On Nutritive Activity and Ayurvedic Property of Piper Betel(Paan)

Piper betel L.comes in family Piperaceae and called Paan leaves in india . Piper betel or Betel vine deep heart shaped .This betel leaf widely shown in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Taiwan and other Southeast Asian countries. The oil of paan may be used as an industrial raw material for manufacturing medicines, perfumes, mouth fresheners, tonics, food additives etc. The betel leaves are shows nutritive property as well as carcinogenic property which is very usefull for manufacturing of blood cancer drug which is greatest advantage of betel leaf. Their leaves have been used as a traditional medicine to treat various health conditions. This paan is highly abundant and inexpenxsive, therefore it promotes the further research and industrialization development, including in the food and pharmacuitical industries. P. betle leaves displayed high efficiency on Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Piper betel is mostly use to chew with sliced areca nut, slaked lime, coriander, aniseed, clove, cardamom, sweetener, coconut scrapings etc, but less used remedy. This paan can cure many diseases and reduce the oral cancer which actually happens due to sliced areca nut, slaked lime not because of betel leaves.It contains high amount of nutrient like water,protein , energy , fats , fibres ,calcium etc. y. It is cultivated in hotter and damper part incountry following the traditional methods in India on about 55,000 hectare with an annual production worth about Rs 9000 million. It shows antimicrobial activity, antidiabetic ,Gastroprotective , platelet inhibition activity ,Antifertility like other onens properties ,also they shows the antioxidant , antiallergic , anti coagulant , anti inflammatory , radioprotective , anticancer potential like activities .

Toxicity and Teratogenic Potential of Piplartine from Piper tuberculatum Jacq. during Embryonic Development in Mice (Mus musculus)

Piplartine, also known as piperlongumine, is a natural and biologically active amide alkaloid found in various Piper species within the Piperaceae family. It possesses numerous beneficial properties that can be leveraged in the development of nanotechnological and pharmaceutical products. However, information on the effects of piplartine on mammalian embryonic development is scarce. This study aims to assess the general toxicity and teratogenic potential of piplartine during the embryonic development of mice. Pregnant mice received daily treatments of 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg of piplartine via gavage from the sixth day of gestation (implantation) to the eighteenth. On the eighteenth day, the mice were euthanized, and whole organs, blood samples (for hematological and biochemical analyses), and bone marrow cells (for DNA fragmentation and cell cycle assays) were collected. The uterus was examined for implantation sites and embryo resorptions. Additionally, fetuses were collected to assess for fetal anomalies. Piplartine did not result in maternal or embryo-fetal toxicity, induce fetal anomalies, cause hematological and biochemical alterations, or lead to DNA fragmentation. The oral administration of piplartine is safe and does not exhibit toxicity or teratogenic effects in mice. This finding opens avenues for the development of piplartine-based biotechnological products for therapeutic interventions in disease treatment.