Metabolomic profiling of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. Extracts reveals potent xanthine oxidase inhibition and anti-inflammatory effects.

Comparative Biochemical Analysis in Fruits of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. from Andaman Islands, India and Commercial Piper longum L.

Piper sarmentosum Roxb (Piperaceae) is a perennial herb, widespread in southern China and Southeast Asia, which has medicinal, edible, and ornamental value. In March 2025, brown circular spots on leaves were observed in a 0.1-hectare nursery at Mazhang District, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China (22.6912° N, 110.2793° E). Initially round with yellow halos and dark centers, lesions expanded into irregular brown patches. About 70% of plants were infected, and their leaves were covered with brown necrotic lesions of varying sizes. The disease persists year-round, severely impairing plant growth and diminishing ornamental value. Tissue sections (5 × 5 mm) excised from lesion margins were treated with 3.5% H₂O₂ (3 min), rinsed thrice with sterile water, plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing 50 mg/L ampicillin, and incubated at 25-28°C in darkness for 3 days. Mycelial tips from colony edges were transferred to fresh PDA, and single-spore isolates were obtained with the plate dilution method after sporulation. Colonies with dense aerial mycelia were flat and gray on PDA. Conidia were aseptate, hyaline, smooth, ellipsoidal to fusiform, and 9.3 to 11 × 4.7 to 6.2 µm (average 5.2 × 10.2 µm; n > 50). The morphological characteristics of the fungus were similar to those of Neofusicoccum sp. (Pavlic et al. 2007). For precise identification, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, translation elongation factor (TEF1), RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2) and beta tubulin (TUB2) genes from isolates AJ5-3 and AJ5-4, were amplified and sequenced using the primer pairs ITS4/ITS1 (White et al. 1990), EF1-728F/EF-2 (O’Donnell et al. 1998), RPB2-5F2/RPB2-7cR (Reeb et al. 2004; Liu et al. 1999), and TUB2Fd/TUB4Rd (Aveskamp et al. 2009), respectively. The obtained sequences of ITS, TUB2, TEF1 and RPB2 showed more than 99% sequence identity with those of Neofusicoccum microconidium ex-type CERC: 3497 (ITS: PV926511 and PV926537, 559/561 [99%] and 559/562 [99%]; TUB2: PV935313 and PV935314, 398/401 [99%] and 398/401 [99%]; TEF1: PV935311 and PV935312, 270/272 [99%] and 271/272 [99%]; RPB2: PV932132 and PV932133, 615/616 [99%] and 615/616 [99%]). Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated data from the ITS, TEF1, TUB2, and RPB2 sequences using the maximum-likelihood method placed AJ5-3 and AJ5-4 within the Neofusicoccum microconidium clade. Thus, the isolate was identified as N. microconidium. Pathogenicity testing was performed on five one-year-old potted plants. From each plant, two healthy new leaves were selected and inoculated with spore suspensions (106 spores/ml) and 6-mm fungal plugs, respectively, and sterile water and agar were used as controls. Inoculated leaves were wrapped in plastic bags to maintain high humidity and maintained at 25-28°C. The tests were replicated three times. Within 5-10 days, the sites where the fungal plugs were inoculated showed the same lesions as the original field symptoms, while controls remained asymptomatic. N. microconidium was consistently re-isolated and confirmed through morphological and molecular analysis (ITS, TUB2, TEF1, RPB2). This is the first report of N. microconidium causing brown blotch on Piper sarmentosum in China. This fungus is widely present all over the world and can cause diseases in many plants. This report will help farmers or agricultural production units to prevent, control, and diagnose diseases more precisely, reducing production costs while improving the effectiveness of prevention and control.

The Piperaceae family is recognized for its ethnopharmacological relevance and diversity of secondary metabolites. Several species, such as Piper nigrum, Piper methysticum and Piper longum, have been traditionally used for their effects on the central nervous system, sparking growing scientific interest regarding their therapeutic potential. Thus, the present study aims to review published works on natural and synthetic compounds from the Piperaceae family with proven antidepressant activity. Methods: A bibliographic survey was conducted covering the period from 2000 to 2025 in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Science Direct databases. The descriptors “Piperaceae” and “depression” (Portuguese and English terms) were used. After title and abstract screening, 43 articles were initially selected, and following eligibility criteria, 18 articles were retained for full-text review. Results: Piper nigrum, Piper longum and Piper sarmentosum were the most investigated species regarding their potential antidepressant effects, acting on several systems such as serotonergic, GABAergic, and monoamine oxidase enzymes. All studies were conducted in animal models of depression, employing isolated substances, extracts, and essential oils. Conclusion: Preclinical studies highlight species of the Piperaceae family as promising alternatives for antidepressant treatment, given their abundance in nature. However, further studies in other species, as well as clinical trials, are warranted.

Pellitorine protects chronic restraint stress-induced cognitive deficits via inhibiting neural inflammation and ferroptosis.

Piper sarmentosum Roxb. (Ps) has various therapeutic properties, however, the in vitro and in vivo effects on bone health, suitable dosage, and involvement of key metabolites remain unclear. This systematic review aims to evaluate Ps role in bone formation, dosage considerations, and active metabolites, highlighting the potential in future bone health therapy. The search was conducted in PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 2014-2025. Related original articles published in English were included, while duplicates, secondary, and unrelated sources were excluded. Six articles from 1,523 met the inclusion criteria, and two additional eligible articles were manually selected from the reference lists, bringing the total to eight articles. Four studies used in vivo glucocorticoid-induced osteoporotic Sprague-Dawley rat models, while one employed an in vivo zebrafish model. The in vitro study involved two human Peripheral Blood Stem Cells and one MC3T3-E1 cell-line. The articles showed osteoprotective effects, particularly in glucocorticoid-induced models. Leaf extracts improved bone microstructure and osteoblast activity both in vitro and in vivo, evidenced by increased OPG mRNA expression, reduced RANKL/OPG mRNA expression ratio, enhanced mineralization, upregulation of osteoblast gene markers, and antioxidant activity with asarone and gamma-asarone as potential metabolites. Ps extract promotes osteoblast differentiation and bone formation in vitro and in vivo. In vivo effective dosage is 125 mg/kg/day in rats and 100-400 µg/mL in zebrafish, while 1-50 µg/mL for in vitro. Metabolites such as asarone and gamma-asarone need further investigation to clarify their role in bone health.

Increasing antibiotic resistance in Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp)necessitates alternative treatments. Piper sarmentosum extracts (PSE) andguava extracts (GE) show promise due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.This study evaluates the combined in vitro effects of PSE and GE againstMhp and their antioxidant activities. Anti-Mhp activity was assessed using microdilutionminimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and synergy via fractional inhibitory concentrationindex (FICI), while antioxidant capacity was measured with 2,2’-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP) assays for individual extracts, and a 1:1 mixture (based on the results of FICI).Phytochemical profiling used high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantifymain six bioactive compounds. HPLC showed PSE containedvitexin-2-O-rhamnoside (8.58 mg/g) and pellitorine (3.31 mg/g); GE hadquercetin-3-O-glucuronide (6.85 mg/g), quercetin (3.72 mg/g),isoquercitrin (0.51 mg/g), and avicularin (1.37 mg/g). PSE (MIC 0.78 mg/mL) and GE (MIC0.39 mg/mL) exhibited anti-Mhp effects, with their 1:1 combination being additive(FICI=0.75) and reducing MIC to 0.195 mg/mL. This mix also enhanced antioxidant activityby 9.0% in ABTS and 27.0% in FRAP assays. The 1:1 combination of PSE and GE demonstratedsuperior anti-Mhp activity (additive effect) and enhanced antioxidant properties(synergistic effect) compared to the individual extracts. These findings highlight thepotential of these extracts as phytopharmaceutical agents.

Prevention of Browning and Enhanced In Vitro Organogenesis Mediated by Ascorbic Acid in Piper sarmentosum Roxb.

Insecticidal activity of phenylpropanoids from Piper sarmentosum and their interactions with glutathione S-transferase from adult mosquitoes.

Systematical accumulating and regulating evaluations of leaf functional metabolites in geographically isolated edible medicinal plants of Piper sarmentosum.

The existence of local herbal plants that are rich in ethnobotanical properties should be a strong foundation in the development of public health based on local wisdom and the modern herbal industry. However, in reality, many types of plants with high efficacy have not been well documented, and the practice of using them is still hereditary without a deep scientific approach. This study aims to document and analyze the use of traditional medicinal plants in Brongsongan Hamlet, Sukoharjo. This study is a qualitative descriptive study with an ethnobotanical approach. A total of eleven types of medicinal plants that are still used by the local community were identified, including Moringa oleifera (moringa leaves), Amomum compactum (Javanese cardamom), Kaempferia galanga (galangal), Piper betle L. (betel leaf), Andrographis paniculata (sampiloto), Piper sarmentosum (karuk), Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Ambrosia trifida (insulin leaves), Carica papaya folium (papaya leaves), and Morinda citrifolia (mengkudu). The local community uses these plants as part of traditional medicine and for daily health maintenance. This study recommends more systematic documentation, community education, and the use of digital technology to support the preservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants.

Thai edible indigenous vegetables are used as traditional food and folklore medicines. This review aims to integrate consumption culture and functional health impact of eight edible plants, that are, Gnetum gnemon var. tenerum, Gymnema inodorum (Lour) Decne, Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth, Melientha suavis Pierre, Sauropus androgynus, Glochidion wallichianum, Piper sarmentosum Roxb, and Basella alba L., which are commonly consumed by local Thai people. Reviews of all eight mentioned plants demonstrated essential pharmacological activity, including antioxidant activity, and health functions, such as antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory usage; they also help prevent neurotransmitters from degrading. However, comprehensive animal tests and clinical trials are needed to further clarify the results to increase utilization and safety as well as commercialization of these plants.

Wide variations of plant species in Malaysia provide suitable hosts for the isolation of endophytic streptomycetes, which can be potential sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic applications in dentistry. Objectives: This study’s objectives were to isolate endophytic streptomycetes from medicinal plants and to evaluate their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, a key pathogen responsible for dental caries. Methods: Endophytic streptomycetes were isolated from seven fresh plants: Mauritius papeda (Kaffir lime), Cosmos caudatus (Ulam Raja plant), Lawsonia inermis (Henna plant), Piper sarmentosum (Kadok), Kaempferia galanga (Cekur plant), Ziziphus mauritiana (Bidara plant), and Psidium guajava (Guava plant), using a surface-sterilization method. Different plant parts were placed on five isolation media, namely Water Agar, International Streptomyces Project (ISP) 2, ISP 4, ISP 5, and Tap Water Yeast Agar, and incubated at 37°C for up to one month. Isolates were identified by morphological characteristics and tested for antimicrobial activities through a cross-streak assay. Results: A total of 38 endophytes were successfully isolated, with 19 identified as streptomycetes. Specifically, seven, two, five, and three endophytes were isolated from stem, root, leaf, and fruit, respectively. Three endophytic streptomycetes exhibited antagonistic activity against S. mutans. Conclusion: Endophytic streptomycetes demonstrated antibacterial activity against S. mutans, indicating their potential for further development in dental applications.

Biological methods have been recently found to be eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study highlights a green process wherein AgNPs were synthesized and coated by seven leaf extracts consisting of Piper betle L., Piper sarmentosum Roxb, Averrhoa carambola L., Syzygium aqueum (Burn.f.) Alstion, Syzygium nervosum A. Cunn. ex DC, Psidium guajava L., Couroupita surinamensis Mart. Ex Berg under the acceleration of ultrasound. The optimized synthesized and coated silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. AgNPs were obtained with spherical and anisotropic shapes of different sizes. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized and coated AgNPs illustrated that they can cause efficiently against gram-positive and -negative bacteria, fairly against mold. Generally, the biosynthesized and coated AgNPs possess various nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and even bioactive properties substantially depending on the kind of extracts.

Pellitorine (PT) and vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside (VR) are two bioactive compounds found in Piper sarmentosum (PS). Their contents are relatively high in the ethanol extract of PS (PSE). However, it remains unknown whether PT and VR are the primary components of PS that exert beneficial effects on gut health. In this study, we aimed to confirm that these two compounds are the primary anti-inflammatory active ingredients in PSE. Total of 300 female one-day-old Danzhou chickens were randomly divided into five groups with five replicates each. Chickens were given a basal diet (CON group), a basal diet with added PSE (200 mg/kg), VR (1.321 mg/kg), PT (0.563 mg/kg), and a combination of VR+PT (1.321 mg/kg VR and 0.563 mg/kg PT) until they reached 35 days of age. The findings reveal that the VR+PT group exhibited increased liver, thymus and spleen indices compared to the CON group, along with elevated mRNA levels of ZO-1 and Claudin-1 (p<0.05). In contrast, the VR+PT group exhibited reduced serum levels and the ileum mucosa mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 compared to the CON group (p<0.05). Additionally, the chickens in the VR+PT group had a greater final weight and average daily gain than those in the CON and PSE groups, with a significantly lower level of D-lactic acid in serum (p<0.05). The serum IgM level increased significantly (p<0.05) in the VR+PT group compared to the PSE group, while the kidney epinephrine level decreased significantly (p<0.05). The present study provides preliminary evidence that VR and PT are two of the main active compounds in PSE, which can cooperatively improve growth performance, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune function in chickens.

Comprehensive Phytochemical Profiling of Malaysian Piper sarmentosum Leaves using Mass-Based Dereplication and Molecular Networking

Culinary and medicinal wonders of the wild: An ethnobotanical review of native herbs and spices in Thailand.

BackgroundLaji-He is a traditional rice-based snack from the Beibu Gulf region in southern China. In the Beibu Gulf region, "Laji-He" (literally "garbage He") signifies the removal of toxins from the body, making it a truly "green" food. Laji-He holds essential cultural and medicinal value, incorporating various medicinal plants into its preparation. Despite its local importance, there is limited scientific documentation on the ethnobotanical properties and cultural relevance of the plants used. This study aims to analyze the medicinal plant used in Laji-He and its implication in human medicine.MethodsEthnobotanical surveys and interviews were conducted in the Beibu Gulf region, covering local markets and communities. Voucher specimens were collected and identified for each plant collected, using botanical references, while the relative frequency of citation index was used to assess the cultural importance of each plant. Additionally, the medicinal properties of these plants were categorized based on traditional Chinese medicinal theory and modern pharmacological literature. A detailed review of historical texts and local chronicles was also performed to trace the historical development and cultural changes of Laji-He.ResultsA total of 63 medicinal plants from 36 families and 53 genera were documented, with Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae being the most frequently represented families. The most commonly used plants, such as Paederia foetida, Piper sarmentosum, Houttuynia cordata, Centella asiatica, and Morus alba, were primarily utilized for their heat-clearing, detoxifying, and wind-dampness expelling properties. Laji-He serves as a symbol of cultural identity and community cohesion, particularly during traditional festivals and family gatherings, reinforcing collective memory and local heritage.ConclusionsLaji-He is a traditional functional snack, with the plants used in its preparation serving as both food and medicine. Preserving and promoting the culture of Laji-He can contribute to enhancing food security and sovereignty at both the local and national levels.

Obesity has emerged as a major health issue caused by the alteration of lipid profiles, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and dyslipidemia, necessitating the prevention of hyperlipidemia. Several local Thai vegetables have been recognized for their potent anti-oxidant properties. However, there is limited information regarding their lipid-lowering effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and identify the mechanisms underlying the cholesterol-reducing effects of functional ingredients derived from the aqueous extracts of seven local Thai vegetables using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. The findings suggest that the antioxidant-rich extracts have potential to serve as functional ingredients due to their ability to inhibit cholesterol absorption in intestinal colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells. Among these, the aqueous extracts from Piper sarmentosum Roxb. (PSRAE), Solanum torvum Sw. (STSAE), and Acmella oleracea L. (APAE) showed the most potent lipid-lowering effects through increasing cholesterol micelle size and interfering its formation. Moreover, these extracts modulated lipid homeostasis through distinct mechanisms, including the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and absorption and stimulation of lipid secretion. Lipid-lowering effects were further confirmed in intact jejunal loops, where PSRAE and STSAE demonstrated the highest cholesterol-lowering efficacies. However, a single oral administration in rats revealed that PSRAE decreased the cholesterol levels only in the serum, intestinal and hepatic tissues. Therefore, PSRAE designated as the most potent lipid-lowering candidate. Nonetheless, long-term efficacy and safety of these extracts require further investigation. Thus, a promising set of functional ingredients derived from local Thai vegetables could serve as future foods for controlling hyperlipidemia and preventing non-communicable diseases.

The increasing prevalence of drug‐resistant skin and other diseases poses a significant challenge to global skin management. Natural products have emerged as a promising source for managing various diseases due to their biological significance and effective reduction of postinflammatory properties, which warrant further investigation through computational research. Notably, 3,4‐dimethoxycinnamic acid, a compound found in essential oils, has shown antiproliferative, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidative properties, highlighting its potential in combating hyperpigmentation. To this end, the characterized compounds from Piper sarmentosum Roxb. essential oil was further studied using a computational approach to predict its depigmenting properties. The Schrödinger platform was used to screen bioactive compounds, which were then subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulation along with reference compounds. The simulation properties and principal component analysis (PCA) values suggest that this phytochemical has strong binding ability to the active site of tyrosinase, indicating their favorable stability. This also highlights their inhibitory potential on mushroom tyrosinase and tyrosinase activity. These findings provide a solid foundation for the development of a novel tyrosinase inhibitor.