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Piper guineense- an underutilized aromatic spice with medicinal value

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Abstract

This paper reviews available research information on the medicinal value and health benefits of Piper guineense in relation to its composition and biologically active compounds. Piper guineense is an herbaceous vine found in the tropics and sub-tropical regions. It is used as a spice and as a medicinal plant in many traditional settings. Solvent extracts of P. guineense leaves and fruits contain different biologically active compounds. Some of the major biologically active compounds in P. guineense are dillapiole, linalool and myristicine. These compounds possess anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. It also contains piperine which is responsible for the hotness associated with the Piper species and other antimicrobial phytochemicals. Some of the peculiar potential attributes of P. guineense include promoting fertility and its anti-inflammatory effects. It is a good antimicrobial agent against food spoilage and pathogenic organisms. Many of the biologically active compounds found in the leaves (or their derivatives) are also found in the fruits. Scientific information about the health benefits of the, stem and roots is lacking. The potentials of this underutilized vine to boost human health is enormous and it deserves improved research attention in the areas of improved production, genetic identification of chemotypes and more research investigations into its composition and medicinal value.

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Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Source: Parise-Filho et al. 2011

Fig. 3

Source: Francomano et al. 2019

Fig.4

Source: Rahman et al. 2015

Fig. 5

Source: Zhang et al. 2017

Fig.6

Source: Barbosa et al. 2012

Fig. 7

Source: Elsharif et al. 2015

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  1. Department of Food Science and Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

    Philippa Chinyere Ojimelukwe

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PCO collated information from different sources and critiqued same for this review paper.

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Philippa Chinyere Ojimelukwe declares no conflict of interest concerning this paper.

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Ojimelukwe, P.C. Piper guineense- an underutilized aromatic spice with medicinal value. ADV TRADIT MED (ADTM) 23, 381–392 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-021-00586-3

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