Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND CHEMICAL SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES OF PIPER SPECIES - A REVIEW

Channamma G.M., Md. Naveed Ahmed*, Kishore Singh C., Ashok Kumar M., M. A. Kareem and Priyanka Shetty

ABSTRACT

This review explores the diverse pharmacological and therapeutic applications of natural compounds derived from medicinal plants, with a particular emphasis on Piper species and Mirabilis jalapa. The studies analyzed highlight the bioactive potential of these plants, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, and analgesic effects. Piperine, a key alkaloid found in Piper species, exhibits significant pharmacological benefits, such as enhancing drug bioavailability, modulating enzyme activity, and exerting immunomodulatory properties. Additionally, research into piperine‘s anticancer potential reveals its ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit metastasis, and enhance chemotherapy efficacy through nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Mirabilis jalapa, widely known for its traditional medicinal uses, demonstrates a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects. Its bioactive constituents, includingalkaloids and flavonoids, have been shown to possess neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, studies suggest that it holds potential in treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer‘s and Parkinson‘s disease. Moreover, advancements in analytical methodologies, such as HPLC, NIR spectroscopy, and DNA barcoding, are proving instrumental in ensuring the authenticity and quality of herbal formulations, reducing the risks of adulteration in medicinal plant extracts. The review also emphasizes the necessity of further clinical trials to validate these findings and optimize the therapeutic applications of these bioactive compounds. By consolidating the latest research insights, this article underscores the significance of these plant-derived compounds in modern pharmacology and their potential to serve as viable alternatives in drug development and integrative medicine.

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