Abstract

A MAGICAL MEDICINAL FRUIT OF PIPER NIGRUM

Rama Shukla*, Neeta Rai, Manu Singhai and Dr. Akhlesh K. Singhai

Abstract

The Black pepper is the fruit of the plant Piper nigrum (P.nigrum) from the Pipperceae family. Black pepper is found largely and is cultivated in Western Ghats of Kerala (Southern India) and Sarawak state in Malaysia. Dried fruit of P. nigrum is known as “The King of the Species” as it gives delicious flavor to dish along with their medicinal properties to cure numerous diseases as well. Herb is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, malaria, respiratory diseases, cold and cough, skin cancer, scabies, nerve pain and other diseases. It can be used as Anti-apoptotic, Anti-microbial, Anti-pyretic, Anti-analgesics, Anti-tumor, Anti-depressant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic, Anti-thyroid, Anti-platelet, Anti-fungal, Anti-diarrheal, Immunomodulatory, Larvicidal activity. This review paper mainly focused on recent advancement in variety of Pepper, biological value and medicinal uses of piper nigrum for future aspects.

Keywords: Piper nigrum, Black pepper, King of the species, Peppercorn, Piperine, Biological activity.