Pharmacological activity of Golden heart of The Nature: Piper betel

Abstract

Piper betel Linn is commonly known as Betel leaf or pan is an important species of the Piperaceae family, is an evergreen and perennial creeper, with glossy heart-shaped leaves that are magnificent reservoirs of phenol compounds with ant proliferative, ant mutagenic, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Piper betel Linn has been an important medicinal agent in the various traditional and folk systems of medicine in Southeast Asia countries. Piper betel leaves being largely consumed as a masticator and mouth freshener. It is valued as a mild stimulant and also has its use in Ayurvadic medicine. Phytochemicals studies show that Piper betle contains a wide variety of biologically active compounds whose concentration depends on the variety of the plant species. Many research studies on Piper betel has reported that it contains important chemical constituents such as Chavibetol, Chavibetol acetate, Caryophyllene, Allylpyrocatechol Diacetate, Camphene, Chavibetol methyl ether, Eugenol, a-Pinene, f- Pinene, u-Limonene, Saprobe, 1-8-cineol and Allylpyrocatechol mono acetate. These components are valued as a stimulant for its medicinal properties like anti platelet, anti-inflammatory effects as well as immune modulator, gastro protective and antidiabetic activity. This review is focused on emphasizing the varied pharmacological properties of Piper betel Linn. And its future prospects for improved usage in treating numerous conditions. Current study focuses on evaluating antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of betel leaf. Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential study will help to build a database and promote the utilization of betel leaf as a medicinal herb.