Utilization and Bioactivity of Java Long Pepper (Piper retrofractum Vahl) for Education Purposes

Abstract

Piper retrofractum (PR) or also known as Javanese chili has long been used as a spice and medicine. Bioactivity of plants as medicinal ingredients is related to secondary metabolites compounds. The writing of this article is based on a literature review of various scientific journals, books and other research results then synthesized so as to obtain comprehensive information about the benefits and bioactivity of PR. Wild type of PR is found in Asia especially Thailand, Indo-China, Malaysia, Maluku. The ethnics uses the PR as traditional medicine to cure of digestive disorders, blood circulation, asthma, influenza, rheumatism, and hypertension. The PR has activities as anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes mellitus, anti-oxidants and aphrodisiac. The active compounds of PB is alkaloids, especially piperine, piperlongumine and pipelartine. The potential of PB as aphrodisiac needs to be investigated further to minimize toxicity and fixed dose.