PIPER BETEL L.: A REVIEW OF PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE

Piper betle Linn. (Chavica betle) an important species of the Piperaceae family, is a climber that grows in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and China with glossy heart-shaped leaves that are magnificent reservoirs of phenolic compounds with antiproliferative, antimutagenic, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Phytochemical 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 betle has reported that it contains important chemical constituents such as Chavibetol, Chavibetol acetate, Caryophyllene, Allylpyrocatechol Diacetate, Campene, Chavibetol methyl ether, Eugenol, a-Pinene, f-Pinene, u-Limonene, Saprobe, 1-8-cineol and Allylpyrocatechol monoacetate. These components are valued as a stimulant for its medicinal properties like antiplatelet, antiinflammatory effects as well as immunomodulatory, gastroprotective and antidiabetic activity. This review is focused on emphasizing the varied pharmacological properties of Piper betle Linn. and its future prospects for improved usage in treating numerous conditions.