Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Piper auritum Kunth, a member of the Piperacea family, is a small shrub native to the Central American tropics. This plant was traditionally used in Latin American countries for the treatment of various medical conditions. Increase in the recent studies of P. auritum’s chemical components leads to the isolation of monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenylpropanoids and several other compounds. Previous research has revealed that these secondary metabolites have diverse pharmacological activities including antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogeny microorganism and repellent activity. This review summarizes relevant findings on P. auritum, and hopes to contribute to the exploration of its potentials for further development as an alternative medicine.

Key words: Piper auritum Kunth, chemical components, pharmacological activity