Industrial and Therapeutic Applications of Piper betel L: Insights into its Ethnopharmacology, Bioactive Constituents and Pharmacological Activities

Jhuma Deb; Doyel Mukherjee; Nilip Kanti Deb; Soumya Saha

doi:10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00040

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

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0975-4385 (Online)
0975-2331 (Print)

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Industrial and Therapeutic Applications of Piper betel L: Insights into its Ethnopharmacology, Bioactive Constituents and Pharmacological Activities

Author(s): Jhuma Deb, Doyel Mukherjee, Nilip Kanti Deb, Soumya Saha

Email(s): jhumaniladi@gmail.com

DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00040

Address: Jhuma Deb1*, Doyel Mukherjee1, Nilip Kanti Deb2, Soumya Saha1
1Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Institute of Pharmacy, Tatla, Chakdaha, Nadia, West Bengal, Pin. – 741222, India.
2Global College of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, Pin. - 741102, India.
*Corresponding Author

Published In: Volume - 18, Issue - 3, Year - 2026

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ABSTRACT:
Medicinal plants continue to play a vital role in global healthcare systems owing to their chemical diversity, therapeutic versatility, and cultural acceptance. Piper betel L., a perennial climber of the family Piperaceae, is widely cultivated in South and Southeast Asia and has long been valued in traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and folk medicine. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, nutritional attributes, industrial applications, and economic significance of P. betel. Betel leaves are rich in essential oils and phenolic compounds, including chavibetol, chavicol, eugenol, hydroxychavicol, and allyl pyrocatechol, along with terpenoids, flavonoids, sterols, and other bioactive constituents. Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate a broad spectrum of biological activities such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiallergic, immunomodulatory, anticancer, antihypertensive, antiprotozoal, and antilarval effects. In addition to therapeutic potential, P. betel has gained increasing attention in the food industry as a natural preservative and functional ingredient due to its strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, with successful incorporation into dairy products, beverages, snacks, and other processed foods. The plant also holds substantial economic importance as a cash crop, supporting rural livelihoods and contributing to export markets. Despite its extensive traditional use and promising pharmacological profile, further research is required to establish standardized extracts, evaluate safety and toxicity, and conduct well-designed clinical trials. Overall, P. betel represents a valuable natural resource with significant potential for future development of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods.

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Cite this article:
Jhuma Deb, Doyel Mukherjee, Nilip Kanti Deb, Soumya Saha. Industrial and Therapeutic Applications of Piper betel L: Insights into its Ethnopharmacology, Bioactive Constituents and Pharmacological Activities. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2026; 18(3):278-4. doi: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00040

Cite(Electronic):
Jhuma Deb, Doyel Mukherjee, Nilip Kanti Deb, Soumya Saha. Industrial and Therapeutic Applications of Piper betel L: Insights into its Ethnopharmacology, Bioactive Constituents and Pharmacological Activities. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2026; 18(3):278-4. doi: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00040 Available on: https://rjpponline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-18-3-10

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