State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China
Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
†† Guang-Ju Gu and Yu-Nan Yang contributed equally to this work.
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Highlights
(1) This review provides the first summary of amide alkaloids in Piper nigrum and Piper longum, along with their bioactivity and mechanisms of action.
(2) 239 Amide alkaloids are included, and 97 of them showed wide bioactivity.
(3) The most investigated activities of amide alkaloids were their anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that P. nigrum and P. longum could be utilized in treating these diseases.
(4) The review indicated that amide alkaloids were the primary bioactive constituents, and the full potential of these alkaloids also requires development.
Abstract
Piper nigrum and Piper longum are globally popular spices, listed in the catalog of medicinal food homology. Their fruits are abundant in amide alkaloids, exhibiting a wide range of biological activities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the research on amide alkaloids from those two edible species, focusing on their activities and mechanisms of action. 239 amide alkaloids are summarized in this review, of which 97 exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of amide alkaloids are associated with the ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Their anti-tumor effects are mediated through the Src/ERK/STAT3, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and Akt pathways. Additionally, the neuroprotective benefits are linked to the NGF/Trka/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. These findings suggest that P. nigrum and P. longum could be valuable for promoting human health care.
Graphical Abstract
Piper nigrum and Piper longum are widely used as flavoring agents and healthy supplements in the food industry. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the research on amide alkaloids from those two edible species, focusing on their activities and mechanisms of action.
Gu G-J, Yang Y-N, Zhang F, et al. Critical review on biological effects and mechanisms of amide alkaloids in Piper nigrum and Piper longum. Food & Medicine Homology, 2026, 3(1): 9420083. https://doi.org/10.26599/FMH.2026.9420083
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