ETHNOBOTANY, PHARMACOLOGICAL APPLICATION, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF BLACK PEPPER (PIPER NIGRUM L.): AN UPDATED REVIEW

Background: Black pepper ( Piper nigrum L.) also known as Filfil Siyah , is a significant and commonly used drug in traditional medicine, particularly in the Unani School of medicine. The pharmacological utilization of black pepper, which includes the treatment of respiratory disorders, throat conditions, intermittent fever, and gastrointestinal conditions, is due to the presence of biomolecules such as phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and terpenoids, among others. Aim and Objective: The objective of the review is to discuss the most recent findings regarding the pharmacognosy, pharmacological use, phytochemistry, and therapeutic potential of black pepper. Material and Methods: Books and online resources were explored and the source material was compiled from traditional Unani texts like Khazain al-Advia, Makhzan al-Advia, Al-Jami li Mufradat al-Advia wa'l Aghziya, Al Qanoon Fit Tibb, etc. Scientific evidence was searched from databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, and others. Results: The potential existence of pharmacologically active biomolecules such alkaloids (piperine), tannins, flavonoids, and carotenoids were discovered through updated phytochemical investigations. Chemicals including sabinene, 3-carene, D-limonene, -pinene, caryophyllene, -phellandrene, -thujene, and -bisabolene are ABSTRACT