UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA SOBRE AS PIPERACEAE PARA FINS MEDICINAIS E ECONÔMICOS

Abstract

Plants have medicinal properties and have been empirically recognized for centuries, but have been scientifically confirmed only recently. Several groups of researchers study the biological activity of medicinal plants originating in different regions of the world, guided by the popular use of native species. We have as reference the genus Piper, belonging to the family Piperaceae, which is used for therapeutic purposes and for the preparation of beverages in various cultures. In addition, some species of this family are used commercially, as is the case of P. nigrum L. (pepper of the kingdom), marketed since the XVII century, whose fruits of pungent flavor, are used as condiment. Showing that the plants belonging to this family are used in several areas. Therefore, it is important to continue the studies of the Piperaceae family, in order to explore other species, making possible new perspectives for the study of their respective chemical compositions and consequently to implement them in a sustainable way.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, herbal medicine, home remedies.