Search Results (139)

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) faces challenges related to irregular flowering, which compromises crop productivity. Gibberellic acid (GA₃) is a plant growth regulator known for its role in inducing reproductive processes, although its effects on this species are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different GA₃ doses on flowering and vegetative growth in black pepper plants. The experiment was conducted with black pepper seedlings of the Bragantina cultivar in a randomized block design, with four doses of GA₃ (0, 10, 20, and 30 mg L⁻¹) and six replications, using eight-month-old plants grown in pots under full sun. GA₃ applications were performed in two floral induction cycles. Variables related to flowering, chlorophyll a fluorescence, vegetative growth, biomass allocation, and carbohydrate distribution were evaluated. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, regression analysis, mean grouping tests, and principal component analysis. The results showed that intermediate doses (10 and 20 mg L⁻¹) significantly stimulated flowering at early developmental stages, whereas the 30 mg L⁻¹ dose enhanced vegetative growth while reducing floral induction. Additionally, GA₃ affected physiological parameters by increasing photosynthetic efficiency and altering carbohydrate balance, with higher accumulation of soluble sugars in leaves and reduced starch content in roots. It is concluded that GA₃ application is a promising strategy to modulate reproductive transition in black pepper, with 10 to 20 mg L⁻¹ doses recommended to promote flowering without compromising plant development. Full article

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is a crop of significant economic importance in the Amazon, especially in the state of Pará, where intensive production systems predominate. Understanding the spatial variability of soil attributes and their relationship with plant vigor is essential to optimize agricultural practices and input use. Geotechnology-based approaches enable the generation of more precise management zones, contributing to efficient resource use and increased profitability. This study aimed to delimit potential management zones in black pepper crops based on the spatial analysis of soil bulk density (BD) integrated with the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), evaluated using the Bivariate Moran’s Index. The research was conducted in a production area in the municipality of Baião, Pará, Brazil, using soil samples to determine bulk density and UAV images for NDVI calculation. Data were interpolated by kriging and analyzed to identify spatial associations between soil compaction and NDVI. Soil bulk density ranged from 1.14 to 1.80 Mg m⁻³, while NDVI values ranged from 0.07 to 0.91, revealing a clear inverse spatial relationship between soil compaction and vegetative vigor. The integration of BD and NDVI allowed the delineation of site-specific management zones, supporting more efficient decision-making in precision agriculture. Full article

Background: Piperine, an alkaloid from Piper nigrum, modulates oxidative stress, proliferation, and survival pathways in several cancer models; however, its mechanistic effects in colorectal epithelial Caco-2 cells remain insufficiently defined. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic, antiproliferative, oxidative, autophagic, and anti-migratory effects of piperine in Caco-2 cells. Methods: Caco-2 cells were treated with piperine (0.001–0.1 mg/mL) for up to 72 h. Cell viability, proliferation, and migration were assessed using SRB and scratch assays. Oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and tight junction integrity were evaluated through ROS quantification, Western blotting, gene expression analysis, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). NACET was used to determine the contribution of oxidative stress to piperine-induced cytotoxicity and autophagy. Results: Piperine induced a time- and dose-dependent reduction in viability, with viability decreasing to 53.0 ± 2.88% at 0.1 mg/mL after 72 h. Proliferation decreased to 51% of control levels (p < 0.001), accompanied by p21 upregulation (p < 0.05), indicating G2/M cell cycle arrest. Piperine markedly increased intracellular ROS (p < 0.001), downregulated NRF2 (p < 0.05), and suppressed GSTA1 expression (p < 0.001), while NACET co-treatment restored viability (p < 0.001). No activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis was observed. Piperine significantly enhanced autophagic flux, as shown by the increased LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio (p < 0.01), elevated LC3B-II/LAMP-1 co-localization (p < 0.01), and chloroquine-induced accumulation of LC3B-II and p62 (p < 0.01), with preserved lysosomal function. TEM analysis confirmed a marked increase in double-membrane autophagosomes in piperine-treated cells compared with controls. NACET reduced LC3B-II/LC3B-I levels, increased p21 expression, and significantly improved cell viability, indicating that piperine-induced autophagy is cytotoxic and driven by oxidative stress. Additionally, piperine upregulated occludin (p < 0.01) and reduced cell migration independently of proliferation (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Piperine exerts antiproliferative effects in Caco-2 cells through ROS-mediated stress, p21-dependent G2/M arrest, and activation of cytotoxic autophagy. Its ability to impair migration and enhance tight junction integrity further supports its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in colon cancer. Full article

This study analyzed five essential oils derived from plants that, despite sharing the common “pepper”, belong to distinct genera and botanical families, which are increasingly recognized for their multifunctional bioactivities, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial properties. In particular, five commercially available essential oils obtained from Pimenta dioica, Piper nigrum, Schinus molle, Schinus terebinthifolia, and Zanthoxylum armatum were chemically characterized and systematically evaluated for their biological potential. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed distinct phytochemical profiles dominated by phenylpropanoids, monoterpenes, or oxygenated monoterpenes, which were further discriminated by multivariate statistical analysis. The essential oils were assessed in vitro for antioxidant capacity (DPPH and TEAC assays), anti-arthritic activity (protein denaturation inhibition), neuroprotective effects (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase inhibition), and antibiofilm activity against clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. All oils exhibited measurable antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, with P. dioica and P. nigrum showing the most balanced redox and neuroprotective profiles. Significant antibiofilm effects were observed during biofilm formation, while mature biofilms displayed strain- and oil-dependent susceptibility, highlighting differences between biomass reduction and metabolic inhibition. Overall, the results demonstrate that pepper-derived essential oils possess complementary and multi-target bioactivities strongly linked to their chemical composition, supporting their potential application as natural agents in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields. Full article

Black pepper is the most widely used spice crop globally and has significant economic value, making it a target for economically motivated adulteration. A wide range of organic and inorganic bulking materials has been used as adulterants in black pepper. Development of rapid non-targeted screening methods for use at different stages of the black pepper supply chain is extremely important for the identification and prevention of evolving fraudulent practices. This study has assessed the potential of benchtop Fourier Transform infrared with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), benchtop Fourier Transform near-infrared (FT-NIR), and two handheld NIR spectrometers, coupled with chemometrics, for the discrimination of black pepper (Piper nigrum), pepper from other species and genera (non-Piper nigrum) and a broad range (n = 27) of endogenous and exogenous adulterants. Spiked samples were prepared to imitate pepper adulteration with seven different adulterants at five levels of adulteration (5%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 95% w/w). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) achieved 100% total prediction accuracy for both FTIR-ATR and FT-NIR in differentiating authentic Piper nigrum and adulterant samples. The handheld microNIR 1700ES resulted in a 91.30% correct classification rate, while the SCiO model achieved 86.96% prediction accuracy. Detection of black pepper adulteration with multiple adulterants was performed using data-driven soft independent modelling of class analogy (DD-SIMCA). The highest performance of the DD-SIMCA model was achieved by FTIR-ATR (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity) followed by FT-NIR (98% sensitivity and 99% specificity). The handheld microNIR 1700ES resulted in 95% sensitivity and 90% specificity. This study demonstrated that FTIR-ATR and FT-NIR, coupled with DD-SIMCA, can effectively detect black pepper adulteration with multiple endogenous and exogenous adulterants. The handheld NIR (microNIR1700ES) clearly demonstrated the potential for rapid and effective verification of Piper nigrum authenticity outside the laboratory. Full article

Background: Peperomia leptostachya is a herbaceous plant with significant medicinal value. To elucidate its mitochondrial genomic characteristics, this study conducted a systematic analysis. Methods: The mitochondrial genome of P. leptostachya was assembled, annotated, and subjected to comparative analysis. Results: (1) The genome exhibits significant structural peculiarities, presenting as an atypical circular structure accompanied by an independent minicircle, forming a multi-branched reticulate configuration spanning a total length of 981,249 bp. Within the mitochondrial genome of P. leptostachya, a total of 52 genes have been identified, including 35 PCGs, 14 tRNAs and 3 rRNAs. (2) A phylogenetic tree was built for 22 species based on the DNA sequences. P. leptostachya belongs to the family Piperaceae within the order Piperales and is closely related to Piper nigrum. (3) Homologous colinear blocks were detected between P. leptostachya and its close relatives, though these blocks exhibited short lengths. Additionally, blank regions were identified that showed no homology with other species. Mitochondrial genomes of P. leptostachya and two close relatives had inconsistent collinear block arrangements. The mitochondrial genome of P. leptostachya had undergone genomic rearrangement relative to closely related species. Conclusions: This study lays the foundation for research into the genetic characteristics and biological traits of P. leptostachya. Full article

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is an important crop in Pará, Brazil; however, irrigation management remains one of the main constraints to achieving stable productivity and high essential oil yield. By determining soil water tension for rational irrigation management that ensures high agronomic performance of black pepper, it is possible to optimize irrigation water use efficiency through monitoring critical soil moisture with the aid of tensiometers. This study evaluated yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and essential oil yield of two black pepper genotypes under five soil water tensions (15–55 kPa) using a split-plot experimental design. The Uthirankotta genotype showed higher yield and WUE, reaching maximum values at 35 kPa, whereas the highest essential oil extraction yield occurred at 15 kPa. Positive correlations were observed between essential oil yield and the main productive traits. Therefore, cultivation of the Uthirankotta genotype under tensiometer-based irrigation management is recommended under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Pará, using a critical tension of 35 kPa as a reference to increase productivity and optimize irrigation water use efficiency, considering the differential genotype response to irrigation management under humid tropical conditions. Full article

Ultrasound pretreatment offers a promising approach for improving spice drying efficiency while preserving bioactive compounds. This study explores the optimization of ultrasound pretreatment parameters for black pepper processing, using response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize piperine retention, drying efficiency, and moisture reduction. Compared to traditional one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) screening, RSM identifies a multi-objective optimal balance that achieves superior results for all three responses. Our optimized conditions (35 kHz, 40 min, 50 °C, 80 W/cm³) achieved 18.64 mg/g DW piperine, a drying time of 444.51 min, and a 9.6% moisture content, demonstrating significant improvements in both bioactive preservation and energy efficiency compared with conventional methods. Compared to control samples requiring 600.69 ± 12.5 min drying time, optimal conditions reduced drying time by 26% to 444.51 min (a net process time reduction of 19%, including a 40 min pretreatment) while achieving the target moisture content (9.6%) and limiting piperine loss to approximately 6% in dried samples. Dual-method validation using UV spectrophotometry and HPLC confirmed model predictions with relative errors below 1%, establishing a consistent UV:HPLC ratio (1:2.12). Multi-analytical characterization revealed that ultrasound-induced cavitation selectively disrupted cellular structures, enhancing mass transfer without significant degradation of piperine’s functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy showed increased porosity and microfractures, while FTIR confirmed preservation of key chemical bonds with minor spectral shifts. The process achieved a five-fold improvement in product consistency (reducing the standard deviation from 0.68 to 0.12 mg/g) compared to conventional drying. These findings demonstrate that optimized ultrasound pretreatment provides a reproducible, scalable, and energy-efficient method for spice processing, supporting industrial adoption where consistent quality and bioactive stability are critical. Full article

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) has historically been among the most consumed spices globally. Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters, and is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. This study describes two new fungal species associated with black pepper commercialized in Brazil. The first, Penicillium pipericola sp. nov., belongs to the subgenus Penicillium, section Paradoxa, series Atramentosa. The second, Syncephalastrum brasiliense sp. nov., belongs to the order Mucorales, family Syncephalastraceae. The taxonomic classification of these species was supported by a pluralistic approach, based on multilocus phylogenetic analyses, morphological analyses, and metabolomics. Furthermore, the metabolomic analysis revealed considerable biosynthetic versatility of the new species under different cultivation conditions, producing metabolites with therapeutic and biotechnological potential. The identification of these species increases the understanding of fungal diversity in the black pepper production chain and may have important implications for the microbiological quality of the product, for the understanding of ecological interactions within the agroecosystem and for potential industrial applications. Full article

Background: Piper nigrum L. (PNL) is a rich source of piperine, a bioactive alkaloid with pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutritional supplement, and agricultural applications, yet efficient and sustainable extraction methods remain underexplored. Methods: This study compared ultrasonic bath extraction (UBE) and ultrasonic probe extraction (UPE) using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for isolating piperine from PNL fruits. Six NADES formulations were screened, with NADES-5 (choline chloride:glycerin:urea, 1:1:1) showing superior performance. Response surface methodology with a Box–Behnken design optimized extraction parameters, including liquid-to-solid ratio, extraction time, temperature, and water content, for both UBE and UPE. Results: Optimized UPE consistently outperformed UBE, yielding 49.97 mg/g of piperine versus 25.67 mg/g under identical NADES conditions. Comprehensive characterization using TLC, HPTLC, UV, FTIR, Raman, HPLC, NMR, XRD, SEM, and EDX confirmed the successful isolation and structural integrity of piperine, with samples obtained via UPE exhibiting higher purity (98.7% vs. 95.2%) and enhanced crystallinity. In vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that piperine extracted by UPE showed stronger activity against C2C12 myoblasts (IC₅₀: 24.3 μg/mL vs. 40.6 μg/mL) and greater anticancer effects in MCF-7 and HT-29 cells compared to piperine extracted by UBE. Antioxidant evaluation via DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and TAC assays, along with intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species suppression in THP-1 and RAW 264.7 macrophages, further confirmed the superior biological potential of the UPE-derived piperine sample. Conclusions: These findings indicate that UPE using NADES is a sustainable approach for high-yield piperine extraction with enhanced purity and bioactivity, supporting its potential for pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural plant-based compounds, especially black pepper extract, are known to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities that promote procollagen formation and wound healing. This study focused on developing a collagen-based composite enriched with P. nigrum extract in powder form, designed to enhance the efficacy of the antibiotic cefazolin while promoting the healing of chronic wounds. Methods: The polyphenolic P. nigrum extract was obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction and was characterised by UHPLC-MS/MS and spectrophotometry. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were assessed using conventional methods. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were evaluated for the specific taxon compounds using Deep-RK. P. nigrum extract was incorporated into a collagen hydrogel with arginine and freeze-dried. The powders were characterised by FTIR, SEM, TGA-DSC, and DLS. The antimicrobial activity and potential synergistic effects with cefazolin were evaluated on reference microbial strains and isolates from infected wounds. Biocompatibility and hemocompatibility were evaluated, as well as wound closure in vitro. Results: Polyphenols, including phenolic acids, stilbenes, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, which provide a potent antioxidant capacity through electron transfer mechanisms (FRAP, CUPRAC), were abundant in the P. nigrum extract. FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed the integration of phenolic compounds into the collagen–arginine matrix without protein denaturation. TGA–DSC data showed thermal stabilisation at moderate extract concentrations. The extract exhibited predominantly bacteriostatic antibacterial activity and antibiofilm effects, with synergy/additivity with cefazolin, especially at medium doses. Tests on keratinocytes confirmed biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility demonstrated an excellent safety profile, with protection against AAPH-induced oxidative stress. Conclusions: Overall, collagen powders with P. nigrum extract at moderate/low concentrations combine stability, antibiotic-enhanced activity, and cellular compatibility, making them promising adjuvants for the topical treatment of chronically infected wounds. Full article

This study evaluated the efficacy of essential oils (EOs) for the postharvest management of anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in mango. EOs from Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), and Black pepper (Piper nigrum) were chemically characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The main compounds identified included eugenol, methyl eugenol, carvacrol, and eucalyptol, all recognized for their antifungal and antioxidant properties. In vitro assays showed that cinnamon and black pepper EOs significantly inhibited mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides at all tested concentrations, whereas rosemary EO exhibited lower efficacy. In vivo experiments confirmed that all tested EOs significantly reduced disease severity in mango fruits compared to the control. Overall, the antifungal activity of EOs was dose-dependent and strongly influenced by their chemical complexity and synergistic interactions among major and minor components. These findings highlight the relevance of oxygenated monoterpenes, hydrocarbon monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes as candidate groups for developing sustainable alternatives for the control of C. gloeosporioides in mango production. Full article

Piperine is an alkaloid found in plants of the genus Piper, and particularly in P. nigrum. This compound has been under extensive research lately for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and also anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anticancer, and positive metabolic properties. Regarding its antibacterial applications, current data show that piperine is effective against Bacillus sphaericus, Bacterioides fragilis, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio cholerae; its antifungal potency is exerted against Candida albicans and members of the Aspergillus family; antiviral activity has been documented against MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV2, EBOV, DENV, HCV, ZKV, and HPIV; and antiparasitic activity against Leishmania spp., Plasmodium spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, and Trypanosoma spp. While such applications are promising, more research is required to elucidate the mechanisms of action and to discover new ways of administration. Full article

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) stands out as one of the most valued spices in the global market, with Brazil occupying a strategic position in production, especially in Espírito Santo, being the largest producing state in the country. This study analyzes the economic feasibility of implementing raffia in black pepper crops, focusing on reducing post-harvest losses and optimizing operational costs and environmental sustainability. Data were collected in black pepper crops, specifically at Fazenda Duas Barras, in the city of Pinheiros, ES, Brazil. Two cultivation systems were designed and compared: The traditional black pepper cultivation system without the implementation of raffia blanket, with an average production of 4000 kg ha⁻¹ and harvest cost of USD 7433.63 ha⁻¹; and the black pepper cultivation system with the implementation of raffia blanket, production increased to 4500 kg ha⁻¹, with a 60% reduction in harvest cost. Using established financial indicators (NPV, IRR, and Payback), it is demonstrated that the investment presents a return in 2.4 years, with an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 51% and a Net Present Value (NPV) of USD 59,150.44 ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The sensitivity analysis shows economic resilience even in adverse scenarios, consolidating the technology as a viable alternative for small and medium-sized producers. Full article

Water-use efficiency (WUE) plays a crucial role in sustainable crop production, particularly in water-limited environments where maximizing natural resource use is essential. This study evaluated the physiological and agronomic performance of two Piper nigrum cultivars, Clonada and Uthirankotta, grown under different soil water potential conditions. The trial was conducted in a 1930 m² field using a randomized block design and drip irrigation system, calibrated to 3.55 L h⁻¹ with a uniformity of 97%. Soil water availability was managed based on daily tensiometer readings at 20 and 30 cm depths, triggering irrigation at defined tensions (10–55 kPa). Clonada exhibited higher net CO₂ assimilation rates (A) and stomatal conductance (g_s), but these responses did not lead to higher yields. In contrast, Uthirankotta consistently maintained superior water-use efficiency and yield across all soil moisture conditions by favoring water conservation and targeted biomass allocation over maximized gas exchange. Both cultivars performed optimally at a soil water potential range of 25–35 kPa, with declines in yield and gas exchange parameters at higher tensions (45–55 kPa). Under such conditions, Uthirankotta was 51.3% more water-use efficient and 40.8% more productive than Clonada. Based on this, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further demonstrated distinct physiological profiles, underscoring trade-offs between yield and water-use strategies. These results highlight the significance of cultivar selection for optimizing WUE and provide valuable insights into irrigation management and breeding programs aimed at boosting black pepper performance under water-limited conditions. Full article