Review on Chemical Constituents and Biological Activity of Piper betle L.

As a “medicine food homology” plant, the Piper betle L. has the characteristics of spicy, slightly sweet, and warm in nature, which can be used for treating cold, cough, stomachache, and eczema. The leaves have a strong and spicy aromatic smell and are widely used in chewables in Asia. Chemical analysis showed that the Piper betle L. contains nutrients and other chemical ingredients, including protein, starch, fat, essential oils, phenols, alcohols, ketones and alkaloids, etc. Modern pharmacological studies suggest that Piper betle L. is qualified with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, insect-resistant, anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, and anti-glycosylation effect and so on. This article systematically reviews the material foundation and biological activity of Piper betle L., providing a reference for the further research and rational development.