Ethno-Medicinal Uses of Piper betel─ A Review

Herbal medicines are widely used as alternative treatments for various chronic diseases. They have proved to be of immense importance in treating many diseases and conditions. These medicines have potential to decrease the side effects of other drugs. In this regard Betel vine (Piper betel) leaves are known for its medicinal properties since long. It is a cash crop for many under developed Southeast Asian countries and therefore also known as “Green Gold and Green Heart in those countries, as many people cultivate this crop to meet their both ends. The contemporary world approves its several medicinal properties as the growth of knowledge in this regard is unprecedented. The objective here is to reveal the potential effect of this plant against different diseases. Along with its tradomedicinal uses which signify its tremendous potential, it is also used towards cure of many antimicrobial ailments of great concern. The leaf extract and purified compounds are found to play a vital role and are of immense benefits in oral hygiene, anti-diabetic, cardiovascular, antiinflammatory, and anti-ulcer. The active compounds isolated from leaf and other parts have great therapeutic role. This paper basically focus on emphasizing the varied pharmacological properties of Piper betel Linn along with its traditional uses and a cursory view of its active constituents.