Piper excelsum
Piper excelsum, commonly known as the pepper tree, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is traditionally used to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues. Its unique chemical profile offers significant potential for modern pharmacological research and therapeutic applications.
- Scientific name: Piper excelsum
- Family: Piperaceae
- Native range: Australasia
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Piperales and the family Piperaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified by the genus Piper.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Piperales | WCVP |
| Family | Piperaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Piper | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant is known by several different names depending on the language and region. In New Zealand, it is widely recognized by its Māori name, Kawakawa, while in Swedish, it is referred to as Macropiper excelsum.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| mi | Kawakawa | Wikidata |
| sv | Macropiper excelsum | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions in the Pacific. In New Zealand, it can be found growing throughout the North Island. Its presence also extends across the South Island of the same country. Furthermore, the species is located within the South-Central Pacific region. Specifically, it inhabits the Society Islands as part of its broader natural range.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | New Zealand North | WCVP |
| New Zealand | New Zealand South | WCVP |
| South-Central Pacific | Society Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Bubbling or Pepper Tree, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, most notably its leaves and fruits. The leaves are frequently employed in traditional practices, often being crushed or prepared to provide relief for various ailments. Additionally, the fruits serve as another significant part of the plant's botanical profile, contributing to its overall chemical composition and traditional uses.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Piper excelsum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include diayangambin, elemicin, myristicin.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| diayangambin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| elemicin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myristicin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Piper excelsum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Piper excelsum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |