A spectrophotometric method to estimate piperine in piper species
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A spectrophotometric method to estimate piperine in piper species
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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S.K. Chauhan, G.P. Kimothi, B.P. Singh, S. Agarwal
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: A spectrophotometric method to estimate piperine in piper species
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study presented in the 1998 publication outlines a straightforward, efficient, and cost-effective spectrophotometric method for estimating piperine content in various Piper species, particularly Piper nigrum and Piper longum. These species hold significant medicinal value and have long been utilized in traditional systems of medicine for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. The paper emphasizes the importance of piperine as the active component in these plants, highlighting its role in enhancing the bioavailability of other medications. The authors express the lack of precise analytical methods for piperine estimation in existing literature, which often rely on cumbersome gravimetric or titrimetric procedures.
A Reliable Method for Piperine Estimation
The method described involves a combination of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for the identification and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry for quantification. The authors prepared different concentrations of piperine reference standards and extracted samples of Piper species through a systematic boiling alcohol process. The absorbance of the samples was measured at 328 nm, and a calibration curve demonstrated a strong linear correlation, allowing for accurate concentration calculations. Recovery studies showed satisfactory results, affirming the method's reliability. The study reported piperine content percentages of 5.014% in Piper nigrum and 1.434% in Piper longum, validating the method's efficacy for quantitative analysis.
Conclusion
The findings of this research highlight the proposed spectrophotometric method as a rapid, simple, and accurate approach to determining piperine levels in different Piper species. The presented methodology enables the precise standardization of these medicinal plants, which is crucial for their effective use in herbal medicine. The quantitative monitoring of piperine through this method not only enhances its application in pharmacological studies but also contributes to the validation of quality control measures in the herbal industry. Overall, the study serves as a significant advancement in the analytical techniques available for the assessment of pharmacologically active compounds in traditional medicinal plants.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of this study on piperine?
This study developed a simple and economical UV spectrophotometric method to estimate piperine in different Piper species, especially Piper nigrum and Piper longum, which are known for their medicinal properties.
How was the piperine concentration measured in this study?
Piperine concentration was measured using a UV spectrophotometer at 328 nm. A calibration curve was established to relate absorbance to piperine concentration, allowing quantification from test samples.
What method was used to identify piperine in the samples?
Piperine was identified using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). A sample was compared with a standard piperine solution, and its retention factor was determined under specific solvent conditions.
What were the results of the recovery studies for piperine?
Recovery studies showed high retrieval rates of piperine, averaging around 99.18%. This indicates the reliability and accuracy of the developed method for quantifying piperine in the samples.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A spectrophotometric method to estimate piperine in piper species”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Piper longum:
Piper longum, a species of the Piperaceae family, is highly regarded in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It contains piperine, the active compound, which is responsible for various health benefits, including enhancement of bioavailability of other drugs. Its uses in Ayurvedic and Unani systems underscore its cultural and medicinal significance.
2) Drug:
In the context of this study, drugs refer to medicinal compounds derived from plants, like piperine from Piper longum. Drugs are critical for health, influencing treatment outcomes. Piperine's role in enhancing the bioavailability of other drugs epitomizes the importance of understanding plant-based substances in pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.
3) Discussion:
The discussion in scholarly articles emphasizes the implications of research findings. This study's discussion highlights the results of piperine estimation methods, reinforcing the method's reliability and accuracy. It serves as a platform for interpreting data, addressing potential issues, and suggesting further research, thereby advancing scientific understanding and inquiry.
4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. The research underscores the medicinal significance of Piper longum in various traditional practices. Understanding its active component, piperine, and its potential applications in modern medicine showcases the intersection of traditional beliefs and contemporary scientific exploration.
5) Pungent:
The term 'pungent' describes the strong, spicy flavor characterizing Piper longum and similar species. It refers to the sensory properties that are often indicative of their active compounds, like piperine. This sensory aspect plays a significant role in determining the plant's use in culinary and medicinal contexts, being both effective and appealing.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiments. This study exemplifies scientific principles by employing a spectrophotometric method to quantify piperine, highlighting the importance of scientific methods in validating traditional knowledge and enhancing our understanding of natural products.
7) Water:
Water is a crucial solvent utilized in the extraction process of piperine from plant samples. Its role as a medium for various chemical reactions in this study emphasizes its fundamental importance in laboratory procedures. Moreover, understanding solubility and extraction methods with water is vital in assessing the efficacy of herbal medicines.