Antibacterial Property of Piper Betle L.

News source: Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Forestry and Natural Resources
Research and Development
For further information, see Lirio, L. G. Antibacterial activity of Piper betle Linn. La Trinidad, Benguet: Benguet State University, 2001., 2003-02-01

Nature abounds with raw materials, such as plants, that can be used to provide man's needs for food, clothing, medicine, and crop protection agents.

Screening of Medicinal Plants

Researchers studied the properties of some plants for pest control. With plants as natural protectants, the global concern for environment-friendly crop protection strategies can be met. Common medicinal plants were studied and screened for antibacterial activity against plant pathogenic organisms that cause diseases in crucifers and potato.

Broad Spectrum Antibacterial Activity of Betel

One such medicinal plant studied was Piper betle L. Results showed that among the 300 plant species screened, P. betle maintained a broad spectrum antibacterial activity against all the test pathogens, such as Ralstonia, Xanthomonas, and Erwinia. It was also revealed that the P. betle solvent extract had more superior action than streptomycin.

Protocol for Fractionation

Through this study, a protocol for the fractionation of the plant material was established. The study also revealed that the active compound in P. betle is hydroxychavicol. Its mode of action is similar to phenols, which are also anti-microbial agents.

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