Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth herbs: A comprehensive review on phytochemical, pharmacological, extraction engineering development, and economic promising perspectives

A humble weed in Indonesian oil palm plantations might hold the key to a pharmacy of natural medicines—if we stop pulling it out and start bottling it.

For generations, communities across Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Nigeria, and Brazil have turned to Peperomia pellucida as a trusted herbal remedy. Now, a comprehensive review reveals why this unassuming plant deserves more than a passing glance. Its chemical constituents boast a striking range of activities: analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antigout, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antibacterial, and even sunscreen-like properties. Yet despite this impressive resume, the herb remains commercially untapped, often dismissed as a weed by farmers, especially those in oil palm plantations. The review weaves together plant origins, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and extraction techniques, painting a vivid picture of its potential. It's a call to transform a nuisance into a valuable economic resource—and a reminder that nature's pharmacy often grows where we least expect it.

Key Points

• Traditional medicine across five countries
• Multiple activities: analgesic to sunscreen
• Weed to valuable herbal resource