...its important medicinal uses, including anti-hepatotoxic, anti-diarrheal, anti-depressive, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effects, besides many other traditional uses, are compiled.

... Piperine has many pharmacological effects and several health benefits, especially against chronic diseases, such as reduction of insulin-resistance, anti-inflammatory effects, and improvement of hepatic steatosis.

... Piperine has been reported to possess effective chemopreventive activity. It has been studied to affect via several mechanisms of action, in brief enhancing antioxidant system, increasing level and activity of detoxifying enzymes and suppressing stem cell self-renewal. Moreover, piperine has been found to inhibit proliferation and survival of various cancerous cell lines via modulating cell cycle progression and exhibiting anti-apoptotic activity, respectively. This compound has been shown to modify activity of various enzymes and transcription factors to inhibit invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Interestingly, piperine has exhibited antimutagenic activity and also inhibited activity and expression of multidrug resistance transporters such as P-gp and MRP-1.

 ...antimicrobial activity was recorded against a wide range of pathogens via inhibition of biofilm, bacterial efflux pumps, bacterial swarming, and swimming motilities. Studies also reported its antioxidant effects against a series of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including the scavenging of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, DPPH, ABTS, and reducing effect against ferric and molybdenum (VI). Improvement of antioxidant enzymes in vivo has also been reported. Piper nigrum also exhibited anticancer effect against a number of cell lines from breast, colon, cervical, and prostate through different mechanisms including cytotoxicity, apoptosis, autophagy, and interference with signaling pathways. Its antidiabetic property has also been confirmed in vivo as well as hypolipidemic activity as evidenced by decrease in the level of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein and increase in high-density lipoprotein. Piper nigrum also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective effects.

... Black pepper or piperine treatment has also been evidenced to lower lipid peroxidation in vivo and beneficially influence cellular thiol status, antioxidant molecules and antioxidant enzymes in a number of experimental situations of oxidative stress. The most far-reaching attribute of piperine has been its inhibitory influence on enzymatic drug biotransforming reactions in the liver. It strongly inhibits hepatic and intestinal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase. Piperine has been documented to enhance the bioavailability of a number of therapeutic drugs as well as phytochemicals by this very property.

... Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common T cell-mediated chronic inflammatory disease with malignant potential and unclear etiology ...  not only has piperine been evidenced to exhibit repressive effects on the maturation of dentritic cells, the proliferation, activation and function of T lymphocytes as well as the NF-κB signaling pathway, but also to suppress the overproduction of COX-2 and weaken the oxidative stress...

 ... Black pepper fruit extract showed dose-dependent effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The lower dose was more beneficial for erectile and libido-related parameters, whereas the higher dose had greater effects on ITT and selected sperm outcomes. These findings support its potential as a preclinical candidate for diabetic male sexual and reproductive dysfunction.

... Overall, this study highlights the potential of P. nigrum roots as a sustainable source of functional alkaloids and establishes a photocatalytic route to skin-health-promoting food ingredients, advancing the valorization of piperine in functional foods.

... Curcumin and piperine separately, and in combination, inhibit breast stem cell self renewal but do not cause toxicity to differentiated cells. These compounds could be potential cancer preventive agents.

... Piper nigrum L possesses potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

... The beneficial health effects of CZ identified were; a) anti-microbial and anti-parasitic activity, b) lowering of blood glucose, blood pressure and serum cholesterol, c) anti-oxidant and free-radical scavenging properties, d) inhibition of tau aggregation and filament formation (hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease), e) inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenesis, f) anti-secretagogue and anti-gastric ulcer effects, g) anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, h) wound healing properties and i) hepato-protective effects.

... Cinnamon supplementation resulted in significant reduction in SBP (Weighted Mean Differences (WMD): -6.23 mmHg, 95% CI: -10.69 to -1.77, P = 0.006) and DBP (WMD: -3.93 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.33 to -1.52, P = 0.001). Greater effects on SBP were detected in trials using ≤2 g cinnamon, lasted ≥12 weeks and participants aged <50 years' old. DBP was also reduced by using lower doses.

... Cinnamon was found to be effective in weight loss and reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Weight loss, reduced WC and WHR in group ingesting cinnamon was positively correlated with a reduction in SBP and DBP.

... cinnamon extract in its aqueous form, are demonstrated to be effective in cancer and they act at various levels, such as reducing the oxidative stress of cells or upgrading the activity of the immune system in recognizing tumor cells as non-self...

 ... cinnamon significantly improves cognitive function (memory and learning). In vivo studies showed that using cinnamon or its components, such as eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and cinnamic acid, could positively alter cognitive function. In vitro studies also showed that adding cinnamon or cinnamaldehyde to a cell medium can reduce tau aggregation, Amyloid β and increase cell viability.

... Cinnamon and in particular, cinnamaldehyde seem to be effective and safe approaches for treatment and prevention of AD onset and/or progression.

... Furthermore, oral administration of cinnamon extract inhibited development and progression of intestinal colitis by inhibiting expression of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α), while enhancing IL-10 levels.

... Turmeric is considered a safe, nontoxic, and effective alternative for many conventional drugs due to its distinguished therapeutic properties and multiple effects on various systems of the body.

... curcumin has shown therapeutic potential against a number of human diseases. Common to all of these studies have been the safety, tolerability, and non-toxicity of this polyphenol, even at doses up to 8 g per day.

... Curcumin and piperine separately, and in combination, inhibit breast stem cell self renewal but do not cause toxicity to differentiated cells. These compounds could be potential cancer preventive agents.

... Our results also demonstrate for the first time that curcumin, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant, given as a dietary supplement during promotion/progression period still inhibits tumorigenesis in the colon, suggesting that administration of curcumin may retard growth and/or development of existing neoplastic lesions in the colon. This also suggests the potential usefulness of this agent as a chemopreventive agent for individuals at high risk for colon cancer development, such as patients with polyps. This study further extends our earlier observations that synthetic NSAIDs, such as piroxicam and sulindac, given during the promotion/progression period protect against colon tumorigenesis in F344 rats. Importantly, unlike synthetic NSAIDs curcumin does not produce any gastrointestinal toxicity, even at very high doses, which may provide advantage over synthetic agents. 

... Curcumin-induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis were effectively attenuated by the application of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), suggesting that curcumin exerts its anti-cancer effect by inflicting oxidative stress.

... curcumin enhances the synthesis of DHA from its precursor, α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3; ALA) and elevates levels of enzymes involved in the synthesis of DHA such as FADS2 and elongase 2 in both liver and brain tissues. Furthermore, in vivo treatment with curcumin and ALA reduced anxiety-like behavior in rodents.

Research has shown curcumin to be a highly pleiotropic molecule capable of interacting with numerous molecular targets involved in inflammation. Based on early cell culture and animal research, clinical trials indicate curcumin may have potential as a therapeutic agent in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, arthritis, and chronic anterior uveitis, as well as certain types of cancer.

... Research suggests that curcumin can help in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. It may also help in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery and subsequent performance in active people. In addition, a relatively low dose can provide health benefits for people that do not have diagnosed health conditions. 

... Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil with high levels of menthol/menthone and characteristic in vitro cholinergic inhibitory, calcium regulatory and GABAA/nicotinic receptor binding properties, beneficially modulated performance on demanding cognitive tasks and attenuated the increase in mental fatigue associated with extended cognitive task performance in healthy adults.

... In this review, we report the antioxidant, antifungal, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic properties of Mentha spp. essential oils.

...  Peppermint, which is rich in menthol and flavonoids, may exert potential benefits relevant to hypertension.

... Animal model studies demonstrate a relaxation effect on gastrointestinal (GI) tissue, analgesic and anesthetic effects in the central and peripheral nervous system, immunomodulating actions and chemopreventive potential.

... These findings suggest that ethanolic M. piperita leaf extract exhibits antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive pathogens associated with chronic tonsillitis, and may represent a potential natural antimicrobial agent for further investigation.

... Preclinical studies to evaluate such compounds as myristicin, macelignan, nectandrin A & B, licarin A-E, and malabaricone B & C are abundant in recent literature with focus on anxiolytic, antioxidant/chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective effects of individual compounds.

... Results suggest that the NMAET possess significant potential as hepatoprotective and antioxidative agent against ISO-induced damage in rats. 

... M. fragrans exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties by modulating various pathways...

...have also shown strong antioxidant potential and enzyme inhibitory properties, which enhance insulin sensitivity, inhibit α-glucosidase, reduce oxidative stress, and support neurocognitive function by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines.

... The results showed that nutmeg oil has higher antioxidant activity than mengkudu oil. The nutmeg oil effectively inhibited the oxidation of linoleic acid with (88.68±0.1)% while the inhibition percentage of oxidation of linoleic acid of the mengkudu oil is (69.44±0.4)%. The nutmeg oil and mengkudu oil showed reducing power with an EC(50) value of 181.4 μg/mL and 3 043.0 μg/mL, respectively. The antiangiogenic activity of nutmeg oil showed significant antiangiogenic activity with IC(50) of 77.64 μg/mL comparing to mengkudu oil which exhibits IC(50) of 109.30 μg/mL.

... We have demonstrated that nutmeg oil could potentially alleviate the CFA-injection-induced joint swelling, allodynia, and heat hyperanalgesia of rats through inhibition of COX-2 expression and blood substance P level, which made it possible for nutmeg oil to be a potential chronic inflammation and pain reliever.

... the pericarp of M. fragrans was evaluated for its bioactive components using in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays. The hexane, ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation ...

... The resultant significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats without any conspicuous adverse effects indicates that the 50% ethanolic extract of nutmeg possesses aphrodisiac activity, increasing both libido and potency, which might be attributed to its nervous stimulating property.

... The antibacterial activities of the extracts against both Gram-positive cariogenic and Gram-negative periodontopathic bacteria have confirmed its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.

... This study suggests that M. myristica possess cholesterol lowering potentials and protective ability in experimental hypercholesterolemia rat model.

... The antidepressant-like effect of the extract seems to be mediated by interaction with the adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems.

... Since MS exhibited better/equivalent effect to that of imipramine at the dose tested in FST, RRT, and HIC in rats, the drug is rated to possess potentially significant antidepressant activity.

... Extensive studies have demonstrated that fenugreek seeds possess notable qualities that contribute to their antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti‐obesity, hypo-cholesterolemic, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects.

Detailed list of nutrients.

... Fenugreek extract has a significant effect on total serum testosterone. Results from clinical trials suggest that fenugreek extract supplement has an effect on serum total testosterone levels in male.

... A meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (14 arms) with 560 participants suggested a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol.

... Results from clinical trials support beneficial effects of fenugreek seeds on glycemic control in persons with diabetes.

... Fenu-FG treated subjects showed significant improvements in body fat without a reduction in muscle strength or repetitions to failure. The Fenu-FG supplementation was found to be safe and well-tolerated.

... By the end of intervention period, cumulative incidence rate of diabetes reduced significantly in Fenugreek group when compared to controls. The Fenugreek group also saw a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) whereas serum insulin increased significantly. It was observed that controls had 4.2 times higher chance of developing diabetes compared to subjects in the Fenugreek group.

... Given the positive effect of fenugreek on FBS, hemoglobin, HbA1C, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and quality of life, it can be recommended for controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients.

... Trigonelline is considered as the most important metabolite of fenugreek, which is effective in treating diabetes and decreasing blood cholesterol. Trigonelline as a plant hormone is also used for cancer (liver cancer and cervical cancer) and migraine. Studying the effect of trigonelline on mice shows that this substance acts as sedative. This metabolite results from niacin that is one of the food and medicinal supplement vitamins and is generally used to reduce blood lipid and sugar.

... The repeated administration of a fenugreek seed extract specifically decreases dietary fat consumption in humans.

... This study suggests that people with certain degrees of heartburn can benefit from a fenugreek fiber product.

... There is an evidence that ginger enhance semen quality via improving different sperm parameters mainly count, viability, motility, morphology and DNA integrity.

Ginger improves semen quality and increases fertility of sperm by disrupting the production of free radicals, dissolving oxidative chain reactions, reducing oxidative stress.

... The putative active compounds are nonvolatile pungent principles, namely gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone. These compounds are some of the extensively studied phytochemicals and account for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, and gastroprotective activities.

A number of mechanisms have been observed to be involved in the chemopreventive effects of ginger. The cancer preventive activities of ginger are supposed to be mainly due to free radical scavenging, antioxidant pathways, alteration of gene expressions, and induction of apoptosis, all of which contribute towards decrease in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. This review provides concise information from preclinical studies with both cell culture models and relevant animal studies by focusing on the mechanisms responsible for the chemopreventive action.

... Ginger could modulate obesity through various potential mechanisms including increasing thermogenesis, increasing lipolysis, suppression of lipogenesis, inhibition of intestinal fat absorption, and controlling appetite.

... The present review shows how certain components present in ginger show efficacy against several inflammatory diseases. Compounds such as 6-shogaol, zingerone, and 8-shogaol show promising results in both human and animal models, decreasing some of the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 6-shogaol also appears to show a protective role against lupus by attenuating neutrophil extracellular traps through the inhibition of phosphodiesterases. Short-term administration of ginger could be an alternative treatment for psoriasis, since it is able to inhibit the inflammatory responses of this disease by decreasing NF-κB. Ginger supplementation could offer protection against cancer, especially in the early stages; it also seems to reduce the symptoms of aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy.

... Reportedly, ginger has been effective in a majority of studies, including those that examined the alleviation of NVP, digestive function, improvement in the expression level of markers for colorectal cancer risk, and anti-inflammatory functions.

... Our findings suggest that HPG inhibits body weight gain and adipose tissue in rats fed the HF diet. Additionally, HPG reduces lipid levels in serum and liver, promotes lipid excretion through feces, and causes down-regulation in the mRNA expression of genes related to adipogenesis and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

... in a 2020 trial that pitted the commercial pain reliever naproxen against a combination of ginger, black pepper and curcumin (the anti-inflammatory ingredient in turmeric). Black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin, and the researchers thought adding ginger might help even more. They were right. The herbal combo was just as effective as naproxen in reducing inflammation and pain in knee OA when taken twice a day for four weeks.

... We found significant reductions in FBS, HbA1C, SBP and DBP after supplementation with ginger in patients with T2DM compared to control group, with no significant changes in serum lipids.

... dietary ginger significantly improved HbA1c from baseline to follow-up showing that this natural medicine might have an impact on glucose control over a longer period of time in patients with T2DM.

... It seems that oral administration of ginger powder supplement can improves fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients. So it may have a role in alleviating the risk of some chronic complications of diabetes.

... In the current review, evidence of ginger's effect on bowel disorders is reported.

... Both drugs reduced menstrual pain. Ginger as well as Novafen is effective in relieving pain in girls with primary dysmenorrhea. Therefore, treatment with natural herbal medicine, non-synthetic drug, to reduce primary dysmenorrhea is recommended.

... The present meta-analysis and review revealed that ginger supplementation can improve lipid profile and body weight if used at the appropriate dose and duration.

... Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that ginger intake reduced BW, WHR, HR, fasting glucose and HOMA-IR, and increased HDL-cholesterol.

... The main strength of this study was that the effect of ginger on cancer was compared both in cell culture conditions and in experimental conditions. In addition, this study was that each cancer marker was carefully analyzed in both conditions.

... The aim of the present review is to summarize the effects of ginger in the prevention of major neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

... The study concluded that both varieties of ginger and garlic possess antimicrobial substances, though ginger is more potent as antifungal agent.

... These findings suggested that ginger supplementation suppresses obesity induced by a high fat diet and it might be a promising adjuvant therapy for the treatment of obesity and its complications.