Cubeb (Piper cubeba L.): nutritional value, phytochemical profiling and dermacosmeceutical properties

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Dermacosmeceutics

Background:

• Cubeb (Piper cubeba) L. has a long history of use in traditional medicine and culinary applications.
• It possesses a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities.
• This study investigates the potential of P. cubeba for developing innovative health and cosmetic products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the phytochemical profile, mineral, fatty acid, and amino acid content of P. cubeba berries.
• To assess the dermacosmeceutical properties of P. cubeba water extract and essential oil (EO).
• To evaluate antioxidant, antibacterial, tyrosinase, and elastase inhibitory activities, alongside molecular docking studies.

Main Methods:

• Phytochemical analysis of water extract and EO using chromatography and spectroscopy.
• Determination of mineral, fatty acid, and amino acid composition.
• In vitro assays for antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP), antibacterial (MIC, biofilm inhibition), and enzyme (tyrosinase, elastase) inhibitory activities.
• Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations of major EO compounds.

Main Results:

• Forty-three compounds in the water extract and 36 volatile compounds in the EO were identified, with notable constituents like Z-isoeugenol and β-pinene.
• Berries are rich in sodium and iron, with moderate zinc.
• The water extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, while the EO showed potent tyrosinase and elastase inhibition (IC50 values provided).
• Both extract and EO exhibited antibacterial effects, significantly reducing bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and motility.

Conclusions:

• P. cubeba berries are a rich source of bioactive compounds.
• The water extract and EO possess significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme-inhibiting properties.
• P. cubeba shows promise for developing novel pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and dermacosmeceutical agents.