Impact of Regional Variation on the Bioactive Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Piper longum Linn

Piper longum Linn., or long pepper, is an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bio-enhancing properties. Its phytochemical composition, particularly piperine (PP) and piperlongumine (PLG), is affected by its cultivation in different geographical locations. Understanding these geographical variations is essential for optimizing its medicinal use and ensuring quality in herbal formulations. This study investigates the impact of geographical variation on the phytochemical and pharmacognostical properties of P. longum Linn, an essential Ayurvedic medicinal plant. Samples were collected from three distinct regions in India-Ranikhet, Western Ghats-Kerala, and Bangalore-to evaluate differences in the concentration of vital bioactive compounds, PP and PLG. Pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and phytochemical analyses were conducted using standard methods. Reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to measure the amount of markers, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assays were used to calculate the antioxidant activity. The results reveal significant differences in bioactive marker concentrations across the regions, with the Ranikhet sample showing the highest levels of PP (12.57 ± 0.25 mg/g) and PLG (0.865 ± 0.012 mg/g), whereas the latter was absent in samples from the other regions. Additionally, the Ranikhet sample exhibited superior antioxidant activity and higher total phenolic and flavonoid content. Morphological differences were also observed in the plant fruits, varying in size and color across regions. According to these results, the location of P. longum affects its phytochemical makeup and antioxidant properties. This means that the Ranikhet region may be a better place to get it for making medicines that need PLG activity. This research highlights the importance of considering geographic origin in standardizing and sourcing medicinal plants for optimal therapeutic efficacy.