Piper aduncum L. (matico) utilizado como tratamiento para el daño pulmonar y Covid-19

Resumen El objetivo principal fue conocer las propiedades antimicrobianas del Piper aduncum L. (matico) para el tratamiento de prevención del Covid-19. El aceite esencial, como los extractos de las hojas y la corteza son muy valiosos como agente cicatrizante, antibacterianos y antifúngico. De esta manera los componentes los flavonoides presentes en el aceite esencial de Piper aduncum L. (matico) fortifican la conectividad de los tejidos mediante la inhibición de algunas de las enzimas que pueden hidrolizar el proteoglicano y la malla proteica, lo cual podría aumentar el efecto antibacteriano al obstaculizar la difusión de la infección al tejido, su actividad antibacterial frente a Staphylococus aureus y Echerichia coli; obteniéndose como resultado que los metabolitos secundarios como flavonoides, compuestos fenólicos, esteroides y alcaloides cuentan con acción antibacterial. La planta del Piper aduncum L. (matico) es un buen cicatrizante y antifúngico se está comercializando como producto farmacéutico en gel. La conclusión que el aceite esencial de Piper aduncum L. (matico) no ayuda a prevenir ni mucho menos a eliminar el nuevo coronavirus y su composición química del matico solo ayuda a prevenir algunas de los síntomas del Covid 19.

Abstract The main objective was to know the antimicrobial properties of Piper aduncum L. (matico) for the prevention treatment of Covid-19. The essential oil, like the extracts of the leaves and the bark, are very valuable as a healing agent, antibacterial and antifungal. In this way, the flavonoid components present in the essential oil of Piper aduncum L. (matico) fortify the connectivity of the tissues by inhibiting some of the enzymes that can hydrolyze the proteoglycan and the protein mesh, which could increase the effect antibacterial by hindering the spread of the infection to the tissue, its antibacterial activity against Staphylococus aureus and Echerichia coli; As a result, secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, steroids and alkaloids have antibacterial action. The Piper aduncum L. (matico) plant is a good healing and antifungal agent. It is being marketed as a pharmaceutical gel product. The conclusion that the essential oil of Piper aduncum L. (matico) does not help prevent, much less eliminate the new coronavirus and its chemical composition of the matico only helps prevent some of the symptoms of Covid 19.

Resumo El principal objetivo fue conocer las propiedades antimicrobianas de Piper aduncum L. (matico) para el tratamiento preventivo de Covid-19. El aceite esencial, al igual que los extractos de las hojas y la corteza, son muy valiosos como agente curativo, antibacteriano y antifúngico. De esta forma, los componentes flavonoides presentes en el aceite esencial de Piper aduncum L. (matico) fortalecen la conectividad de los tejidos al inhibir algunas de las enzimas que pueden hidrolizar el proteoglicano y la malla proteica, lo que podría incrementar el efecto antibacteriano al obstaculizar la propagación de la infección al tejido, su actividad antibacteriana contra Staphylococus aureus y Echerichia coli; Como resultado, los metabolitos secundarios como flavonoides, compuestos fenólicos, esteroides y alcaloides tienen acción antibacteriana. La planta Piper aduncum L. (matico) es un buen agente curativo y antifúngico. Se comercializa como un producto farmacéutico en gel. La conclusión de que el aceite esencial de Piper aduncum L. (matico) no ayuda a prevenir, mucho menos eliminar el nuevo coronavirus y su composición química del matico solo ayuda a prevenir algunos de los síntomas de Covid 19.

Fixatives Increase the Efficacy of Gel Formulations containing Piper aduncum Linnaeus (Piperales: Piperaceae) Essential Oil as Repellent / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Piper aduncum essential oil exhibit repellency activity and has a potential to be use as an alternative for synthetic repellent such as N,N-diethyl-3- methylbenzamide, (DEET). However, the volatility properties of the essential oil decrease their persistence as a topical repellent. Study has shown that formulation of the essential oil with some fixatives may increase their effectiveness. Therefore, this study was conduct to evaluate the effectiveness of gel formulation containing P. aduncum essential oil with two fixative; vanillin and paraffin oil. Gel formulations containing P. aduncum essential oil with 5% and 10% vanillin and 6% paraffin oil was prepared and tested against Aedes aegypti in laboratory using Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) bioassay method. After 240 minute post-application, formulation containing 5% and 10% vanillin was able to provide >70% repellency percentage against mosquito while formulation containing 6% paraffin oil gives <30% repellency percentage. As conclusion, P. aduncum based repellent gel containing 5% and 10% vanillin was able to prolong the effect of P. aduncum essential oil as repellent against dengue vector in laboratory.

Linalool, a Piper aduncum essential oil component, has selective activity against Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigote forms at 4°C

BACKGROUND Recent studies showed that essential oils from different pepper species (Piper spp.) have promising leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities. OBJECTIVES In search for natural compounds against Trypanosoma cruzi, different forms of the parasite were incubated for 24 h at 28ºC or 4ºC with Piper aduncum essential oil (PaEO) or its main constituents linalool and nerolidol. METHODS PaEO chemical composition was obtained by GC-MS. Drug activity assays were based on cell counting, MTT data or infection index values. The effect of PaEO on the T. cruzi cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated by flow cytometry. FINDINGS PaEO was effective against cell-derived (IC50/24 h: 2.8 μg/mL) and metacyclic (IC50/24 h: 12.1 μg/mL) trypomastigotes, as well as intracellular amastigotes (IC50/24 h: 9 μg/mL). At 4ºC - the temperature of red blood cells (RBCs) storage in blood banks - cell-derived trypomastigotes were more sensitive to PaEO (IC50/24 h = 3.8 μg/mL) than to gentian violet (IC50/24 h = 24.7 mg/mL). Cytotoxicity assays using Vero cells (37ºC) and RBCs (4ºC) showed that PaEO has increased selectivity for cell-derived trypomastigotes. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PaEO does not affect the cell cycle of T. cruzi epimastigotes, but decreases their mitochondrial membrane potential. GC-MS data identified nerolidol and linalool as major components of PaEO, and linalool had trypanocidal effect (IC50/24 h: 306 ng/mL) at 4ºC. MAIN CONCLUSION The trypanocidal effect of PaEO is likely due to the presence of linalool, which may represent an interesting candidate for use in the treatment of potentially contaminated RBCs bags at low temperature.

Factor de protección solar del extracto hidroalcohólico de hojas de piper aduncum "matico" / Sun protection factor of hydroalcoholic extract of piper leaves aduncum "matico"

El presente trabajo tiene como principal objetivo determinar el factor de protección solar del extracto hidroalcohólico de las hojas de Piper aduncum "matico". Para poder analizar la capacidad fotoprotectora, se recolectó las hojas de Piper aduncum "matico" del jardín botánico de plantas medicinales "Rosa Elena de los Ríos Martínez" de la Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo (UNT) por el método de herborización, el extracto se obtuvo por el método de Soxhlet usando como solvente etanol de 70°GL hasta agotamiento de la droga. Se determinó la concentración del extracto mediante el peso del extracto seco/ml de extracto, encontrándose un valor de 0,0155 mg /ml. Las diez muestras de extracto se analizaron en el espectrofotómetro midiéndose las absorbancias por triplicado en la región de la radiación UVB (290-320 nm), principal responsable por los foto-daños cutáneos, según la metodología de comprobación de FPS in vitro descrita por Sayre y por Mansur et al. Quienes en base al efecto eritemogénico (EE) y la intensidad de la radiación (I) calculan el factor de protección solar in vitro. Se concluye que el Factor de Protección Solar promedio de las muestras es 9,32.

Efecto del gel de extracto etanólico de hojas de Piper aduncum en la inflamación inducida en Rattus rattus var. norvegicus / Effect of the ethanolic extract gel of Piper aduncum leaves on the inflammation induced in Rattus rattus var. norvegicus

La inflamación es un proceso tisular que se produce ante una lesión, ya sea debido a bacterias, traumatismos, sustancias químicas, calor o cualquier otro fenómeno. Existen medicamentos que se emplean para aliviar los procesos inflamatorios, los cuales deben ser cuidadosamente valorados, ya que producen una gran variedad de efectos secundarios. Entre los efectos secundarios producidos destacan la patología digestiva, y de forma más reciente se determinó un aumento en la probabilidad de ataque cardiaco o derrame cerebral. Debido a que los efectos secundarios de los medicamentos son difíciles de dilucidar, la medicina tradicional continúa siendo una opción importante. Piper aduncum es una planta a la que se le atribuyen propiedades medicinales, tales como antiséptica y cicatrizante de heridas. Es por ello que el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto del gel de extracto etanólico de hojas de Piper aduncum, en la inflamación inducida en Rattus rattus var. norvegicus. Se formaron 5 grupos (Grupo control, grupo patrón y 3 grupos expuestos al gel de extracto etanólico de hojas de Piper aduncum al 1%, 2% y 4%) de 12 especímenes y se indujo inflamación inyectando 1 mL de solución de carragenina al 1% en la zona subplantar de la pata posterior derecha, aplicando posteriormente vía tópica los geles preparados con el extracto etanólico de hojas de Piper aduncum a los grupos problema, empleándose un fármaco (diclofenaco gel) de comparación en el grupo patrón. El gel del extracto etanólico de hojas de Piper aduncum presentó efecto antiinflamatorio, a las concentraciones de 1%, 2% y 4%, en la inflamación inducida en Rattus rattus var. norvegicus. Asimismo, se determinó que no existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el efecto antiinflamatorio de los grupos y del grupo patrón. El efecto antiinflamatorio podría explicarse debido a la concentración de flavonoides presentes en las hojas de Piper aduncum.

Antifungal Action of the Dillapiole-rich Oil of Piper aduncum against Dermatomycoses Caused by Filamentous Fungi.

Aims and Study Design: Piper aduncum L. is a Brazilian plant with many biological properties attributed to its dillapiole-rich essential oil. Despite the development of antibiotics, bacterial and fungal infections are still a public health issue in the medical field. This study measured the antimicrobial activity of the dillapiole-rich essential oil of P. aduncum against pathogenic skin microorganisms. Place of Study: Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Pará, Brazil. This work was performed in 2014. Methodology: Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Cromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have analyzed the oil and its dillapiole-rich fraction. The determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values was carried out by microdilution method and counting of formed colonies. Results: For the strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (ATCC 9533 and clinical isolate), the oil and its dillapiole-rich fraction exhibited MIC values of 500 μg/ml while the MFC values were 1,500 μg/ml for the oil and 1,000 μg/ml for the fraction rich in dillapiole. For clinical isolates of T. rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum, MIC values of 500 μg/ml and MFC 1,500 μg/ml were equal for the oil and the dillapiole-rich fraction, respectively. For clinical isolates of Microsporum canis and M. gypseum, the MIC and MFC values were 250 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml, respectively. For strains of Aspergillus fumigatus (ATCC 40152 and clinical isolate), the oil and its dillapiole-rich fraction have shown the same MIC value of 3.9 μg/ml while the MFC values were 7.8 μg/ml for the strain ATCC 40152, and 15.6 μg/ml for the clinical isolate. The oil and dillapiole-rich fraction did not show antibacterial activity against the strain of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and its clinical isolate Conclusion: The dillapiole-rich essential oil of P. aduncum and its dillapiole-rich fraction demonstrates significant antifungal activity against dermatophytes, filamentous fungi and potent antifungal activity against non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi.

Antibacterial activity of the Piper aduncum oil and dillapiole, its main constituent, against multidrug-resistant strains / Actividad antibacteriana del aceite de Piper aduncum y dillapiole, su componente principal, frente a cepas resistentes a múltiples fármacos

The study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal activity of oil essential and dillapiole from P. aduncum against standard and multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus spp. The oil showed antimicrobial action against these strains, but better results were obtained for the standards strains of S. epidermidis and S. aureus, with MIC of 250 and 500 ug/mL, respectively. Dillapiolle was less effective than the oil against the same standard and multi-drug resistant strains (MIC =1000 ug/mL). However, when dillapiolle was tested in combination with myristicin, another component of the oil, it increased its bactericidal activity and showed a synergistic action...

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la actividad bactericida de los aceites esenciales y dillapiole de P. aduncum contra cepas estándar y multirresistentes de Staphylococcus spp. El aceite mostró acción antimicrobiana frente a estas cepas, pero se obtuvo mejores resultados para las cepas de S. epidermidis y S. aureus, con MIC de 250 y 500 ug/ml, respectivamente. Dillapiolle fue menos eficaz que el aceite contra cepas estándar y multirresistentes (MIC = 1000 ug/ml). Sin embargo, cuando dillapiolle fue probado en combinación con la miristicina, otro componente del aceite, que aumentó su actividad bactericida y mostró una acción sinérgica...

Efecto antitumoral in vitro del aceite esencial de Piper aduncum L. (matico) y su toxicidad oral en ratones / Piper aduncum L. (matico) essential oil in vitro antitumoral effect and oral toxicity in mice

Introducción: Piper aduncum (matico) es una especie utilizada por sus propiedades medicinales en desórdenes gastrointestinales y genitourinarios. Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto antitumoral del aceite esencial de Piper aduncum (matico) in vitro en siete líneas celulares tumorales humanas y determinar la toxicidad oral en ratones. Diseño: Experimental. Institución: Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Material biológico: Líneas celulares tumorales humanas H460, DU-145, ME-180, K562, HT-29, MCF 7, M14, K562; fibroblastos normales de ratón 3T3 y ratones albinos machos Balb/C53. Intervenciones: Las líneas celulares fueron expuestas a cuatro concentraciones del aceite esencial de P. aduncum y 5-fluorouracilo (5-FU). Para la toxicidad oral se utilizó ratones albinos machos Balb C/53 de 40 días post destete, a cinco dosis de tratamiento, evaluándose el número de muertes en cada dosis. Principales medidas de los resultados: Porcentaje de inhibición del crecimiento celular (IC50), dosis letal 50 (DL50). Resultados: El aceite esencial mostró IC50 mayor a 250 ug/mL para las líneas celulares M-14 (r = -0,99; p < 0,01), DU-145 (r = 0,99; p < 0,01), ME-180 (r = -0,99; p < 0,01). Para líneas celulares tumorales H460 (r = -0,99; p < 0,01), MCF-7 (r = -0,99; p < 0,01), K562 (r = -0,99; p < 0,01), HT-29 (r = -0,99; p < 0,01), los niveles de IC50 estuvieron entre 20 ug/mL y 250 ug/mL. DL50 > 2 000 mg/kg. Conclusiones: El aceite esencial de P. aduncum no presentó efecto antitumoral in vitro para las siete líneas celulares tumorales humanas y no fue tóxico.

Introduction: Piper aduncum (matìco) is a medicinal plant used for gastrointestinal and genitourinary disorders. Objectives: To determine the in vitro antitumoral effect of Piper aduncum (matico) essential oil on seven human tumoral cell lines and its oral toxicity in mice. Design: Experimental. Setting: Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Biologic material: Human tumoral cell lines HT-29, H-460, MCF-7, M-14, ME-180, DU-145, K-562; and 3T3 fibroblasts and male 40 days post weaning Balb C/53 mice. Interventions: The cell lines HT-29, H-460, MCF-7, M-14, ME-180, DU-145, K-562, and 3T3 were exposed to four different concentrations of Piper aduncum essential oil, and to different 5-fluorouracil concentrations used as a positive control. Cell lines growth inhibition (IC50) was determined using linear regression analysis and DL50 by the number of deaths with each dose. Main outcome measures: Antitumor effect. Results: Piper aduncum essential oil showed cytotoxic activity at IC50 levels > 250 ug/mL on cell lines M-14 (r = -0.99; p < 0.01), DU-145 (r = -0.99; p < 0.01), ME-180 (r = -0.99; p < 0.01). IC50 was between 20 ug/mL and 250 ug/mL on cell lines H-460 (r = -0.99; p < 0.01), MCF-7, (r = -0.99; p < 0.01), K562 (r = -0.99; p < 0.01), HT-29 (r = -0.99; p < 0.01). DL50 was > 2 000 mg/kg. Conclusions: P. aduncum essential oil did not show antitumoral effect on seven human tumoral cell lines and it was non toxic.

Antifungal activity of extracts from Piper aduncum leaves prepared by different solvents and extraction techniques against dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale

The effects of different solvents and extraction techniques upon the phytochemical profile and anti-Trichophyton activity of extracts from Piper aduncum leaves were evaluated. Extract done by maceration method with ethanol has higher content of sesquiterpenes and antifungal activity. This extract may be useful as an alternative treatment for dermatophytosis.

Growth study and essential oil analysis of Piper aduncum from two sites of Cerrado biome of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Piper aduncum L., Piperaceae, stands out due to its biological activities, however, it is still found in the wild and little is known about its agronomic point of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and to analyze the chemical composition of essential oils from leaves of P. aduncum collected in two different sites of Cerrado as well as in cultivated plants. The cultivation was installed out in a greenhouse using cuttings of adult specimens. Essential oils were obtained from fresh leaves. Plants from the two studied locations showed erect growth habit and behavior of linear growth. The essential oils composition of P. aduncum from Bocaiuva did not differ between wild and cultivated plants, as the major substance identified as 1,8-cineole. The plants from Montes Claros site showed a distinct concentration for the two samples, being the major substance characterized as transocimene (13.4%) for wild and 1,8-cineole (31.3%) for cultivated plants. Samples from both locations showed a similar essential oil composition in cultivars. Our results showed that P. aduncum cultivation is feasible and the variation in chemical composition of the two sites may indicate an environmental influence, since chemical and isoenzyme analysis did not show great differences.

Efecto neuroprotector del extracto hidroalcohólico de Piper aduncum “matico” en un modelo in vitro de neurodegeneración

Durante los procesos neurodegenerativos la función y viabilidad de las neuronas se reduce. En particular, el incremento patológico en la concentración de calcio intracelular, la alteración de la plasticidad sináptica y apoptosis están implicados en la Enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA), paradigma de un proceso neurodegenerativo, relacionado con la pérdida progresiva de las funciones cognitivas. Para evaluar el efecto neuroprotector de Piper aduncum "matico" se indujo el daño con el péptido Aβ a células cultivadas. Igualmente, células hipocampales fueron tratadas con el Aβ, y se evaluó viabilidad celular, niveles de caspasa-3 y expresión de receptores NMDA en sinapsis. También se registró el influjo de calcio intracelular en tratamientos con agonista NMDA y P. aduncum. En la evaluación neuroprotectora hay una reducción de un 20,6% de caspasa-3; un aumento del 9,6% por encima del control y una recuperación del 20,86% para las proteínas NR1 y SV2 respectivamente. Además hay una reducción de más del 50% del calcio celular. Estos resultados evidencian efecto neuroprotector de P. aduncum para el modelo estudiado

During the neurodegenerative processes there is a reduction of the function and viability of neurons. The pathological increase in the intracellular calcium concentration, the alteration of the synaptic plasticity and the apoptosis are implicated in Alzheimer disease (AD, a paradigm of a neurodegenerative process, related with the progressive loss of cognitive functions. To evaluate neuroprotector effect of Piper aduncum damage was induced with Aβ1-42 and NMDA to cultured cells. So hippocampal cells were treated with Aβ1-42 1 uM and cellular viability, levels of caspasa-3 and expression of NMDA receptors in synapses were evaluated. Also, intracellular calcium influxe (sobreestimulation with NMDA) of was registered in treatments with P. aduncum. In the neuroprotector evaluation there is a reduction of 20.6% of caspasa-3; one increase of 9.6% over control and recovery of 20.86% for NR1 and SV2 proteins respectively. Besides, there is a reduction of more than 50% of cellular calcium. These results demonstrate neuroprotector effect of P. aduncum for the studied model

Farmacognosia, farmacobotánica, farmacogeografía y farmacoetimología del platanillo de Cuba (Piper aduncum subespecie ossanum) / Pharmacognosy, pharmacobotany, pharmacogeography, and pharmacoetimology of platanillo de Cuba (Piper aduncum subspecie ossanum)

Introducción: los estudios farmacognósticos son de vital importancia en la investigación de plantas medicinales, así como en la producción de medicamentos herbarios y fitofármacos. La especie Piper aduncum L (Piperaceae), posee un gran aval de uso tradicional en Cuba y otras regiones del mundo. Objetivo: estudiar desde el punto de vista farmacognóstico la droga de Piper aduncum en cuanto a botánica, geografía y etimología. Métodos: se realizó el estudio botánico, de distribución geográfica y etimología de esta droga, mediante el empleo de literatura especializada y la determinación de caracteres macromorfológicos de hojas de esta planta colectada en la provincia Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. Resultados: existen 2 categorías infraespecíficas bien localizadas geográficamente de la planta que en Cuba se llama por lo común platanillo de Cuba, guayuyo o canilla de muerto, una de las cuales -Piper aduncum subespecie ossanum (C.DC.) Saralegui-, endémica, es la que se investiga. Las características macromorfológicas de la droga coinciden con las descritas en la literatura. Se hallaron aspectos etimológicos y de distribución geográfica de interés relacionados con esta planta. Conclusiones: en las investigaciones farmacognósticas los estudios botánicos, geográficos y etimológicos pueden ser de gran significación, como en el caso de esta planta. Para cualquier investigación con esta especie resulta imprescindible abordar su tratamiento taxonómico en el país, porque incluye 2 categorías infraespecíficas en las cuales la ubicación geográfica es fundamental

Introduction: pharmacognostic studies are essential on medicinal plant research, as well as in herbal medicine and phytomedicine production. Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) specie known as "platanillo de Cuba", has wide recognition due to its traditional use in Cuba and other regions. Objective: to research the drug derived from Piper aduncum (platanillo de Cuba) from the pharmacognostic viewpoint in terms of pharmacobotany, pharmacogeography and pharmacoetymology. Methods: the pharmacobotanical, geographical distribution and etymological study of this drug was conducted by using specialized literature and determination of macromorphologic characteristics of leaves collected in Ciego de Ávila province, Cuba. Results: there are two geographically located infraspecific taxa of the plant commonly called "platanillo de Cuba", "guayuyo" o "canilla de muerto" in Cuba. One of them -Piper aduncum subspecie ossanum (C.DC.) Saralegui- is endemic and the topic of this research. Macromorphologic characteristics of the drug are comparable to those described in literature. Geographical distribution and etymologic aspects of interest were found. Conclusions: in the pharmacognostic research, pharmacobotanical, pharmacogeographical and pharmacoetymological studies could be very signicant, as in the case of this plant. For any further research on this species, it is fundamental to approach its taxonomic treatment in the country, since it includes two infraspecific taxa in which geographical location is essential.

Avaliação toxicológica do óleo essencial de Piper aduncum L. / Toxicological evaluation of the essential oil of Piper aduncum L.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação da toxidade aguda e subaguda do óleo essencial de Piper aduncum pela determinação da DL50 em camundongos e a análise dos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos em ratos. A planta é utilizada na medicina popular da região amazônica em diversas doenças e no seu óleo essencial o constituinte majoritário é o fenilpropanóide dilapiol, com propriedades inseticida, fungicida, bactericida, larvicida e moluscicida. A DL50 foi de 2,400 ± 191,7 mg/kg. O óleo essencial não alterou de maneira significativa os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos em relação ao controle no tratamento subagudo, exceto a redução da creatinina. O valor da DL50 e os resultados observados nos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos sugerem que o óleo essencial apresenta toxidade baixa.

The aim of this work was the acute and subacute toxicological evaluation of the essential oil of Piper aduncum with the determination of the LD50 in mice and the analysis of their hematological and biochemical parameters in rats. The plant is used in the Amazon folk medicine for several diseases and the phenylpropanoid dilapiolle is the main constituent of its essential oil, possessing insecticidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, larvicidal and molluscicidal properties. The LD50 was 2.400 ± 191.7 mg/kg. The essential oil did not change the hematological and biochemical parameters in a significant manner when compared with the control in the subacute treatment, excepting the reduction of creatinine. The LD50 and the hematological and biochemical results have suggested that the essential oil presents low toxicity.