The Art of NATURE, The Art of SCIENCE
Common names | Pink pepper, Brazilian peppertree, Aroeira, Rose pepper
Scientific name | Schinus terebinthifolia
Used part | Fruit
Known active compounds | pelargonidin 3-galactoside, agathisflavone, amentoflavone
Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory
Product name | Pink Pepper-ANB
Plant Story
Pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia) is a species of flowering plant in the cashew family native to the subtropical and tropical parts of South America. It is a sprawling shrub or small tree with a shallow root system and is commonly found in southeastern Brazil, northern Argentina and Paraguay. The plant is dioecious with small white flower clusters and bears berry-like fruits carried in dense clusters of hundreds. The plant has a very long history of use and nearly all parts of the pink pepper tree have been used medicinally by indigenous peoples throughout the tropics. It has been reported to be a natural astringent, anti-bacterial, diuretic, digestive stimulate, tonic, anti-viral, anti-septic, and wound healer.
Although the pepper tree extensively appears in ancient folk medicine, the fruits of the plant are still employed in herbal medicine today. Pink pepper fruits are a source of anthocyanins such as pelargonidin 3-galactoside and 7-methylpelargonidin 3-galactoside as well as bioflavonoids including agathisflavone and amentoflavone. In a recent study, it has been reported that the chemicals in the berries act as an anti-bacterial by inhibiting bacteria from producing a toxin. Other research exhibited crude extracts of the berries to be effective in fighting off Escherichia coli infection and contamination. Furthermore, another study investigated with the crude fruit extract demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production in LPS-stimulated macropahges, the anti-oxidant activity by DPPH assay and the anti-mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium bovis. All results corroborate its use as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mycobacterial agent.