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Matico has demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial actions which may help to explain its long history of use for various infections and infectious diseases. In various laboratory studies over the years, matico leaves and the essential oil from the leaves or fruits have demonstrated antibacterial actions against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It has also been reported with actions against fungi and yeast. In addition, researchers in France reported matico had antiviral actions against polio virus. (See all cited research below.)

For more information about matico (Piper aduncum), please refer to the Database File for Matico in the Tropical Plant Database. More information can also be found in the Antimicrobial Guide. To see pictures of matico, click here.

Traditional Uses:* for digestive problems (vomiting, nausea, stomachaches, dyspepsia); as a carminative and stomachic to expel intestinal gas and aid digestion; as an antiseptic wound healer for cuts, scrapes, ulcers, boils, etc.; as a hemostat for internal bleeding (uterine, gastric, pulmonary); for colds, flu, coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory problems

Suggested Use: This plant is best prepared as an infusion (tea): Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Pour boiling water over herb in cup and allow to steep 10 minutes. Strain tea (or allow settled powder to remain in the bottom of cup) and drink warm. It is traditionally taken in 1 cup dosages, 2-3 times daily. For more complete instrutions on preparing herbal infusions see the Methods for Preparing Herbal Remedies Page.

Contraindications: None reported.

Drug Interactions: None reported.

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Published Research on Matico

All available third-party research on matico be found at PubMed. A partial listing of the third-party published research on matico updated through Feb 2019 is shown below:

Antifungal, Anti-Candidal, Anti-mold, & Anti-yeast Actions
Matico’s effective antifungal and anticandidal actions are thought to be attributed to quite a few different chemicals present in matico leaves and their essential oil, including dillapiol, linalool, and nerolidol. Many studies report that matico is as good or better against various strains of fungi as the antifungal drug, Fluconazole, especially against the fungal strains causing common skin and nail fungal infections. One chemical named dillapiol, which is high amounts in matico, can kill some fungal strains in dosages as low as 1 part per million.
Valadares. A., et al. "Essential oils from Piper aduncum inflorescences and leaves: chemical composition and antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum." An. Acad. Bras. Cienc. 2018 Sep; 90(3): 2691-2699.
Dias, I., et al. "Antifungal activity of linalool in cases of Candida spp. isolated from individuals with oral candidiasis." Braz. J. Biol. 2018 May; 78(2): 368-374.
Almeida, C., et al. "Piper Essential oils inhibit Rhizopus oryzae growth, biofilm formation, and rhizopuspepsin activity. Can. J. Infect. Dis. Med. Microbiol. 2018 Jul; 2018: 5295619.
de Oliveira Lima, M., et al. Investigation of the antifungal potential of linalool against clinical isolates of fluconazole resistant Trichophyton rubrum." J. Mycol. Med. 2017 Jun; 27(2): 195-202.
Manoharan, R., et al. "Inhibitory effects of the essential oils α-longipinene and linalool on biofilm formation and hyphal growth of Candida albicans." Biofouling. 2017 Feb; 33(2): 143-155.
da Silva, J., et al. "Phenylpropanoid-rich Essential oils of Piper species from the Amazon and their antifungal and anti-cholinesterase activities." Nat. Prod. Commun. 2016 Dec; 11(12): 1907-1911.
Souza, C., et al. "Antifungal activity of plant-derived essential oils on Candida tropicalis planktonic and biofilms cells." Med. Mycol. 2016 Jul; 54(5): 515-23.
Santos, M., et al. "Antifungal activity of extracts from Piper aduncum leaves prepared by different solvents and extraction techniques against dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale." Braz. J. Microbiol. 2014 Mar; 44(4): 1275-8.
Curvelo, J., et al."A novel nerolidol-rich essential oil from Piper claussenianum modulates Candida albicans biofilm." J. Med. Microbiol. 2014; 63: 697-702.
Rahman, A., et al. "Antifungal activity of essential oil and extracts of Piper chaba Hunter against phytopathogenic fungi." J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 2011; 88: 573–579.
de Almeida, R., et al. "Chemical variation in Piper aduncum and biological properties of its dillapiole-rich essential oil." Chem. Biodivers. 2009; 6(9):1427-34.
Park M.,et al. "Effect of citral, eugenol, nerolidol and α-terpineol on the ultrastructural changes of Trichophyton mentagrophytes." Fitoterapia. 2009; 80:290–296.
Braga, F., et al. "Antileishmanial and antifungal activity of plants used in traditional medicine in Brazil." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2007 May; 111(2): 396-402.
Lee S., et al. "Antifungal effect of eugenol and nerolidol against Microsporum gypseum in a guinea pig model." Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2007; 30:184–188.
Navickiene, H., et al. "Composition and antifungal activity of essential oils from Piper aduncum, Piper arboreum and Piper tuberculatum." Quim. Nova. 2006; 20( 3): 467-470.
Lago, J., et al. "Benzoic acid derivatives from Piper species and their fungitoxic activity against Cladosporium cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum." J. Nat. Prod. 2004; 67(11): 1783-8.
Lentz, D., et al. "Antimicrobial properties of Honduran medicinal plants." J. Ethnopharmacol, 1998; 63(3): 253-263.
Trillini, B., et al. "Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Piper angustifolium." Planta Med. 1996; 62(4): 372-373.
Orjala, J., et al. "Two chromenes and a prenylated benzoic acid derivative from Piper aduncum." Phytochemistry. 1993; 34(3): 813-818.
Lemos, T., et al. "Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Brazilian plants." Phytother. Res. 1990; 4(2): 82-84.

Antibacterial Actions:
Bernuci, K., et al. "Evaluation of chemical composition and antileishmanial and antituberculosis activities of essential oils of Piper species." Molecules. 2016 Dec; 21(12).
Gutiérrez, Y., et al. "Chemodiversity associated with cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of Piper aduncum var. ossanum." Chem. Biodivers. 2016 Dec; 13(12): 1715-1719.
Shahverdi, A., et al. "Monoterpenes as nitrofurantoin resistance modulating agents: minimal structural requirements, molecular dynamics simulations, and the effect of piperitone on the emergence of nitrofurantoin resistance in Enterobacteriaceae." J. Mol. Model. 2015 Aug; 21(8): 198.
Ruiz, S., et al. "Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Piperaceae extracts and nisin on Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris." J. Food Sci. 2013 Nov; 78(11): M1772-7.
Orjala, J., et al. "New monoterpene-substituted dihydrochalcones from Piper aduncum." Helv. Chim. Acta 1993; 76(4): 1481-1488.
Kloucek, P., et al. "Antibacterial screening of some Peruvian medicinal plants used in Calleria district." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jun; 99(2): 309-12.
Hada, T., et al. "Inhibitory effects of terpenes on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus." Nat. Med. 2003; 57: 64–67.
Lemos, T. L. G., et al. "Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Brazilian plants." Phytother. Res. 1990; 4(2): 82-84.
Lentz, D., et al. "Antimicrobial properties of Honduran medicinal plants." J. Ethnopharmacol, 1998; 63(3): 253-263.
Trillini, B., et al. "Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Piper angustifolium." Planta Med. 1996; 62(4): 372-373.
Orjala, J., et al. "Cytotoxic and antibacterial dihydrochalcones from Piper aduncum." J. Nat. Prod. 1994; 57(1): 18-26.
Orjala, J., et al. "Three new prenylated benzoic acid derivatives and molluscicidal sesquiterpenoids from Piper aduncum leaves." Planta Med. Suppl. 1992; 58(1) A714-.
Orjala, J., et al. "Five new prenylated p-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives with antimicrobial and molluscicidal activity from Piper aduncum leaves." Planta Med. 1993; 59(6): 546-551.
Orjala, J., et al. "Aduncamide, a cytotoxic and antibacterial beta-phenylethylamine-derived amide from Piper aduncum." Nat. Prod. Lett. 1993; 2(3): 231-236.

Antiviral Actions:
Lohezic, L., et al. "Antiviral and cytotoxic activities of some Indonesian plants." Fitoterapia. 2002 Aug; 73(5): 400-5.

Anti-cholinesterase, Enhanced Memory & Anti-Alzheimer’s Actions:
One recent study reports that the essential oil of matico was 100 times more effective at inhibiting cholinesterase than the standard drug used for this purpose, Physostigmine. This drug is used to improve memory in people with or without dementia and to treat Alzheimer’s Disease.
da Silva, J., et al. "Phenylpropanoid-rich essential oils of Piper species from the Amazon and their antifungal and anti-cholinesterase activities." Nat. Prod. Commun. 2016 Dec; 11(12): 1907-1911.

Anticancerous & Antitumor Actions:
Arroyo-Acevedo, J., et al. "Protective effect of Piper aduncum capsule on DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats." Breast Cancer (Auckl). 2015 Jun; 9: 41-8.
Ferreira, A., et al. "Cytotoxic effects of dillapiole on MDA-MB-231 cells involve the induction of apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway by inducing an oxidative stress while altering the cytoskeleton network." Biochimie. 2014 Apr; 99: 195-207.
Qin, Y., et al. "Cardamonin exerts potent activity against multiple myeloma through blockade of NF-κB pathway in vitro." Leuk. Res 2012; 36: 514–520.
Yadav, V., et al. "The role of chalcones in suppression of NF-kB-mediated inflammation and cancer." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2011 Mar; 11(3): 295-309.
Orjala, J., et al. "Two chromenes and a prenylated benzoic acid derivative from Piper aduncum." Phytochemistry. 1993; 34(3): 813-818.
Orjala, J., et al. "Cytotoxic and antibacterial dihydrochalcones from Piper aduncum." J. Nat. Prod. 1994; 57(1): 18-26.
Orjala, J., et al. "Aduncamide, a cytotoxic and antibacterial beta-phenylethylamine-derived amide from Piper aduncum." Nat. Prod. Lett. 1993; 2(3): 231-236.

Antioxidant Actions:
Rodríguez, E., et al. "Chemical analysis and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of three Piperaceae species growing in the central region of Cuba." Nat. Prod. Commun. 2013 Sep; 8(9): 1325-8.
Sahu, N., et al. "Exploring pharmacological significance of chalcone scaffold: A review." Curr. Med. Chem. 2012; 19(2): 209-25.

Anti-parasitic, Anti-protozoal, Anti-Leishmanial & Anti-malarial Actions:
One of matico’s main chemicals called dillapiole (which can be up to 76% of the leaf’s essential oil) is thought to contribute to matico’s actions against parasitic intestinal worms.
Monzote, L.,et al. "Essential oil from Piper aduncum: chemical analysis, antimicrobial assessment, and literature review." Medicines. 2017 Jul; 4(3): E49.
Ceole, L., et al. "Nerolidol, the main constituent of Piper aduncum essential oil, has anti-Leishmania braziliensis activity." Parasitology. 2017 Aug; 144(9): 1179-1190.
Bernuci, K., et al. "Evaluation of chemical composition and antileishmanial and antituberculosis activities of essential oils of Piper species." Molecules. 2016 Dec; 21(12).
Gaínza, Y., et al. "Piper aduncum against Haemonchus contortus isolates: cross resistance and the research of natural bioactive compounds. Rev. Bras. Parasitol Vet. 2016 Oct-Dec; 25(4): 383-393.
Gutiérrez, Y., et al. "Chemodiversity associated with cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of Piper aduncum var. ossanum." Chem. Biodivers. 2016 Dec; 13(12): 1715-1719.
Dal Picolo, C., et al. "Antileishmanial activity evaluation of adunchalcone, a new prenylated dihydrochalcone from Piper aduncum L." Fitoterapia. 2014 Sep; 97: 28-33.
Parise-Filho, R., et al. "Dillapiole as antileishmanial agent: discovery, cytotoxic activity and preliminary SAR studies of dillapiole analogues." Arch. Pharm. 2012 Dec; 345(12): 934-44.
Valadeau, C., et al. "Medicinal plants from the Yanesha (Peru): evaluation of the leishmanicidal and antimalarial activity of selected extracts." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jun; 123(3): 413-22.
Flores, N., et al. "Antiparasitic activity of prenylated benzoic acid derivatives from Piper species." Phytochemistry. 2009; 70(5):621-7.
Braga, F. G., et al. "Antileishmanial and antifungal activity of plants used in traditional medicine in Brazil." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2007 May; 111(2): 396-402.
Torres-Santos, E. C., et al. Selective effect of 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone isolated from Piper aduncum on Leishmania amazonensis." Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 1999; 43(5): 1234-1241.
Torres-Santos, E. C., et al. Improvement of in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activities of 2', 6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone by entrapment in poly(D,L-lactide) nanoparticles." Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 1999; 43(7): 1776-8.

Anti-schistosomiasis, Anti-trypanosomal & Molluscicidal Actions:
A crude extract of matico was shown to be active against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni (which causes schistosomiasis) and this action was attributed to a significant amount of a chemical present in the extract called cardamonin. Other chemicals in matico have shown actions against other life-cycle forms of this tropical disease-causing parasite.
Villamizar, L., et al. " Linalool, a Piper aduncum essential oil component, has selective activity against Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigote forms at 4°C." Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz. 2017 Feb; 112(2): 131-139.
Silva, M., et al. "Antiparasitic activity of nerolidol in a mouse model of schistosomiasis." Int. J. Antimicrob. Agents. 2017 Sep; 50(3): 467-472.
Gutiérrez, Y., et al. "Chemodiversity associated with cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of Piper aduncum var. ossanum." Chem. Biodivers. 2016 Dec; 13(12): 1715-1719.
into, P., et al. "Cardamonin, a schistosomicidal chalcone from Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) that inhibits Schistosoma mansoni ATP diphosphohydrolase." Phytomedicine. 2015 Sep; 22(10): 921-8.
Carrara, V., et al. "In vitro schistosomicidal effects of aqueous and dichloromethane fractions from leaves and stems of Piper species and the isolation of an active amide from P. amalago L. (Piperaceae)." J. Helminthol. 2014 Sep; 88(3): 321-6.
Rapado, L., et al. "Molluscicidal and ovicidal activities of plant extracts of the Piperaceae on Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818)." J. Helminthol. 2011 Mar; 85(1): 66-72.
Batista, J. Jr, et al. "Natural chromenes and chromene derivatives as potential anti-trypanosomal agents." Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2008; 31(3): 538-40.
Orjala, J., et al. "Two chromenes and a prenylated benzoic acid derivative from Piper aduncum." Phytochemistry. 1993; 34(3): 813-818.
Orjala, J., et al. "Three new prenylated benzoic acid derivatives and molluscicidal sesquiterpenoids from Piper aduncum leaves." Planta Med. Suppl. 1992; 58(1) A714-.
Orjala, J., et al. "Five new prenylated p-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives with antimicrobial and molluscicidal activity from Piper aduncum leaves." Planta Med. 1993; 59(6): 546-551.

Insecticidal & Anti-larval Actions:
Matico has shown the ability to kill various insects including mosquitos, aphids, mites, ticks, weevils, fall army worm, caterpillars, stink bugs, fire ants, flies, and others. Other research suggest that matico is a good mosquito repellent. The plant chemical in matico with the highest tested insecticidal action is apiol (and its two naturally formed derivatives dillapiol and isodillapiol) although several other chemicals in the leaf and essential oil are insecticidal as well.
Silva, L., et al. "Encapsulation of Piper aduncum and Piper hispidinervum essential oils in gelatin nanoparticles: a possible sustainable control tool of Aedes aegypti, Tetranychus urticae and Cerataphis lataniae." J. Sci. Food. Agric. 2019 Jan; 99(2): 685-695.
Lucena, D., et al. "Activity of Piper aduncum extracts on Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)." An. Acad. Bras. Cienc. 2017 Jul-Sep; 89(3): 1869-1879.
Porto, K., et al. "Screening of plant extracts and fractions on Aedes aegypti larvae found in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (Linnaeus, 1762) (Culicidae)." An. Acad. Bras. Cienc. 2017 Apr-Jun; 89(2): 895-906.
Mamood, S., et al. "The formulation of the essential oil of Piper aduncum Linnaeus (Piperales: Piperaceae) increases its efficacy as an insect repellent." Bull. Entomol Res. 2017 Feb; 107(1): 49-57.
Turchen, L., et al. "Toxicity of Piper aduncum (Piperaceae) essential oil against Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and non-effect on egg parasitoids. Neotrop Entomol. 2016 Oct; 45(5): 604-611.
Volpe, H., et al. "Efficacy of essential oil of Piper aduncum against nymphs and adults of Diaphorina citri." Pest Manag. Sci. 2016 Jun; 72(6): 1242-9.
Lima, V., et al. "Effect of isodillapiole on the expression of the insecticide resistance genes GSTE7 and CYP6N12 in Aedes aegypti from central Amazonia. Genet. Mol. Res. 2015 Dec; 14(4): 16728-35.
Liu, S., et al. "Dillapiol: a pyrethrum synergist for control of the Colorado potato beetle." J. Econ. Entomol. 2014 Apr; 107(2): 797-805.
Aciole, E., et al. "Genetic toxicity of dillapiol and spinosad larvicides in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster." Pest Manag. Sci. 2014 Apr; 70(4): 559-65.
Oliveira, G., et al. "Chemical study and larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti of essential oil of Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae). An. Acad. Bras. Cienc. 2013; 85(4): 1227-34.
Souto, R., et al. "Insecticidal activity of Piper essential oils from the Amazon against the fire ant Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)." Neotrop. Entomol. 2012 Dec; 41(6): 510-7.
Araujo, M., et al. "Acaricidal activity and repellency of essential oil from Piper aduncum and its components against Tetranychus urticae." Exp. Appl. Acarol. 2012 Jun; 57(2): 139-55.
Misni, N., et al. "The effect of Piper aduncum Linn. (Family: Piperaceae) essential oil as aerosol spray against Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus Skuse." Trop. Biomed. 2011 Aug; 28(2): 249-58.
Misni, N., et al. "Repellency of essential oil of Piper aduncum against Aedes albopictus in the laboratory." J. Am. Mosq. Control Assoc. 2009 Dec; 25(4): 442-7.
Silva, W., et al. "Toxicity of Piper aduncum L. (Piperales: Piperaceae) from the Amazon forest for the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)." Vet. Parasitol. 2009; 164(2-4): 267-74.
Rafael, M., et al. "Potential control of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) with Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) extracts demonstrated by chromosomal biomarkers and toxic effects on interphase nuclei." Gene. Mol. Res. 2008; 7(3): 772-81.
Cde Almeida, R., et al. "Chemical variation in Piper aduncum and biological properties of its dillapiole-rich essential oil." Chem. Biodivers. 2009; 6(9): 1427-34.
Hidayatulfathi, O., et al. "Adulticidal activity of some Malaysian plant extracts against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus." J. Trop. Biomed. 2004 Dec; 21(2): 61-7.
Estrela, J., et al. "Toxicity of essential oils of Piper aduncum and Piper hsipidinervum against Sitophilus zeamais." Pesq. Agroped. Bras. 2006; 41(2): 217-222.

Anti-inflammatory Actions:
Thao, N., et al. "Anti-inflammatory flavonoid c-glycosides from Piper aduncum Leaves. Planta Med. 2016 Nov; 82(17): 1475-1481.
Chow, Y., et al. "Cardamonin from Alpinia rafflesiana inhibits inflammatory responses in IFN-γ/LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia via NF-κB signalling pathway." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2012; 12: 657–665.
Parise-Filho, R., et al. "The anti-inflammatory activity of dillapiole and some semisynthetic analogues." Pharm Biol. 2011 Nov; 49(11): 1173-9.
Lee J., et al. "Blockade of nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and anti-inflammatory activity of cardamomin, a chalcone analog from Alpinia conchigera." J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2006; 316: 271–278.

Gastroprotective, Anti-ulcerous & Antacid Actions:
Arroyo, J., et al. "[Gastroprotective and antisecretory effect of a phytochemical made from matico leaves (Piper aduncum)]." Rev. Peru Med. Exp. Salud Publica. 2013 Oct-Dec; 30(4): 608-15.
Rojas-Martínez, R., et al. "Dillapiole, isolated from Peperomia pellucida, shows gastroprotector activity against ethanol-induced gastric lesions in Wistar rats." Molecules. 2013 Sep; 18(9): 11327-37.

Wound Healing Actions:
Paco, K., et al. "[Determination of the healing effect of Piper aduncum (spiked pepper or matico) on human fibroblasts]." Rev. Peru Med. Exp. Salud Publica. 2016 Jul-Sep; 33(3): 438-447.

Reviews:
Durant-Archibold, A., et al. "Ethnomedical uses and pharmacological activities of most prevalent species of genus Piper in Panama: A review." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018 May; 217: 63-82.

Constituents Identified:
Dethe, D., et al. "Total synthesis of Adunctin B." J. Org. Chem. 2018 Mar; 83(6): 3392-3396.
Nomura, S., et al. "Synthesis of (+)-8-deisopropyladunctin B." Chem. Pharm. Bull. 2012; 60(1): 94-103
Rali, T., et al. "Volatile chemical constituents of Piper aduncum L and Piper gibbilimbum C. DC (Piperaceae) from Papua New Guinea." Molecules. 2007; 12(3): 389-94.