Peperomia pellucida: Shiny bush, healthy herb

Peperomia pellucida (Fam. Piperaceae) is an annual, shallow-rooted herb, usually growing to a height of about 15–45 cm (6–18 inches). It is characterised by succulent stems, shiny, heart-shaped fleshy leaves, and tiny, dot-like seeds attached to several fruiting spikes. It has a mustard-like odour when crushed. It is also known by common names such as pepper elder, shining bush plant, crab claw herb, man-to-man, crested pepper, clearweed, and silver bush. It is called markafi or daadaa by the Hausas; oku okpukpu nta, nla, or umu nla by the Igbos; and ewe rinrin by the Yorubas.

Constituents

1. pellucida contains phytochemicals, including alkaloids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, steroids, and phenols. The plant is rich in crude protein, carbohydrates, and total ash. It also contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, beta-carotene, and ascorbic acid. Isolated flavonoids include acacetin, apigenin, isovitexin, and pellucidatin. Isolated phytosterols include campesterol and stigmasterol.

Preparations

The plant is available in the form of fresh or dried leaves, stems, and roots. The entire plant is edible, either raw or cooked. It may be boiled or used as an ingredient in soups and light meals.

Pharmacological actions and medicinal uses

The plant has been shown to possess antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antihypertensive, anticancer, antidiabetic, cleansing, and antioxidant activities. This explains why it has traditionally been used to treat various medical conditions, including conjunctivitis, convulsions, fatigue, fever, headache, gout, rheumatic pain, and skin diseases such as dermatitis, acne, boils, and eczema, as well as breast cancer and diabetes.

Peperomia pellucida has demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, and antifungal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in vitro.

The crushed leaf is applied topically to promote the healing of wounds, cuts, boils, acne, and other skin irritations. Ewe rinrin is used as an antipyretic for fever and what is commonly described as “internal body heat”. In various countries, it has been used for stomach discomfort, kidney cleansing, urinary tract health, detoxification, minor bleeding, headache, renal disorders, rheumatic pain, impotence, measles, mental disorders, smallpox, uric acid reduction, colic, insomnia, gout, and cholesterol reduction. It has also been used as a diuretic in the management of proteinuria, as a cough suppressant and emollient, and in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

The analgesic properties of the plant appear to be related to its effect on prostaglandin synthesis.

Adverse effects

The plant may cause asthma-like symptoms in individuals with hypersensitivity to the species. Like many herbs, excessive consumption may place stress on the liver or kidneys. Topical application may cause irritation or sensitivity in some individuals. It may also interact with antihypertensive drugs, anticoagulants, or medications used in the management of kidney disease. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be avoided.

Economic uses and potential

In Nigeria, P. pellucida is not routinely sold as a standard commercial commodity. Rather, it is gathered and traded locally as a fresh wild-harvested herb or leafy vegetable. Fresh leaves and bunches may be purchased in neighbourhood markets for as little as N200–N500 per bunch, depending on the seller and location. Dried leaves, herbal powders, and capsules typically sell for between N6,000 and N15,000, depending on the weight or volume. The plant has considerable potential for utilisation in the agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Reference

Nordin, N. A., Pauzi, M. R., Ismail, S., Rahman, N. I. A., Suzima, E. A., & Sukri, A. (2025). A comprehensive review of Peperomia pellucida: Chemical composition, traditional and pharmacological uses, and potential in dermatitis management. Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(1), 100–111.

By Pharm. Ngozika Okoye MSc, MPH, FPCPharm

(Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency

Email: ngozikaokoye@yahoo.com