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Abstract This literature brief review compiled the main biological activities and active chemical constituents that have already been isolated from Piper aduncum (Piperaceae), whose common name is spiked paper. In Brazilian Portuguese, it has been called pimenta-longa, aperta-ruão, pimenta de macaco, matico, erva de jaboti, jaborandi do mato, pimenta-de-fruto-ganchoso and tapa buraco. Extracts, essential oils (EOs) and compounds isolated from this species have exhibited remarkable fungicidal and insecticidal activities, besides antibacterial, antileishmanial, antioxidant, cytotoxic/antitumor, larvicidal, antiplatelet, molluscoidal and antiviral ones. P. aduncum is an endemic species in Brazil which has drawn researchers’ attention because of high contents of EOs that are extracted from its leaves, inflorescences and twigs. This study aimed at analyzing data on P. aduncum, its EOs, extracts and isolated compounds found in 45 research papers. Its major chemical constituent is definitely dillapiole, an arylpropanoid. Findings were carefully compiled by this brief review which reinforces the chemical and biological potential of this botanic species.

Abstract: Tradescantia pallida (Commelinaceae) has shown promising antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. This study aimed at extracting hexane from T. pallida (HE-TP) aerial parts to identify and quantify its volatile compounds by GC-MS and GC-FID and at evaluating its antifungal and antiproliferative activities. (E)-4-Methoxycynnamic acid (50.2%), 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (13.7%) and epijuvabione (10.4%) were the major components identified in HE-TP. HE-TP was incorporated into PDA medium, poured into Petri dishes and transferred to mycelial discs of pathogens. Percentages of inhibition of fungal growth were determined. HE-TP showed remarkable antifungal potential at the dose of 400 µL since it inhibited 100% of Penicillium digitatum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum growth and 92.6% of Rhizopus stolonifer growth. Besides, HE-TP demonstrated cytotoxic activity against different human tumor cell lines with IC50 values between 231.43 and 428.76 µg/mL. Therefore, results showed that HE-TP has potential against fungi of agronomic interest and tumor cells.