Computational analysis of therapeutic potential for simplified Piper spp.- derived medicinal mixtures in anxiety, sleep, pain and seizure.

INTRODUCTION

Phytomedicines have played a vital role in traditional medical systems globally, particularly in providing culturally relevant and accessible healthcare solutions. P. methysticum, known as Kava, is a traditional Pacific Island phytomedicine with clinically validated anxiolytic properties, primarily attributed to its Kavalactones (KL). However, P. methysticum is biogeographically restricted and there are ecological and cultural concerns that limits its widespread therapeutic adoption. This study investigates if other Piper species, used phytomedically outside the Pacific, offer therapeutic efficacy for anxiety, stress, and related disorders as alternatives to Kava. We used a hybrid computational and experimental validation approach.

METHODS

A new data platform aggregating non-Western phytomedical pharmacopeias was used to analyze the secondary metabolomes of various Piper species. Network analysis and multidimensional data projections compared chemical composition and therapeutic indications of these species with those of P. methysticum.

RESULTS

Our findings suggest that while Kavalactones are predominantly unique to P. methysticum, other Piper species also contain bioactive compounds associated with anxiolytic and stress-relieving effects, a subset of which were validated in an in vivo model pilot study.

DISCUSSION: These findings identify new potential avenues for exploration of phytomedical solutions to complex interconnected sleep, pain, stress, movement and anxiety issues that hallmark disorders such as PTSD and Parkinson's.