Peperomia Pellucida: 5 Powerful Pansit Parsitan Benefits

Peperomia pellucida is just one of over a thousand Peperomia species. These plants belong to the Piperaceae plant family.

The plant grows in damp, shaded areas in Asia and the Americas, the Caribbean and other tropical and subtropical regions .

Pansit Pansitan makes a beautiful house plant. It grows in clusters and has dark heart-shaped, shiny leaves. The stems are jointed and can be broken easily.

The Pansit Pansitan plant has flower spikes that bear tiny one-seed fruits that turn dark brown to black when they ripen.

The fruits fall off and will reproduce if the conditions are right.

Pansit Pansitan Benefits

Peperomia Pellucida is the most studied of all the Peperomia species. And research shows that the beautiful ornamental plant packs a lot of potential health benefits.

Some confirmed benefits of Pansit Pansitan incude: anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-hyperglycemic benefits.

1. Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation causes organ and tissue damage that leads to the development of serious diseases.

One test was done with rats as test subjects. The aim was to verify the anti-inflammatory properties of Peperomia pellucida. The animals were treated with the plants liquid extracts.

Test results confirmed the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Antibacterial Benefits

As more bacteria become resistant to current treatment, more research is being done to find ways to deal with bacteria resistance.

Herbal treatments are often looked at as new treatment options. Peperomia pellucida is one of the plants being researched as a treatment solution to the problem.

In 1994 fresh whole, air-dried Peperomia pellucida plants were tested to determine the plant’s antibacterial properties. Three different solvents were used in the research.

Pepper Elder demonstrated antibacterial effects against 6 different strains of bacteria including e-Coli and Bacillus subtilis.

The report from that study concluded that the plant has the potential to be used as a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

3. Treat Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the weakening of the bones which makes them susceptible to fracture.

In one Research to detect anti-estrogenic agents in Shiny bush, two compounds were isolated and tested. 

The report showed that one of the isolated compounds-pachypostaudin B- displayed anti-estrogenic activity. 

The findings determined that the Pepper Elder shows promise as an estrogenic agent for treating osteoporosis.

Some 54 million Americans who suffer from osteoporosis could benefit from the Peperomia pellucida plant in the future.

4. Kill Some Cancer Cells

One bioactive compound profiled in Peperomia Pellucida is Pellucidin A. An experience to validate the anticancer properties of the natural compound.

The plant extracts reportedly to show antimutagenic properties. So, the conclusion was that Pepper Elder may potentially be used yo treat some forms of cancer, particularly breast cancer.

5. Lower Blood Pressure

Hypertension is a leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke around the globe.

One study carried out at the University of the West Indies sought to identify the potential of Pepper Elder in the treatment of hypertension.

Aqueous extracts of the plant’s leaves and stem were used in the experiment.

Reports revealed the Pansit Partisan plant extract has antihypertensive properties. The extracts reportedly showed hypertension reduction and heart rate lowering effects.

Indications are that the plant has the potential for being used as a treatment for helping to reduce high blood pressure.

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Peperomia Pellucida Common Names

You may know Peperomia Pellucida by its common name. For example, if you live in the Philippines you know it as Pansit Pansitan.

In North America, local names for Peperomia pellucia are Pepper Elder, Silver bush, Shiny bush, Man to Man, and crab claw herb.

In Guyana, natives us soldier parsley as the local name for Peperomia pellucida.

In Jamaica, the plant is known by several local names based on where you live on the island.

Some those Jamaican names for Peperomia pellucida are: Pepper elder, Black joint, or Black jointer.

Pansit Parsitan Health Benefits

Pansit Parsitan has a number of health benefits. Compounds found in the Peperomia pellucida plant are responsible for those health benefits.

Researcher isolated several flavonoids from the Peperomia pellucida. Some of these compounds and their benefits are listed below:

Apigenin: This is a common compound in many plants. Apigenin displays various anti-inflammatory actions. This includes the ability to clear up airway inflammation.

Acacetin:  This flavone is found in several plants in the Asteraceae family. The compound is proven to have antiviral properties. 

Isovitexin: This compound is found in a variety of medicinal plants. Reasearch shows that the chemical has anticancer, hyperanalgesic, and antioxidant, and other effects.

Pellucidatin: Science-backed evidence shows this terpene demonstrates pain relieving power. More recent studies found that it potential for treating breast and liver cancer as well.

Pansit Pansitan Uses

In the Philippines, Pansit Partisan is one of only 10 medicinal plants endorsed by the Department of Health.

The stems and leaves of the black jointer herb are the most commonly used parts of the plant.

The whole plant is used by Indians in Bolivia to stop hemorrhages.  

In Guyana, pepper elder is used as a cough suppressant as well as a diuretic among other things.

 In Jamaica, black joint tea is used to treat colic, indigestion, and gout. Juice made from the leaves and stems are used to relieve painful arthritis.

To make a cup of Pepper Elder tea just 3 or 4 fresh leaves or a handful of dried leaves to three cups of water. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain. Serve when cool. (optional: Sweeten to taste if desired)

Peperomia Pellucida Side Effects

The plant’s odor may cause some hypersensitive people to experience asthma-like symptoms.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women should exercise caution when using Peperomia Pellucida as there is very little data on its safety.

Note that the use of herbs to treat medical conditions is not approved by the FDA. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right treatment for you.

If you take prescription medications, be alert to the possibility of herbal remedies interacting with your medication.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this site should be viewed as medical advice. Please consult with a professional healthcare provider about matters relating to your medical care.