Abstract: Piplartine is an alkaloids/amide component of Piper species, having diverse pharmacological and biological activities. Recent studies have indicated that piplartine has inhibitory effects on several kinds of tumors and is a potential antitumor drug. It can inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, cause cell cycle arrest and induce apoptosis. More investigations suggest targeting the reactive oxygen species(ROS) stress-response pathway is closely related to its antitumor activity.

Key words: Antineoplastic agents, Apoptosis, Reactive oxygen species, Piplartine