Bioactivity, analytical techniques and formulative approaches for Embelin

Embelia ribes or black pepper contains many bioactive constituents of pharmaceutical importance. It contains alkaloids, tannins, fixed oils, and traces of volatile oils and benzoquinone derivative Embelin. Embelin (2, 5-dihydroxy 3-undecyl, 1, 4-benzoquinone), a benzoquinone derivative has reported to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, wound healing, antioxidant, analgesic, antitumor and anthelmintic activities. Due to poor aqueous solubility, bioavailability its therapeutic potential is not fully utilized. This review summarises recent literature on biological, analytical and formulative aspects of EMB. Proposed mechanisms for various bioactivities of EMB are brought under limelight. UV double beam spectrophotometry, thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPTLC techniques for EMB quantification are discussed. Types of dosage forms and its potential for controlled and targeted delivery of EMB are also discussed. This review will open the ways for development of an optimum formulation of EMB for its reported biological activities.