Piperaceae
Pippali
Piper longum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
Also known as: Long Pepper, Indian Long Pepper, Javanese Long Pepper, Thippili
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Parts Used
FruitRoot
Therapeutic Uses
Digestive complaints, respiratory conditions, bioavailability enhancement, liver support, antiparasitic. Central Ayurvedic rejuvenating herb — Trikatu formula component with ginger and black pepper.
Herbal Actions
Bioavailability enhancer (like black pepper), digestive stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor (piperlongumine), hepatoprotective, warming
Active Constituents
Piperine (4–5%), piperlongumine, piplartine, volatile oil, resins
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.5 tsp powder per 250ml warm water with honey, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Part of Trikatu (three peppers) Ayurvedic formula with black pepper and ginger. Piperlongumine has significant anticancer properties in vitro. Traditional dose: 3–6g daily. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: High doses in pregnancy (emmenagogue). Similar drug interactions to black pepper (piperine). Avoid with peptic ulcers.
Side Effects: GI irritation. Drug interactions (CYP inhibition). Generally well tolerated at culinary to low medicinal doses.