Indian long pepper
Piper longum
Piper longum is a flowering plant central to various Ayurvedic and traditional medicine practices. It is historically utilized for a wide range of conditions, including cough, asthma, bronchitis, fever, dysentery, and as a stimulant, carminative, or analgesic. Scientific evidence suggests that the compound piperlongumine may inhibit or modulate inflammatory responses, and certain isolated alkaloids show potential anti-adipogenic activity. Additionally, research indicates that PLG might inhibit the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, which could potentially reduce atherosclerosis progression. While no major safety issues are recorded, an uncertain probable interaction between warfarin and a toothache solution containing the plant was associated with an ischemic stroke. No other specific drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- carminative · bronchitis
- Traditions
- TCM · traditional · Unani · Ayurveda
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- carminative
- bronchitis
- stimulant
- cough
- diuretic
- dysentery
- fever
- sudorific
- vermifuge
- analgesic
- asthma
- cholera
- coma
- stomachic
- tuberculosis
What the science says
- Current evidence suggests that piperlongumine can inhibit or modulate inflammatory responses.
- A probable interaction between warfarin and a toothache solution containing Piper longum was associated with an ischemic stroke, though the relationship is uncertain.
- Four new amide alkaloids were isolated from Piper longum fruits, and some compounds showed potential anti-adipogenic activity.
- PLG inhibited the phenotypic switch, proliferation, and migration of VSMCs, potentially reducing atherosclerosis progression.
Frequently asked questions
What is Indian long pepper?
Indian long pepper (Piper longum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Indian long pepper traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Indian long pepper for: carminative, bronchitis, stimulant, cough, diuretic, dysentery. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Indian long pepper?
Indian long pepper appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, traditional, Unani, Ayurveda.
What does the scientific evidence say about Indian long pepper?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Indian long pepper; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Current evidence suggests that piperlongumine can inhibit or modulate inflammatory responses.
How strong is the evidence for Indian long pepper?
The strongest finding for Indian long pepper carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Indian long pepper safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Indian long pepper in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Indian long pepper interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Indian long pepper in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Indian long pepper?
Indian long pepper is also known as: Перец длинный, Poivrier long.
Is Indian long pepper a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Probable interaction between warfarin and a toothache solution containing Piper longum L. leading to ischemic stroke: a case report. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Piperlonguminine attenuates atherosclerosis in mice via phenotype switching inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cells. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Four new amide alkaloids from the fruits of Piper longum and their anti-adipogenic activities. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Piperlongumine: A Natural Alkamide with Multi-target Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms of Action. literature abstract metadata