English Name: Long Pepper
Hindi Name: Pippal, Piparamula
Sanskrit Name: Pippali, Magadhi, Granthika
Latin Name: Piper longum Linn Pennell
A slender aromatic climber having flowers in solitary spikes forming small red berries sunken in solid fleshy spike. The spike is tremendously used in Ayurveda for the preparation of number of formulations.
Application
Long pepper finds a wide range of applications in Ayurveda. It is used as a "Rasayana" in the treatment of respiratory disorders and also as an important constituent in digestive formulations. Ayurveda uses it as an ingredient of Trikatu (three pungent herbs). Individually long pepper is used in correcting digestive disturbances and minor respiratory ailments. Trikatu is an important constituent in many Ayurvedic formulations. Experimental studies suggest that Trikatu increases bioavailability of the substances administered along with them.
Chemical composition
The fruits contain volatile oil, resin and alkaloids piperine, piperlongumine, piperlonguminine etc.
Effect on dosha
Pacifies vata and kapha.
