Thippali

Overview

Long pepper (Piper longum), also known as Indian long pepper or pippali, is a flowering vine in the Piperaceae family, cultivated for its fruit, typically dried and used as a spice.
It has a taste akin to, but sweeter and less pungent than, its close relative Piper nigrum, from which black, green, and white pepper are derived.
The fruit consists of many minuscule fruits, each about the size of a poppy seed, embedded in the surface of a flower spike resembling a hazel tree catkin. These fruits contain piperine, contributing to their pungency.
Another species, Piper retrofractum, native to Java, Indonesia, often confuses its fruits with chili peppers, belonging to the Capsicum genus, originally from the Americas.
The oldest known reference to long pepper comes from ancient Indian Ayurvedic texts, detailing its medicinal and dietary uses. It reached Greece in the sixth or fifth century BCE, where Hippocrates discussed it as a medicament rather than a spice. Long pepper was an important spice among the Greeks and Romans before the Columbian exchange.

Found in the hotter parts of India, from the central Himalayas to Assam, Khasi, and Mikir hills, and in the forests of the Western Ghats from Konkan to Kerala.

Fruits contain about 20 % dry matter, volatile oil, resin, alkaloids (4-5% piperine), and a terpenoid substance. The root contains piperlon gumine as a major alkaloid, in addition to piperine.

Pippali’s hypoglycemic property aids in regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production from β-pancreatic cells, reducing starch breakdown into glucose.
Its biochemical compounds offer potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, protecting against infections and promoting wound healing.
Known for its natural fat-burning properties, it detoxifies the body, curbs sudden hunger pangs, and unhealthy food cravings, improving metabolism and aiding in weight loss.
Effective against PMS symptoms like mood swings and cramps, it manages heavy menstrual flow and eases cramps, historically used in inducing contractions during delivery and promoting healing.
Effective for Kapha-aggravating disorders like asthma and bronchitis, it relieves cough, congestion, and removes phlegm from the respiratory tract.
With carminative and digestive properties, it alleviates digestive issues, reducing gas, bloating, constipation, and promoting better nutrient absorption by preventing excessive stomach acid formation.
With potent antibacterial and anti-diarrheal properties, it combats intestinal infections, including AMA ATISARA, reducing toxin buildup and stool frequency.

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