DIGITAL GARDEN

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Piper longum L.

Common name: Long pepper

Family – Piperaceae
Genus: Piper
Species: longum
Malayalam Name: Thippali
Tamil Name: Thippali
Other names: long pepper
Plant Description
The Piper longum plant is a slender, aromatic climber
Leaves: The leaves are dark green, shiny above, and pale and dull beneath. They are broadly ovate or oblong-oval in shape, and the older leaves are dentate and heart-shaped.
Flowers: The flowers are monoecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on different plants. The male spikes are 1–3 in long, and the female spikes are 0.5–2/3 in long. The flowers are yellow or golden in color, and are grouped in clusters or inflorescences.
Fruits: The fruits are small, ovoid berries that are shiny blackish green and embedded in fleshy spikes. They are about one inch in diameter and turn red when ripe, and black when dried.

Uses
Piper longum is used to treat digestive disturbances, heartburn, indigestion, intestinal gas, diarrhea, and cholera. It can also improve appetite
It is used to treat respiratory disorders, including asthma, bronchitis, and cough.
It has antioxidant properties that can help protect against free radical-induced oxidative damage
It has antimicrobial effects against bacterial and viral pathogens.
Piper longum is used in Ayurveda as a “Rasayana” and as an ingredient in Trikatu, a combination of three pungent herbs.