Piper Longum (Piper longum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Piper longum work as a bioavailability enhancer?

Piper longum contains piperine, which inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes (particularly CYP3A4) and P-glycoprotein transporters in the intestinal wall and liver. This inhibition reduces the metabolism and efflux of co-administered compounds, allowing more active constituents to enter systemic circulation. The herb has been used traditionally in Trikatu formulations to 'kindle digestive fire' and enhance absorption of other herbs. Evidence level: C.

Does Piper longum interact with prescription medications?

Yes, Piper longum can significantly interact with many medications due to its bioavailability-enhancing properties. By inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein, it may increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by these pathways, including anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, cardiac medications, and immunosuppressants. This can lead to enhanced drug effects or potential toxicity. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining Piper longum with prescription medications. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage of Piper longum?

The typical adult dosage of Piper longum is 1-3 grams of dried powder taken twice daily, or approximately 250mg of standardized extract twice daily. It is traditionally taken with warm water or honey to enhance absorption. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being treated and individual constitution. Start with lower doses and gradually increase as tolerated. Consult a qualified practitioner for personalized dosing. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Piper longum safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

No, Piper longum is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb has emmenagogue properties, meaning it can stimulate uterine contractions and potentially induce menstruation or miscarriage. Additionally, its potent bioavailability-enhancing effects could alter the metabolism of pregnancy-related hormones. Breastfeeding women should also avoid Piper longum due to insufficient safety data. Evidence level: Traditional.

Can Piper longum help with asthma and respiratory conditions?

Piper longum has been used traditionally in Ayurveda for respiratory disorders including asthma, chronic cough, and bronchitis. The herb contains piperine and related compounds that may help relax bronchial smooth muscle and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. It is often combined with ginger and black pepper in Trikatu formulations for enhanced respiratory support. However, clinical evidence remains limited. Evidence level: C.

What are the side effects and contraindications of Piper longum?

Common side effects include a burning sensation in the gastrointestinal tract and increased appetite. Piper longum should be avoided in cases of gastric ulcers, active peptic ulcer disease, or severe acid reflux due to its pungent, heating properties. In Ayurvedic terms, it should be used cautiously in individuals with high pitta conditions (excess heat and inflammation). Discontinue use if severe GI discomfort occurs. Evidence level: Traditional.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 29 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Piper longum, known as long-pepper or Pippali, is a medicinal-edible herb native to the Indo-Malaya region with diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects [PMID:36256521, 41317577].

Contexte

Piper longum (family Piperaceae) is a perennial shrub or herbaceous vine distributed across the tropical and subtropical world, including the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and America [PMID:36256521].

Usages traditionnels

It is used as a culinary spice and preservative, and as a traditional remedy for bronchitis, cough, cold, snakebite, scorpion-sting, and as a contraceptive [PMID:36256521]. It is also traditionally used for arthritis, gastritis, diarrhea, menstrual pain, and fever [PMID:34996326], and in India to increase milk supply, though no clinical trials support the latter [PMID:35349239].

Composés actifs

Major bioactive compounds include alkaloids such as piperine [PMID:27671817, 31273611] and piplartine (piperlongumine) [PMID:35349239, 33930801], as well as flavonoids, esters, steroids [PMID:36256521], sesquiterpenes [PMID:39413978], and lignans [PMID:41157743].

Mécanisme d'action

Piper longum acts through several pathways: piperine enhances drug bioavailability by modulating gastrointestinal absorption and altering transporters like p-glycoprotein [PMID:34996326, 1434692]; piplartine inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome by disrupting its assembly [PMID:35095532] and inhibits pyroptosis via the NF-κB pathway [PMID:40056632]; and ethanol extracts may regulate the TRPV1/CaMK2β/AMPK pathway to promote adipose thermogenesis [PMID:41317577].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DGastric Cancer

Piper longum significantly suppressed gastric cancer growth in a dose-dependent manner, with piperine identified as a key active compound targeting ACOT1 [PMID:40855327]

Preuve DCirrhotic Ascites

Administration of Vardhamāna pippalī rasāyana resolved ascites and lower limb oedema in a case of cryptogenic cirrhosis [PMID:27621523]

Preuve BPrimary Hypothyroidism

A randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of Pippali in Vardhamana and fixed dosage patterns, though specific outcome improvements for TSH/T3/T4 were not detailed in the abstract [PMID:35661936]

Preuve BKaphaja Kasa (Cough)

A clinical study compared Pippali Churna against Vasa Churna to assess its action as Abheshaja [PMID:22048536]

Preuve DGout

Alcoholic extracts from fruit spikes are suggested as a safe and effective treatment via the MAPK/PI3K-AKT pathway [PMID:38670409]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Piper longum has been contraindicated for use over a longer duration in some clinical contexts [PMID:22048536]. Piperlongumine is reported to be safe in the context of cancer prevention and therapy [PMID:36046754].

Grossesse et allaitement

Black pepper and long pepper are reportedly used in India to increase milk supply, but no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use [PMID:35349239].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Piperine is known to enhance the oral bioavailability of other compounds (e.g., curcumin) and drugs by modulating gastrointestinal absorption and altering the activity of transporters like p-glycoprotein [PMID:35349239, 34996326, 1434692].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence consists primarily of review articles (C), in vitro/in vivo animal studies (D), and a few small-scale clinical trials or case reports (B/D). While there is strong preclinical evidence for anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity, large-scale human clinical data are limited.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 35349239 (2006) — The Antitumor Activity of Piplartine: A Review. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 36256521 (2022) — Piper longum L.: A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and health-promoting activities. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
3.PMID: 25280022 (2014) — Review on medicinal uses, pharmacological, phytochemistry and immunomodulatory activity of plants. · International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology
4.PMID: 22048536 (2010) — A clinical trial of Pippali (Piper longum Linn.) with special reference to Abheshaja. · Ayu
5.PMID: 23559810 (2012) — Anti-inflammatory activity of two varieties of Pippali (Piper longum Linn.). · Ayu

Piper Longum

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Piper Longum