Pippali Moola

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Pippali Moola
Latin/Botanical	Piper longum L. (root)

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Piperine
• Piperlongumine
• Piperlonguminine
• Pipermonaline
• Piperundecalidine
• Sylvatin
• Sesamin
• Diaeudesmin
• Beta-sitosterol
• Cepharadione A

How does it work?

• Piperine enhances bioavailability of co-administered drugs/nutrients by inhibiting CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein efflux pump, and stimulating intestinal amino acid transporters
• Piperlongumine has been reported to raise reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells through inhibition of glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1), with less effect on normal cells with adequate antioxidant defenses
• Sesamin and diaeudesmin from root exhibit anti-inflammatory effects through dual inhibition of COX-2 and 5-LOX pathways, reducing both prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Yogavahi (bioenhancer): traditionally used to enhance the action of co-administered substances. Pharmacological studies have reported that piperine can increase the absorption of co-administered compounds.
• Shwasa, Kasa (respiratory disease): traditionally used for respiratory conditions. Studies have reported anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects. High-quality randomized controlled trials are still lacking.
• Deepana-Pachana (digestive stimulant): traditionally used to stimulate digestion. Studies have reported increased gastric secretion and gastrointestinal motility.

What do recent studies show?

• Biswas P, Ghorai M, Mishra T and others 2022. Piper longum L.: A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and health-promoting activities. Phytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 36256521 · doi:10.1002/ptr.7649
  Essential oils from roots and fruits documented as antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory agents.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Pippali Moola used in over 135 classical Ayurvedic formulations with long traditional safety record; however, no standardized human clinical safety data available
• Piperine’s bioavailability enhancement can increase plasma levels of co-administered drugs (phenytoin, theophylline, propranolol); significant drug interaction potential requiring monitoring
• Avoid high doses during pregnancy (potential uterotonic effects); may exacerbate gastric acidity in patients with GERD or peptic ulcers

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (root powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Ghrita, Vati

Standard Dosage: 1-3 g root powder daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized root extract twice daily

Optimal Timing: After meals for digestive benefits. Before meals with honey for respiratory conditions. Part of Trikatu or digestive formulations taken with first morsel of food.

Storage: Dried root: cool, dry, ventilated storage, below 25 deg C, protected from pest infestation. Powder and extracts: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light.

Marker Compounds: Piperine, Piperlongumine, Piperlonguminine, Methyl piperate, Sesamin, Dihydrostigmasterol, Piperanine, Brachystamide B

Synergistic Combinations

• Chitraka root (digestive fire and metabolism)
• Shunthi (Trikatu root variant for deep-seated Kapha)
• Pushkarmool (respiratory and cardiac combination)
• Guduchi (immune modulation with digestive support)
• Ashwagandha root (Rasayana root combination)