Indian long pepper

Scientific names: Piper longum

Family: Piperaceae

Alternate names: Bi Ba, Bi Bo, Jaborandi Pepper, Kana, Langer Pfeffer, Lindipipper, Long Pepper, Magadhi, Magdhi, Pibo, Pimienta Larga, Pimenta-Longa, Pippali, Pippli, Poivre Long, Poivrier Long, Poivrier Long d'Inde, Poivre Long Indien, Ushana

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Scientific names: Piper longum

Family: Piperaceae

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Background

Indian long pepper (Piper longum) is a plant found in Southern Asia. Its fruit and root are used in Ayurvedic medicine and as a spice in foods.

Indian long pepper fruit and root contain chemicals that might help kill certain parasites and reduce swelling. One of these chemicals is called piperine. When taken by mouth, piperine seems to allow some drugs and other substances to be better absorbed by the body.

People use Indian long pepper for asthma, lung problems, arthritis, heart disease, common cold, cough, indigestion, stress, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Indian long pepper with other types of peppers, including black pepper, capsicum, and white pepper. These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Indian long pepper fruit is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if Indian long pepper is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Indian long pepper fruit is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if Indian long pepper is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding conditions: Indian long pepper might slow blood clotting. Taking Indian long pepper in amounts greater than those found in foods might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Indian long pepper might slow blood clotting and affect blood sugar levels. Taking Indian long pepper in amounts greater than those found in foods might cause bleeding complications or affect blood sugar levels during surgery. Stop taking Indian long pepper at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Effectiveness

Effective Effectiveness definitions

There is interest in using Indian long pepper for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Indian long pepper might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Indian long pepper contains a chemical called piperine. Piperine might increase the amount of amoxicillin absorbed by the body. This might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Indian long pepper contains a chemical called piperine. Piperine might increase the amount of carbamazepine absorbed by the body. This might increase the chance of side effects. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.

Cefotaxime (Claforan)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Indian long pepper contains a chemical called piperine. Piperine might increase levels of cefotaxime in the blood. This might increase the effects and side effects of cefotaxime. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.