Abstract

THERAPEUTIC USES OF PIPPALI [PIPER LONGUM LINN.] IN ANCIENT LITERATURE

Dr. Rupashri Nath, Dr. Bidhan Mahajon* and Dr. Sisir Kumar Mandal

ABSTRACT

Natural products with medicinal value are gradually gaining importance in clinical research due to their well-known property of no side effects as compared to synthetic drugs. Recently the discovery of active components from the plant and their biological function in disease control has led to active interest in the plant across the globe. Piper longum Linn. commonly named as “Pippali” is known for its immense application in the treatment of various diseases in the traditional Ayurvedic text. The present work is an extensive review of “Pippali” in various Ayurvedic literatures. Compiled data reflects the therapeutic efficacy of the plant. This will be helpful for researchers to focus on the priority areas of research yet to be explored and in scientific use of the plant for its wide variety of traditional therapeutic claims and also as to find out new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional activities.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Pippali, Classical use.