PIPER LONGUM LINN.: AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF ITS BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS, PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND DIVERSE PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Piper longum Linn., commonly known as Indian long pepper, is an important medicinal plant historically rooted in the Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine, applied to manage respir-atory, gastrointestinal, inflammatory, and metabolic disorders. Over the past few years, scien-tific attention has increased toward its varied phytochemical composition and broad-spectrum pharmacological effects. The plant contains a wide array of bioactive constituents; Scientific investigation has identified over 159 phytochemicals, predominantly alkaloids such as piper-ine and piperlongumine, along with lignans, flavonoids, and volatile oils that contribute to itstherapeutic potential. Experimental evidence indicates that P. longum shows significant bioavailability-enhancing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective actions. Additionally, advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS and FTIR have contributed to the standardisation and identification of its active constituents and assist to validate its therapeutic claims. Even with promising preclinical findings, there is lack of clinical validation and comprehensive mechanistic studies. This review offers current overview of the botanical features, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological efficacy, and research gaps related to P. longum, highlighting its importance as a valuable source for the development of phytopharmaceutical agents in future.