Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Piper Longum Fruit Extract

Also known as: Long pepper, Piper longum fruit extract, Piper longum L., Piper longum var. longum, Long pepper extract, Piper longum

Overview

Piper longum is a perennial herbaceous vine native to the Indo-Malaya region, known for its culinary applications and medicinal properties. The plant contains significant bioactive compounds such as piperine and piperlongumine, commonly attributed to the herb's diverse health benefits. Traditionally used for conditions like bronchitis and cough, Piper longum also exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunostimulant, and anti-diarrheal effects. While the extract has been utilized in various traditional medicine systems, modern research highlights its potential in enhancing immune responses, combating oxidative stress, and offering antimicrobial and anticancer benefits. Nonetheless, further clinical trials are necessary to validate these applications and establish its efficacy across different populations.

Benefits

Piper longum provides multiple evidence-supported health benefits. It showcases anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting nitric oxide production and downregulating inflammatory markers including COX-2 and TNF-α. Antioxidant effects are documented, indicated by raised HO-1 protein expression, which bolsters cellular defenses against oxidative stress. Immunomodulatory benefits feature increased white blood cell counts, essential for robust immune responses, especially beneficial for populations like diabetic individuals who may experience improved glucose metabolism. The extract's anticancer and antimicrobial activities have been studied as well. While research underscores significant effects, dosage and clinical application timelines need further exploration to confer safety and efficacy.

How it works

The extract of Piper longum primarily operates through modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway, impacting the phosphorylation of proteins such as p38 and JNK crucial for inflammatory responses. This action reduces inflammation effectively. Moreover, it stimulates antioxidant defenses by upregulating HO-1 protein expression, thereby safeguarding cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, its phytochemicals interact with immune system components, promoting white blood cell production, which enhances the immune response to various external stressors.

Side effects

Piper longum is generally regarded as safe within traditional dosage ranges. The exact side effect profile is not extensively documented, although it is traditionally noted for being well-tolerated. There are no specific uncommon or rare side effects reported, but potential drug interactions are a consideration because of its metabolic activities, despite limited comprehensive data. Notably, pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution, given the herb's traditional contraceptive properties. The herb's safety in children and those with chronic conditions remains under-investigated, stressing the need for further studies to ascertain its safety profile in these populations.

Dosage

The effective dosage of Piper longum can differ based on its intended use and preparation method. In vitro studies suggest dosages of 10-100 μg/mL of methanolic extract for anti-inflammatory benefits, while animal studies indicate a dosage range of 75-300 mg/kg for the aqueous extract in diabetes management. Currently, there is no established upper limit or safe maximum dose, requiring further research for definitive guidelines. Specific timing for administration is not well-defined; however, different extraction methods (methanolic vs. aqueous) may influence efficacy. It's noted that piperine may enhance the bioavailability of other active compounds when taken together.