Piper wallichii

Piper wallichii

Piper wallichii, also known as Indian long pepper, is a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. While it has not been extensively documented for specific traditional uses beyond its culinary applications, studies have shown promising results. Scientific evidence indicates that the ethanol extract of Piper wallichii improved symptoms of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by modulating inflammatory and immune factors. Additionally, a petroleum ether fraction from the plant was found to activate autophagy, extend lifespan, and exhibit anti-Alzheimer's disease effects in C. elegans models, though these effects were dependent on specific genes involved in autophagy induction. Two new compounds with antibacterial activity have also been identified from this plant. Wallichinine, a compound isolated from Piper wallichii, enhances the effects of certain drugs on cancer cells by inhibiting the drug-efflux activity of ABCB1 without altering its expression. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for Piper wallichii to date.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The ethanol extract of Piper wallichii improved symptoms of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by affecting inflammatory and immune factors. D PMID
  • Piper wallichii petroleum ether fraction extended lifespan and improved healthspan in C. elegans by activating autophagy, showing potential for antiaging and anti-AD effects. D PMID
  • Wallichinine enhances the effects of certain ABCB1 substrates on cancer cells without altering sensitivity to non-substrates, by blocking ABCB1's drug-efflux activity. D PMID
  • Two new compounds were identified from Piper wallichii with weak antibacterial activity against certain pathogens. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Piper wallichii?

Piper wallichii (Piper wallichii) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Piper wallichii?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Piper wallichii; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The ethanol extract of Piper wallichii improved symptoms of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by affecting inflammatory and immune factors.

How strong is the evidence for Piper wallichii?

The strongest finding for Piper wallichii carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Piper wallichii safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Piper wallichii in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Piper wallichii interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Piper wallichii in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Piper wallichii?

Piper wallichii is also known as: Poivrier de Wallich.

Is Piper wallichii a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Wallichinine reverses ABCB1-mediated cancer multidrug resistance. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Chemical constituents and antibacterial activity from the stems and leaves of Piper wallichii. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Ethanol extract of Piper wallichii ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice: Involvement of TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 signaling pathway. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Targeting autophagy to discover the Piper wallichii petroleum ether fraction exhibiting antiaging and anti-Alzheimer's disease effects in Caenorhabditis elegans. literature abstract metadata