Pippali

Description

HABITAT: Grows in tropical and subtropical regions of India. Widely found in Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh. Requires warm, humid climate, fertile loamy soil, and partial shade. Also cultivated/available in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia. MORPHOLOGY: TYPE: Perennial, climbing, glabrous shrub. Stem: Slender, woody at base, climbs with adventitious roots. LEAVES: Alternate, ovate, 5–9 cm long, heart-shaped base, pointed apex, dark green. INFLORESCENCE: Spikes; male and female flowers separate (catkin-like). FRUITS: Small, ovoid, green when unripe, blackish after drying (medicinal part). ROOTS: Thick, aromatic, used as Pippalīmūla.

Useful Parts

Fruits, roots

Benefits

Respiratory System Anti-asthmatic / Bronchodilator → Relieves bronchospasm and improves airflow in respiratory disorders. Expectorant → Facilitates expulsion of mucus from the airways. Anti-tussive → Reduces coughing and throat irritation. Digestive System Carminative → Reduces bloating and gas. Digestive stimulant / Appetizer → Enhances appetite and digestion. Anti-ulcer / Gastroprotective → Protects gastric mucosa and reduces hyperacidity. Immune System Immunomodulatory → Enhances immune response by regulating lymphocyte activity and cytokine production. Musculoskeletal System Anti-inflammatory → Reduces inflammation in joints and muscles. Analgesic → Provides pain relief. Hepatic System (Liver) Hepatoprotective → Protects liver cells from oxidative and toxin-induced damage. Reproductive System Aphrodisiac → Traditionally used to enhance sexual vitality. General / Multi-systemic Antioxidant → Neutralizes free radicals and protects tissues from oxidative stress. Antimicrobial → Inhibits bacterial and fungal infections. Antipyretic → Helps reduce fever. Bioavailability enhancer (Anupana) → Enhances absorption of other herbs or drugs when administered together

Pharmacological Action

Respiratory health – relieves cough, bronchitis, asthma. Digestive support – enhances metabolism, reduces indigestion, bloating, anorexia. Liver stimulant – improves bile secretion, protects liver. Immunity booster – strengthens resistance against infections. Anti-inflammatory & analgesic – reduces pain and inflammation. Antimicrobial – active against bacteria, fungi, parasites. Cardioprotective – supports circulation, helps in reducing cholesterol. Anti-obesity potential – studied for fat metabolism improvement.

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Katu

Guna: Tikshna, Laghu, Snigdha

Virya: Usna

Vipaka: Madhura

Dosha Karma: Kaphavata shamaka