Long pepper (scientific name Piper longum ) is a spice plant that is said to be the origin of the pepper genus, and has long been prized as a medicinal plant in India and China. In Ayurveda, it is considered one of the main medicines and has been widely used to regulate the condition of the entire body, including digestion, circulation, metabolism, and respiratory systems.
In recent years, basic research has reported that the alkaloid components contained in long pepper have physiological activities such as promoting metabolism, improving blood flow, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant properties. In particular, one of the main components , piperlongumine , has attracted attention in research related to cell aging and cancer cell proliferation inhibition, suggesting its potential application in the fields of healthy life expectancy and anti-aging care.
Traditionally, it has been recorded as being used to treat a wide range of ailments, including sweating, promoting metabolism, dilating blood vessels, relieving chills, and treating vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea caused by chills, headaches, toothaches, runny nose, stuffy nose, bronchial asthma, gout, and arthritis.
Characteristics of long pepper
- Scientific name: Piper longum
- Classification: Piperaceae, genus
- Japanese name: Nagakosho (long pepper, long pepper)
- Origin: India to Southeast Asia
- Parts used: Fruit spikes (spices and medicinal uses)
Main ingredients (reported examples)
- Alkaloids: piperine, piperlongumine, piperanine
- Sterols: Dihydrostigmasterol
- Aliphatic hydrocarbon: triacontane
- Terpenoids: Sesquiterpenes
- Others: Volatile essential oil components, phenols, etc.
Expected effects (beauty and health focus)
- Metabolism promotion and energy production support: It has been suggested that by promoting heat production and blood flow, it may contribute to maintaining basal metabolism and preventing cold.
- Vasodilation and circulation support effects: It has been suggested that improving peripheral blood flow may contribute to reducing chills, stiff shoulders, and fatigue.
- Digestive function and absorption support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to improving the secretion of digestive juices and the efficiency of nutrient absorption.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to the relief of discomfort such as joint pain, headaches, and toothaches.
- Respiratory condition support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to the relief of respiratory problems such as nasal congestion and bronchial asthma.
- Antioxidant and cell stress reduction effects: It has been suggested that by suppressing oxidative stress, it may contribute to cell protection and anti-aging care.
- Anti-tumor and senolytic support effects: Basic research on piperlongumine has reported activities related to the selective elimination of senescent cells and the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation.
- Supports immune and defense functions: It has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining the balance of biological defenses.
