Limited evidenceGut health

Long Pepper (Pippali)

Pippali is an Ayurvedic spice rich in piperine. Its best-documented action is increasing the absorption of other substances, and its own digestive benefits have never been tested in a trial.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

Increasing absorption of other compounds Limited evidence
In a study of human volunteers, 20 mg of piperine raised curcumin bioavailability roughly twentyfold, and a systematic review and meta-analysis of curcumin-plus-piperine trials found improved lipid parameters consistent with better absorption. Both used isolated piperine rather than long pepper fruit.
Digestion and appetite Limited evidence
A 2026 pharmacological review of Piper longum found its digestive and metabolic claims supported by animal and cell studies only. No controlled human trial has tested long pepper for bloating, appetite or digestion.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo studied dose for the whole spice; Ayurvedic use is 250–1000 mg of fruit powder daily. Piperine, its active constituent, is used at 5–20 mg in supplements.

SafetyCan irritate the stomach and worsen reflux. Piperine inhibits drug-metabolising enzymes and transporters, so it can raise blood levels of many medications, a genuine interaction hazard. Avoid in pregnancy and in peptic ulcer disease.

Scientific references

Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers
Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T — Planta Med, 1998
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of the curcumin and piperine combination on lipid profile in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders
Hosseini H, Ghavidel F, Panahi G — Phytother Res, 2023
From Ancient Spice to Advanced Science: Therapeutic, Nutraceutical and Nanotechnological Insights into the Fruits of Piper Longum Linn for Modern Drug Development
Bhatia A, Mehta J, Hashmi AR — Drug Des Devel Ther, 2026

Where to buy

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