Black Pepper (Marica)
A perennial climbing vine, typically growing to 10 meters or more. Leaves are ovate to ovate-oblong, dark green, and 5-7 inches long. Flowers are smal...
Botanical name: Piper nigrum. Also known as: Black Pepper, White Pepper, Green Pepper, Madagascar Pepper, Black Pepper, Maricha, Bapshpa, Marsha), Common Pepper, Pepper, Gulmirch, Golmirch, Choco mirch, Kalimirch, Mirch, Filfile siyah, Pilpil, Filfile aswad, Filfil aswad, Miriyalu, Kali mirch, Golmarich, Vellajung, Murichung, Kolukung, Muricha, Kala Moricha, Milagu, Mirin, Kalamiri, Mire, Kalamri, Kalamuri, Kalominch, Kalamire, Kari Manesu, Kalu Menasu, Olle Menasu, Nalla muluka, Kurumulaku, Lada, Kare Menasu, Filfilsiyah, Vellija, Krishna, Ushana, Dharmapattana, Chavyam, Kankola, Hapusha, Krsna, Marica, Sarvahita, Tikshna, Mrishta.
Properties
Inhibition of liver enzymes (like CYP3A4), Inhibition of P-glycoprotein transporters, Stimulation of gastric acid secretion, Activation of the trigeminal nerve system, Antioxidant activity
Dosage
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon (1-2 gms)
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (Pungent)
- Virya: Ushna (Hot)
- Vipaka: Katu (Pungent)
Benefits
- Black pepper and its active compound piperine have demonstrated several potential health benefits in clinical trials and reviews
- A review (PMID: 36017529) suggests that black pepper improves blood lipid profiles and enhances antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- These studies suggest black pepper's potential role in managing metabolic complications, enhancing nutrient bioavailability, and alleviating pain
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
Traditional uses
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Colic pain
- Abdominal distension
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: aggravating
Preparation methods
- Trikatu Churna (with ginger and long pepper): Standard preparation as per API.
- Maricha Taila (black pepper-infused oil): Standard preparation as per API.
- Herbal teas (with turmeric, ginger, honey): Standard preparation as per API.
- Kadhas: Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Intestinal diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome)
- Hemorrhoids
- Hypersensitivity to black pepper
- Stomach problems (gastritis, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, gastric ulcers, dyspepsia, heartburn)
Side effects
- Large amounts of black pepper may be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Deaths in children have been reported from large amounts of black pepper accidentally entering the lungs. May cause bleeding complications or affect blood sugar levels during surgery. May affect the absorption of certain drugs like antihistamines or those that boost hepatic metabolism. May damage your gut lining over time, and when this natural barrier is destroyed, the absorption of these drugs is enhanced.
Interactions
- Lithium
- Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates
- P-Glycoprotein Substrates
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Propranolol (Inderal)
Clinical evidence
Black pepper and its active compound piperine have demonstrated several potential health benefits in clinical trials and reviews. A review (PMID: 36017529) suggests that black pepper improves blood lipid profiles and enhances antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical trials (NCT03490955, NCT05206266) are investigating the effects of black pepper on nutrient absorption from vegetables and its impact on pain when combined with turmeric. These studies suggest black pepper's potential role in managing metabolic complications, enhancing nutrient bioavailability, and alleviating pain.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Shwasahara (treats asthma and respiratory disorders)
- Kaphahara (decreases sputum production)
- Vatahara (useful in Vata disorders)
- Krumihara (anthelmintic)
- Detoxifier
- Circulatory stimulant
- Diuretic
- Aphrodisiac
- Menstrual regulator
Classical clinical indications
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Colic pain
- Abdominal distension
- Helminthiasis (intestinal worms)
- Cough
- Rhinitis
- Breathing disorders
- Dysuria
- Amenorrhea
- Impotency
- Sinus congestion
- Obesity
- Skin disorders
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Muscle soreness