Traditional Unani and Contemporary Outlook of <I>Filfil daraz</I> (<I>Piper longum</I L.) – A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The spectacular thrust and inquisitiveness of the present-day world have resulted in an incredible scientific approach regarding herbal medicine potential. The importance of herbal medicine has witnessed a tremendous expansion because of its significant effective and safe medications, especially in chronic and long-standing ailments. &lt;em&gt;Filfil daraz&lt;/em&gt; (&lt;em&gt;Piper longum&lt;/em&gt; L.) or long pepper, is a herb with enormous therapeutic benefits. Its beneficial actions are &lt;em&gt;Hāḍim&lt;/em&gt; (digestive), &lt;em&gt;Muqawwī-i-Miʻda&lt;/em&gt; (stomachic), and &lt;em&gt;Kāsir-i- Riyāḥ&lt;/em&gt; (carminative). Since ages, Unani physicians used this herb for several disorders like &lt;em&gt;Balghamī khansi&lt;/em&gt; (Phlegmatic cough), &lt;em&gt;Fālij&lt;/em&gt; (Paralysis), &lt;em&gt;Laqwa&lt;/em&gt; (Facial palsy), &lt;em&gt;Mirgi&lt;/em&gt; (Epilepsy), &lt;em&gt;Niqris&lt;/em&gt; (Gout), &lt;em&gt;‘Irq al-Nasā&lt;/em&gt; (Sciatica), and &lt;em&gt;Qūlanj&lt;/em&gt; (Colitis) etc. Literature survey revealed countless important phytoconstituents namely alkaloids such as piperine, volatile oil, esters and resins. Moreover, many plant parts have shown distinct activities like analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, immunomodulatory activities in quite a lot of&lt;em&gt; in-vivo&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;in-vitro&lt;/em&gt; studies. The present review delivers a comprehensive description of &lt;em&gt;Piper longum&lt;/em&gt; L., its ethnobotanical uses, and recent scientific studies. New research avenues are open for future research endeavours for phytochemical studies and preclinical and clinical trials to explore its medicinal importance.