Botanical Name : Piper chaba Hunter non-Blume.
Family : Piperaceae
Identification no : SDACH/HG/316
Introduction :
Properties very much similar to piper longum
Names in different Indian languages :
English : Java Long Pepper
Malayalam : Java tippali
Sanskrit : Cavika, chavya, Gajapippali
Synonyms :
Piper retrofractum Vahl.
Piper officinarum DC.
Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants) :
Cavika, chavya, Gajapippali – all this names are controversial
Gajapippali usually called for the spikes of Scindapsis officinalis,
Chavya for piper brachystachyum
Morphology :
It is a woody climber
Leaves- simple, alternate, similar to pepper, elliptic-ovate
Fruit spikes globose, fruits – small berry
Distribution & Habitat :
Western Ghats
Chemical constituents :
Piperine, isobutyl amide, longamide, besides guineensine, Betasitosterol, glycosides, glucose and fructose
Karma :
Digestive, carminative
Indication :
colic, cough, dyspepsia , worm infections
Part used :
Root, flower
Dosage :
Powder 2-4 g
Decoction 50-100 ml
Therapeutic Uses :
Root decoction useful in fever
IUCN Status:
Endangered (EN)
Research Updates
1. Bronchodilator Potential (2020): Research validated its traditional use in respiratory ailments, showing significant bronchodilatory effect in guinea pigs.
2. Phytochemical Evaluation (2022): Identified alkaloids, saponins, and glycosides in fruit extract; supportive of its use in digestive and respiratory conditions.
3. Conservation Assessment (2023): A study emphasized its declining population due to overharvesting and habitat loss, recommending cultivation strategies.
