Long pepper Extract (Piper retrofractum) is a flowering vine in the pepper family, native to Southeast Asia. The fruits look like skinny, bumpy little catkins (kind of like a mini chili, but rough), and they pack a spicy punch, but with a more complex, sweet-ish note compared to regular black pepper. In Thai cuisine and traditional medicine, both the fruit and the root are used.
Digestive Support: Traditionally used as a carminative (relieves gas), stimulates appetite, helps with indigestion, and eases bloating.
Respiratory Health: Used for cough, sore throat, asthma, and as an expectorant. Very common in old-school Thai cough remedies.
Mild Pain Relief: Some anti-inflammatory effects reported; traditionally used for mild joint/muscle pain and toothache.
Warming Herb: Considered a “warming” herb in Thai and Ayurveda systems, believed to help boost circulation and relieve “cold” symptoms.
Antioxidant & Antimicrobial: Contains compounds with antioxidant and mild antimicrobial properties. (lab studies)
Blood Sugar Control: it might help lower blood sugar, but human evidence is limited. (mostly animal studies)
Potential Aphrodisiac: Occasionally included in traditional tonics.
Generally Safe in Food Amounts: Used in Thai food and remedies for centuries, but large or concentrated doses can cause stomach upset or irritation.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Not enough safety data, so stick to food-level amounts or skip if unsure.
Stomach Ulcers/Acid reflux: The spicy compounds can irritate the stomach in sensitive folks.
Drug Interactions: May enhance absorption of some medications (similar to black pepper’s piperine effect), so double-check with your doc if you’re on prescription meds.
Long pepper Extract (Piper retrofractum) is an ancient Thai medicinal herb and spice, valued for its effects on digestion and respiratory health, and as a “warming” remedy in traditional systems. It’s got a spicy-sweet kick, and is used for everything from cough syrups to pick-me-up tonics. Modern science supports some antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, but most evidence comes from traditional use and animal studies. Safe for most people in small, food-level amounts, just avoid overdoing it or using if you have a sensitive stomach.
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