Review on potential antiviral and immunomodulatory properties of Piper Longum

Piper longum traditionally known as Pippali is a climbing vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, which originated in northeastern India and the Western Ghats. It is majorly used in traditional and Ayurvedic system of medicines to treat bronchitis, diarrhea, viral hepatitis, respiratory infections, stomach pain, bronchitis, spleen diseases, coughs, colds and tumors. Articles indexed by Scopus, electronic search as Science Direct, PubMed, are used to collect information about Piper longum. There are many phytochemicals in Pippali, including alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids and steroids. The pharmacological properties reveal the anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, adulticidal, anti-obesity, anti-fungal, antipyretic and cardio protective effects of the plant. Pipili also has many antiviral activities, and helps to improve the immune system and effectively resist hepatitis B virus. This plant seems to be non-toxic, easy to obtain, inexpensive, and has no side effects. Although there are infinite traces for its medicinal use, however its use in treating viral influenza like diseases is not yet much explored. However, it has strong potential to treat symptoms such as cough, cold and fever. In the wake of the current situation of the global corona virus, it has become essential to look for alternatives that would be effective against the virus as well as provide the additional immunity boosting ability. Therefore, effective experimentation and investigations are essential to consider its competence. Researchers must study the plant in details for its huge potentialities.