Filfil Siyah (Piper nigrum Linn) an important Drug of Unani System of Medicine: A Review

Abstract

Herbs and Spices are very common ingredients of most of the compound drugs of Unani (Greco-Arab) System of Medicine due to their diverse pharmacological potentials and very few side effects on human health. Black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) called as FilfilSiyah in Unani System of Medicine is an important drug being used for a variety of ailments. Although it is considered as ‘The King of Spices’ throughout the world but it is the most famous spice used in Indian and Indian sub-continent kitchens and as home remedy for various common diseases. Therapeutic uses are mentioned in different Folk, Traditional and Alternative systems of medicine like Unani, Ayurveda and Sidhha medicine. This review article is aimed to provide scientific description of Piper nigrum, its chemical constituents, Temperament, properties and uses for promotion and prevention of health