Pipli cultivation: A potential income generating option

Abstract

The world has depended on the properties of plant as a source of healing ever since man began caring for his health. The increasing realization of the health hazards and toxicity associated with use of synthetic drugs has renewed the interest in plant-based drugs. Piper longum, a perennial climber is a valuable source of active substances of medicinal value and spice. The principal pharmacological constituents are piperine and piplartine. Its root, stem and leaves are used in the treatment of diseases of respiratory tract like bronchitis, asthma and cough. It is a shade loving plant often grown as intercrop with coffee, coconut and areca nut. It is cultivated through planting material such as suckers, stem cuttings and rooted vine cuttings. Many companies export a large quantity of dried/powdered fruits and roots of Piper longum to Europe, USA, Australia, Canada and South East countries.