Evidence supporting the use of: Piper retrofractum
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Piper retrofractum, commonly known as Javanese long pepper, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia. Traditional healers have employed it for a variety of ailments, including respiratory congestion, coughs, and colds. Its usage for congestion is primarily based on its pungent properties, which are believed to help clear mucus and stimulate respiratory function. The fruit contains piperine and other alkaloids, which are thought to act as expectorants and provide relief from blocked airways in folk remedies.
However, scientific validation for these claims is limited. While Piper retrofractum has demonstrated some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies, direct clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for treating or relieving congestion in humans is lacking. Most of the literature documenting its use for congestion is ethnobotanical or anecdotal, stemming from traditional practices rather than from randomized controlled trials or rigorous clinical studies. Therefore, while there is a strong traditional basis for its use in treating congestion, the overall quality and quantity of evidence remain low, justifying a modest evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Congestion
allspicebasil
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
zinc
squawvine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
mugwort
malabar nut
ferula assafoetida
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
coltsfoot
sweet flag
trichosanthes
birch
eucalyptus
menthol oil
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
akebia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Arisaema
Atractylone
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
berry
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Ephedra
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Ivy
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Piper retrofractum
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Sinus Infection
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores