Evidence supporting the use of: Piper retrofractum
For the health condition: Cough (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Piper retrofractum, also known as Javanese long pepper, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia. In folk medicine, it is often incorporated into remedies for respiratory ailments, including coughs. Historical texts and traditional pharmacopeias from countries such as Indonesia and Thailand describe the use of Piper retrofractum fruits (or their preparations) to help alleviate cough, sometimes in combination with honey or other herbal ingredients. This traditional use is likely due to the spicy, irritant nature of the fruit, which can stimulate mucous secretion and potentially help clear respiratory passages.
However, scientific studies specifically validating Piper retrofractum's efficacy for cough are sparse. While some research has identified bioactive compounds in Piper retrofractum—such as piperine and related alkaloids—with possible anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, direct clinical evidence or controlled studies demonstrating clear antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects in humans are lacking. The available support is therefore primarily traditional, and while some pharmacological actions may theoretically support cough relief, robust modern evidence is not yet available.
In summary, the use of Piper retrofractum for cough is primarily justified by traditional usage rather than scientific validation. The evidence supporting its use is limited and mostly anecdotal or based on longstanding practice rather than rigorous clinical trials.
Other ingredients used for Cough (general)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
carrot
cassia bark
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
oregano
parsley
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
pumpkin
raspberry
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
fumaria parviflora
prickly ash
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
root tuber
silk tree
juniper berries
amber
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
peach
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Arrowroot
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Allyl Sulfide
Aspen
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Blackbrush
Big Quaking Grass
Bougainvillea
Bael
Butternut
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Borage
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Chenopodium
Cistus
Common madia
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Currant
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Desmodium
Dichrostachys glomerata
Empresstree
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Ephedrine
Embelia
Fig
Garlic
Galangal
Himalayan Salt
Ivy
Lily
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sumac
Zucchini
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