Ayurvedic Importance of Pipalli Churna and Its Clinical Role in Mukhroga: A Review

The classic Ayurvedic drug Pippali or Piper longum has long been recognized for its beneficial properties of Deepana, Pachana, Kaphahara and Rasayana. Pippali offers therapeutic benefits in many conditions including oral diseases (Mukhroga). The common oral diseases known as Mukhroga such as Mukha Paka, Dantashoola and Dantamamsa all involve the vitiation of Kapha and Vata in addition to the creation of Agnimandya and Ama. The Katu Rasa and Ushna Virya properties of Pippali, combined with Laghu-Tikshna Guna to decrease Kapha accumulation and enhance the local circulation in addition to providing Lekhana, Shothahara and Krimighna actions. Pippali helps in healing oral ulcers, treating gingivitis, eliminating bad breath and treating oral infection. Pippali can be applied topically, retained in the mouth (Kavala or Gandusha), and/or ingested. This article highlights Ayurvedic importance of Pipalli Churna and its clinical role in Mukhroga.