Abstract
The genera Piper belongs to the family Piperaceae. About 2000 species of Piper are extended all over the world and 52 species are found in different parts of India. Piper longum Linn, P. retrofractum Vahl, P. betel, P. nigrum, and P. cubeba are some important species that are utilized for the medicinal property in traditional as well as modern system. Fruits stem and root parts are generally used both of the species in spices. Ayurvedic and industrial demand of the raw material of Piper spp. generally comes from cultivated and wild sources. Almost all the usable parts of plants come in the market with adulterations and substitution of inter and intraspecies of Piper spp samples in the form of raw material. The literature survey revealed that P. longum Linn has the synonyms and basionym like Chavica longa (L.) Karst., C. roxburghii Miq., C. sarmentosa Miq., and Piper latifolium Hunter. Meanwhile, Piper retrofractum Vahl, has synonyms and basionym like Chavica officinarum Miq., C. parviflora Hassk, Piper chaba Hunter, and P. officinarum (Miq.) C. DC. Arial part (stem) of Piper longum and Piper retrofractum (ground stem parts) are an important drug used in Ayurveda. As per API, both the species have stem parts used in Ayurvedic formulation. High price coupled with the extreme scarcity of raw material leads to intentional adulteration. Sometimes the non-scientific way of the collection also promotes unintentional adulterations. AAn adulteration, either intentional or unintentional reduces the potency of herbal drugs. Keeping the above facts in mind the present study was designed and to carry out a revamp gap of misidentification and adulteration of the species. In this communication, detailed taxonomical history along with etymology of the concerned species has been discussed and emphasized to mitigate the gaps of misidentification of plant parts

Key words: Ayurveda, Chavica longa, Chavica officinarum, Piper longum Linn, P. retrofractum Vahl, Histology, Medicinal Plants, Spices.