Piperine

Piperine is generally available in capsule or tablet form for oral administration. 

Vegetable or gelatin capsules (5–20 mg piperine/capsule) are usually found in the form of turmeric and black pepper extract or piperine extract together with other substances with low bioavailability.

Supplements containing black pepper piperine extract are recommended in multiple clinical and preventive contexts:

• Supporting joint function and reducing inflammation – combining it with curcumin reduces joint discomfort and chronic inflammation
• Antioxidant protection – neutralizes free radicals, helping to slow down the aging process
• Improving digestion and liver function – stimulates bile secretion and enzyme activity
• Supports glucose and lipid metabolism – decreases insulin resistance and may reduce serum LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Neuroprotection and cognitive function support – experimental studies suggest beneficial effects in neurodegenerative disorders
• Improved bioavailability of other nutrients and active substances – curcumin, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, vitamin D

The usual dose is 5–20 mg of piperine per day, in capsule form, preferably before or during a meal, with a glass of water. In combination with curcumin, 5 mg of piperine increases the absorption of 500 mg of curcumin by 20 times.

The recommended duration is 2–3 weeks for acute inflammation; for antioxidant or metabolic support, administration may be prolonged under medical supervision.

The use of piperine is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Hypersensitivity to pepper or other compounds of the plant
• Active gastric and duodenal ulcers, erosive gastritis, or other digestive disorders with a risk of irritation
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to the lack of clinical safety studies
• Coagulation disorders, without medical advice

Most piperine supplements are formulated in vegetable capsules, without animal gelatin, lactose, or gluten.

Piperine should be used with caution in patients with chronic diseases, given its potential to alter drug absorption.

At recommended doses, piperine from black pepper is well tolerated, but in some cases the following may occur:

• Gastric irritation (heartburn, reflux, nausea)
• Transient intestinal transit disorders
• Rare allergic reactions, manifested by skin rashes or pruritus

Piperine has a unique pharmacokinetic profile because it inhibits certain liver enzymes (cytochrome P450) and intestinal transporters:

• It increases the bioavailability of certain drugs: antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, antiepileptics.
• It may potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol and centrally acting drugs (benzodiazepines, hypnotics).
• It amplifies the effects of supplements containing curcumin, resveratrol, vitamin D, and coenzyme Q10.

Concomitant consumption with highly spiced foods may accentuate digestive irritation.

In case of excessive administration, the following may occur:

• Severe gastrointestinal disorders (intense heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting)
• Excessive increase in drug absorption, with risk of systemic toxicity

Treatment consists of stopping administration, hydration, symptomatic treatment, and, if necessary, emergency medical consultation.

Piperine should be stored at room temperature, in a dry place away from light, in the original bottle. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Observe the expiry date stated on the packaging.

• MDPI, Piperine – a major principle of black pepper: a review of its bioactivity and studies
• WebMD, Black pepper: health benefits, nutritional values, and uses
• Taylor & Francis Online, A systematic review of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.): from folk uses to pharmacological applications
• PubMed, Piperine: An Analysis of Its Biological Effects