piperine

Piperine is a naturally occurring alkaloid amide found primarily in black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum). It is responsible for the pungency of black pepper and has been widely studied for its pharmacological effects. Piperine acts as a bioavailability enhancer by inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), thereby increasing the absorption and plasma concentrations of various drugs and nutrients. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor properties, and may reduce insulin resistance. Mechanistically, piperine inhibits several enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism—including CYP3A4, CYP2C9 (for diclofenac), UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase—and decreases intestinal glucuronic acid production. This results in increased absorption rates for compounds like curcumin (up to 2000% increase with co-administration), resveratrol, CoQ10, β-carotene, vitamin B6 among others[1][2][3][5]. Preclinical studies suggest potential benefits against chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 2 (by improving insulin sensitivity), hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease), inflammation-related conditions including arthritis/asthma/skin damage from UV exposure[1][4]. However human clinical data are limited.

Brand names

BioPerine

Other names

1-[5-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-oxo-2,4-pentadienyl]piperidine5-(3,4-Methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoyl-2-piperidinePiperoylpiperidine