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BIOPERINE

Also known as: BioPerine, black pepper extract, 1-Piperoylpiperidine, Piperine

Overview

Piperine is a natural alkaloid found in black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum). BioPerine is a patented, standardized extract of piperine. Its primary function in dietary supplements is as a bioavailability enhancer, significantly improving the absorption and efficacy of various nutrients and compounds, most notably curcumin, which inherently has poor bioavailability. Piperine achieves this by inhibiting certain enzymes and transporters in the body that are involved in the metabolism and efflux of other substances, thereby increasing their concentration in the bloodstream. This mechanism makes it a valuable additive in multi-ingredient supplements. Research on piperine, especially in combination with curcumin, is extensive, with multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its role in enhancing absorption and contributing to improved health outcomes.

Benefits

Piperine's primary benefit is its ability to significantly enhance the bioavailability of other compounds. Studies have shown it can increase the serum concentration of curcumin by up to 20-fold, leading to improved therapeutic effects. When combined with curcumin, piperine has been shown to improve lipid profiles in patients with metabolic syndrome, significantly decreasing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as evidenced by meta-analyses. While piperine itself does not directly possess strong anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties, its role in enhancing curcumin's absorption indirectly leads to observed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. These benefits are particularly noted in populations with metabolic syndrome or inflammatory conditions. Clinical improvements are typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Piperine enhances the bioavailability of co-administered compounds primarily by inhibiting specific metabolic enzymes and transporters. It suppresses UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes in the liver and intestines, which are responsible for glucuronidation, a major pathway for drug and nutrient metabolism. Additionally, piperine modulates the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, and inhibits P-glycoprotein efflux transporters. By reducing the breakdown and increasing the intestinal absorption of other substances, piperine effectively increases their systemic availability and plasma levels. Piperine itself is well absorbed and exerts its effects locally in the gut and liver.

Side effects

Piperine is generally considered safe at typical supplemental doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg per day. The most common side effect reported is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which occurs in a small percentage of individuals. Uncommon side effects are primarily related to its interaction with drug metabolism, as piperine can increase the serum levels of various medications by inhibiting their breakdown. This necessitates caution, especially with drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index or those metabolized by CYP450 enzymes. There are no serious adverse events commonly reported in controlled trials. Contraindications include use in patients on narrow therapeutic index drugs or those with liver impairment. Data on its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited, so caution is advised for these populations.

Dosage

For bioavailability enhancement, the typical recommended dosage of piperine is 5-20 mg per day. This range is commonly used in studies, particularly when co-administered with curcumin. It is crucial to take piperine concurrently with the target nutrient (e.g., curcumin) to maximize its absorption-enhancing effects. Standardized extracts, such as BioPerine, are recommended to ensure consistent piperine content. There is no established toxic dose for humans at typical supplement levels, and higher doses have not been extensively studied for safety. Piperine's primary role is to improve the absorption of other compounds, and it does not require specific cofactors to exert this effect.

FAQs

Is BioPerine safe to take daily?

Yes, at recommended doses (typically 5-20 mg/day), BioPerine is generally considered safe for daily consumption. Always adhere to the dosage instructions on the product label.

Does BioPerine work alone?

BioPerine's primary function is to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of other compounds, such as curcumin. It does not exert significant direct effects when taken alone for most purposes.

How soon will I see results?

The enhancement of bioavailability by BioPerine is immediate upon co-administration with other nutrients. Clinical benefits, however, depend on the specific co-administered compound and the duration of its use.

Can BioPerine interact with medications?

Yes, BioPerine can increase the levels of certain medications in the body by inhibiting their metabolism. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you are taking any prescription drugs.

Is it effective with all supplements?

BioPerine is most effective with compounds that are metabolized by glucuronidation or CYP enzymes, or are substrates for P-glycoprotein, such as curcumin. Its efficacy varies with other supplements.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36649934/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Hosseini et al. (2023) investigated the effects of curcumin plus piperine on lipid profiles in metabolic syndrome patients. It found significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C, supporting the combination's efficacy in improving cardiovascular risk factors, though triglycerides were not significantly affected.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1216708/full – Qiu et al. (2023) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 RCTs, confirming the efficacy and safety of curcumin supplementation enhanced by piperine for metabolic improvements. The study highlighted consistent benefits over 4-12 weeks, despite some geographical concentration and heterogeneity in study protocols.
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/79/9/1043/6019950?login=false – Ferguson et al. (2021) performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin with bioavailability enhancers like piperine. The findings indicated significant reductions in inflammatory markers, underscoring piperine's crucial role in boosting curcumin's clinical effectiveness, despite variability in curcumin formulations.