Black Pepper Fruit/Berry Extract 90%
Also known as: Black pepper, black pepper fruit extract, black pepper berry extract, Bioperine®, Piper nigrum L. extract
Overview
Black Pepper Fruit/Berry Extract is derived from the dried fruits of the Piper nigrum plant, primarily valued for its ability to enhance the bioavailability of various nutrients and drugs. The key active compound is piperine, which accounts for the majority of its bioactivity, though other compounds like piperic acid and pellitorine also contribute. This extract is widely used in dietary supplements to improve the absorption of compounds that typically have poor bioavailability. While extensive in vitro and animal studies support its efficacy and other health benefits, high-quality human clinical trials are less numerous, focusing mainly on its absorption-enhancing properties. It is available as a standardized extract, often containing 90% piperine, ensuring consistent potency.
Benefits
The primary and most well-established benefit of black pepper extract is its ability to significantly enhance the bioavailability and absorption of various nutrients and drugs. Piperine has been shown to increase the absorption of compounds like curcumin, beta-carotene, and selenium, with reported increases ranging from 20% to an impressive 2000% for curcumin in some studies. This effect is statistically significant and acute, occurring within hours of ingestion. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with poor nutrient absorption or those taking supplements with inherently low bioavailability. Secondary benefits, largely supported by preclinical studies, include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and digestive properties. However, these secondary effects require more robust human clinical trials for confirmation.
How it works
Black pepper extract, primarily through its active compound piperine, enhances bioavailability by modulating key metabolic pathways. Piperine inhibits enzymes involved in drug metabolism, such as CYP3A4, and intestinal efflux transporters like P-glycoprotein. This action reduces the 'first-pass metabolism' of many compounds, allowing more of the substance to enter systemic circulation. Additionally, piperine stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease) and increases bile acid production, which further aids in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Piperine is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, where it exerts both local and systemic effects on metabolic enzymes and transport proteins, ultimately improving the absorption efficiency of co-administered substances.
Side effects
Black pepper extract is generally considered safe at typical supplemental doses (5-20 mg piperine per day). The most common side effect, occurring in sensitive individuals, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. A more significant concern is its potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs. Piperine can inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4) and P-glycoprotein, which are crucial for drug metabolism and transport. This can lead to increased plasma levels of certain medications, potentially causing adverse effects or toxicity, especially for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals on multiple medications. Contraindications include concurrent use with drugs where altered metabolism could be dangerous. Limited data exist regarding its safety in pregnant or lactating women and children, so use in these populations should be approached with caution and medical supervision. Allergic reactions are rare.
Dosage
For bioavailability enhancement, the minimum effective dose of piperine is approximately 5 mg daily. The optimal dose range for standardized black pepper extracts (e.g., 90% piperine) is typically 5-20 mg of piperine per day. Doses up to 20 mg/day are generally regarded as safe, but higher doses should only be used under medical supervision. It is crucial to take black pepper extract concurrently with the nutrient or drug whose absorption is intended to be enhanced, as its effects are acute. Standardized extracts are preferred for consistent potency. While no specific cofactors are strictly required, consuming piperine with fat-containing meals may enhance its own absorption. There are no specific timing considerations beyond co-administration with the target compound.
FAQs
Is black pepper extract safe?
Yes, at typical doses (5-20 mg piperine daily), it's generally safe. However, it can interact with medications by altering their metabolism, so consult a doctor if you take prescription drugs.
Does it work for all supplements?
It primarily enhances the absorption of compounds with poor bioavailability, such as curcumin, beta-carotene, and certain drugs, by inhibiting metabolic enzymes and efflux transporters.
When should I take it?
For optimal effect, take black pepper extract concurrently with the nutrient or drug whose absorption you wish to enhance, as its effects are acute.
How soon will I see effects?
The bioavailability-enhancing effects occur relatively quickly, typically within hours of ingestion, as it directly impacts intestinal absorption and metabolism.
Is it just a spice?
Beyond its culinary use, black pepper, specifically its active compound piperine, possesses significant pharmacological properties, including its well-documented ability to enhance nutrient absorption.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30740986/ – This systematic review by Srinivasan (2019) explored the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Piper nigrum. It found strong evidence for piperine's bioavailability enhancement and various pharmacological effects (anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic) primarily from in vitro and animal studies, highlighting the need for more human randomized controlled trials to confirm efficacy and safety.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6532192/ – Khajuria et al. (2013) conducted a comprehensive review of black pepper's health claims. The review confirmed piperine's role in enhancing nutrient absorption and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while also emphasizing the necessity for more rigorous clinical trials to establish its clinical relevance and broader applications.
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03490955 – This entry describes a clinical trial (NCT03490955) investigating black pepper's effect on nutrient absorption in humans consuming vegetables with and without black pepper. Although results are pending, the study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to quantify black pepper's absorption-enhancing effects in a real-food context, providing valuable insights into its practical application.
- https://biomedres.us/fulltexts/BJSTR.MS.ID.008353.php – This review on 'Biomedical Applications of Black Pepper' (2019) summarized the antioxidant, digestive, and metabolic benefits of black pepper extract. It highlighted that piperine stimulates digestive enzyme secretion and bile acid synthesis, thereby improving digestion and nutrient uptake, and noted its antioxidant effects may offer protection against chronic diseases.
Recommended Articles
Herbal Boosters & COVID-19 Antivirals: Safe Mix?
Herbal supplements may interact with COVID-19 antivirals, requiring careful consideration and further research.
Top Immune Support Ingredients: What Works?
Vitamin D, zinc, and echinacea are key ingredients in immune support supplements, backed by scientific evidence.
Top Anti-Inflammatory Supplement Ingredients
Curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, CBD, and Vitamin D are proven to effectively reduce chronic inflammation.
Best Supplements for Cortisol Reduction: A Scientific Guide
Adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, along with Phosphatidylserine, are effective in reducing cortisol levels, supported by scientific studies.