Superpure Black Pepper Fruit Extract
Also known as: Piper nigrum extract, Superpure Black Pepper Fruit Extract, Black pepper fruit extract, Piperine, Bioperine
Overview
Superpure Black Pepper Fruit Extract, derived from *Piper nigrum*, is a standardized extract rich in piperine, the plant's primary bioactive alkaloid. It is predominantly used to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of various nutrients and supplements, such as curcumin and coenzyme Q10. Characterized by a high piperine content (≥98%), this extract is typically administered in small doses (5–10 mg per serving). Research on piperine is moderately mature, with several clinical trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy as a bioavailability enhancer and its potential metabolic effects. It works by inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzymes and increasing intestinal permeability, thereby improving the absorption of co-administered compounds. While generally safe, caution is advised for individuals on medications metabolized by CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein.
Benefits
The primary benefit of Superpure Black Pepper Fruit Extract is its ability to enhance the bioavailability of other compounds. For example, 5 mg of piperine can increase plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 by approximately 30% when co-administered. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, a combination of 500 mg curcumin and 5 mg piperine has been shown to significantly reduce blood glucose, C-peptide, and A1c levels. Furthermore, this combination has demonstrated improvements in liver enzyme levels in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Piperine may also enhance the absorption of beta-carotene and other fat-soluble nutrients. These benefits are most pronounced in individuals with metabolic disorders and those taking supplements with poor absorption rates. Studies suggest that the effects on bioavailability are rapid, while metabolic benefits manifest over several weeks.
How it works
Piperine enhances bioavailability by inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, and by increasing intestinal permeability. This reduces the breakdown and excretion of co-administered compounds, allowing more of the substance to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Piperine primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract and liver metabolism. Its molecular targets include CYP3A4, P-glycoprotein, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. While piperine itself is well-absorbed and rapidly metabolized, its primary role is to increase the bioavailability of other compounds by inhibiting their metabolism and excretion.
Side effects
Superpure Black Pepper Fruit Extract is generally considered safe at typical supplement doses (5–10 mg/day). The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, though this is rare at low doses. No uncommon side effects have been reported in clinical trials at standard doses. Allergic reactions are very rare. However, piperine has the potential to interact with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein, such as certain statins, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapeutics. Caution is advised for individuals taking medications with narrow therapeutic windows. Due to limited data, use with caution in pregnant or lactating women and children.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of piperine is 5 mg per serving, with optimal dosages ranging from 5–10 mg per day. While doses up to 20 mg/day have been used in research without significant adverse effects, long-term safety data are lacking. It is best taken with other supplements or medications whose absorption is to be enhanced, ideally with food to optimize the absorption of fat-soluble compounds. Standardized extracts like Bioperine are preferred for consistency. There are no required cofactors. The maximum safe dose is not well established, so caution is advised when exceeding 10mg/day.
FAQs
When is piperine most effective?
Piperine is most effective when taken with other supplements or medications that have poor bioavailability, as it enhances their absorption. Take it with meals for best results.
Is piperine safe?
At typical doses (5-10mg), piperine is safe for most adults. However, it may interact with certain medications, so monitor for potential drug interactions.
What are the expected results from taking piperine?
Piperine enhances the absorption of co-administered compounds. Modest metabolic benefits may be observed in specific populations, particularly when combined with other active ingredients.
Is piperine a standalone therapeutic agent?
No, piperine is not a standalone therapeutic agent. It is primarily a bioavailability enhancer, meaning it boosts the effectiveness of other substances.
Research Sources
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955286399000741 – This double-blind RCT with 12 healthy adult males found that 5 mg of piperine increased plasma CoQ10 levels by approximately 30% compared to placebo. The study suggests that piperine significantly enhances the bioavailability of CoQ10, though the small sample size and short duration limit the generalizability of the findings.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/9/20/4270 – This review discusses the various mechanisms by which piperine enhances the bioavailability of other compounds. It highlights piperine's ability to inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes and increase intestinal permeability, leading to improved absorption of co-administered substances.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027153179900007X – This human study demonstrated that piperine increased the serum response to beta-carotene supplementation. While the methodology details are limited, the findings suggest that piperine can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like beta-carotene.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/18/2746 – This RCT involving 70 participants with MASLD showed that a daily combination of 500 mg curcumin and 5 mg piperine significantly improved liver enzymes and reduced MASLD severity. The study indicates that piperine, when combined with curcumin, can have clinically relevant benefits for liver health in individuals with MASLD.
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-black-pepper-7564549 – This article provides a general overview of black pepper and its health benefits, including its role as a bioavailability enhancer. It highlights the presence of piperine as the active compound responsible for these effects.