The Benefits of Black Pepper Extract

Black Pepper Extract

Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum) is famous for its ability to enhance the absorption of other nutrients, particularly curcumin from turmeric. It also supports digestion, boosts metabolism, and promotes gut health. The active compound piperine in black pepper is responsible for these benefits, making it a key ingredient in both culinary and medicinal applications worldwide.

Key highlights of Black Pepper Extract:

• Boosts absorption of other nutrients (calcium, selenium, green tea and turmeric)
• Has a high antioxidant content
• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Supports brain function
• Has been shown to reduce appetite
• Can improve cholesterol levels
• Has antibacterial properties
• Has been shown to have anticancer effects
• Enhances nutrient absorption
• Can aid in efficient digestion
• Can help promotes gut health
• Supports metabolism

Biochemistry Timeline

Black pepper contains piperine, which enhances the absorption of nutrients like curcumin from turmeric. Within 30 minutes, piperine inhibits digestive enzymes, increasing bioavailability. This rapid action boosts nutritional benefits and supports overall health as soon as a few hours post-consumption. The rest of the benefits can then be observed over the course of 8 weeks.

What is Black Pepper Extract?

Black pepper can be found in pretty much everyone’s kitchen. The pepper is created by grinding peppercorns which are actually dried berries from the ‘Piper Nigrum’ vine. Commonly added to dishes around the world to add seasoning and enhance taste, black pepper is actually the world’s most traded spice.

Considered the “King of Spices”, black pepper has been used for centuries in traditional Eastern medicine to treat gastrointestinal distress, respiratory ailments, fever, pain and inflammation. The active ingredient of black pepper, Piperine, helps to slow the excretion of certain classes of supplements, resulting in greater absorption and bioavailability. In fact, it has the ability to boost the absorption of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) by 2000%.

The Amazing Benefits of Black Pepper Extract

Weight Control and Blood Sugar Regulation

In laboratory studies, it was found that Piperine (one of the active ingredients in black pepper) inhibits the activity of genes that control the formation of new fat cells. It is thought that because of its influence on metabolic processes, Piperine is able to keep control of body composition in a number of beneficial ways.

A common risk factor in weight gain is high blood sugar and in studies, black pepper, supplemented at the appropriate dosage, has been shown to significantly lower blood sugar. It has also been shown to decrease ‘bad’ cholesterol at the same time as increasing ‘good cholesterol (in animal studies).

Strengthening Immunity

Black pepper acts as a powerful antioxidant helping to fight cellular damage caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules are created as a result of normal metabolic processes, air pollutants, sun exposure, smoking and industrial chemicals for example. Studies have found that black pepper exerts an immune-supporting role and anticancer activity.

Due to its antimicrobial activity black pepper extract can inhibit growth and even destroy bacteria which could otherwise cause disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Evidence indicates that a key factor in the manifestation of numerous neurodegenerative diseases (brain cell deterioration) including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, meningitis, multiple sclerosis and even brain tumours, is inflammation. Research now indicates that the anti-inflammatory effects of spices such as black pepper may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

One study showed that the neuroprotective effects of black pepper extract were able to improve memory in neurologically damaged mice.

Bones & Joints

Piperine, one of the active ingredients in Black Pepper has anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects. In one animal study, it was shown to inhibit the production and function of multiple inflammatory hormones.

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disease, causing chronic pain, severe disability and reduced quality of life. Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric has long been used as an alternative to anti-inflammatory medicines. Studies show that black pepper extract used in conjunction with turmeric and ginger decreased inflammatory markers as well as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Summary

Black pepper extract (Piper nigrum), rich in piperine, enhances nutrient absorption, particularly curcumin from turmeric. It supports digestion, boosts metabolism, and promotes gut health. Benefits include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, improved brain function, appetite reduction, and better cholesterol levels. Piperine can take up to 30 minutes to enhance absorption, with full benefits observed over eight weeks. Common dosages range from 5 to 20 mg of piperine daily. Regular culinary use may not provide sufficient piperine, making supplementation beneficial for optimal health effects, including weight control and immune support. Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

FAQs

How does black pepper extract improve nutrient absorption? Piperine in black pepper extract inhibits certain digestive enzymes, allowing for greater absorption of nutrients like curcumin, vitamins, and minerals. This increases their effectiveness in the body.

Can I get enough piperine from regular black pepper in my diet? While culinary black pepper provides some piperine, the amounts are usually insufficient for significant health benefits. Supplementing with concentrated black pepper extract can provide more substantial effects on nutrient absorption.

How much black pepper extract should I take? Typical dosages range from 5 to 20 mg of piperine per day. However, the optimal amount can vary based on individual needs and specific health goals, so consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.

Research:

1. Takooree, H., Aumeeruddy, M. Z., Rengasamy, K. R. R., Venugopala, K. N., Jeewon, R., Zengin, G., & Mahomoodally, M. F. (2019). A systematic review on black pepper (Piper nigrum L.): from folk uses to pharmacological applications. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 59(sup1), S210–S243.
2. Prasad, S., Tyagi, A. K., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2014). Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. Cancer research and treatment, 46(1), 2–18.
3. Meriga, B., Parim, B., Chunduri, V, R., Naik, R, R., Nemani, H., Suresh, P., Ganapathy, S., Uddandrao, V, V, S. (2017). Antiobesity potential of Piperonal: promising modulation of body composition, lipid profiles and obesogenic marker expression in HFD-induced obese rats. Nutrition & Metabolism, 14 (72)
4. Atal, S., Agrawal, R. P., Vyas, S., Phadnis, P., & Rai, N. (2012). Evaluation of the effect of piperine per se on blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Acta poloniae pharmaceutica, 69(5), 965–969.
5. Vasanthi, H. R., & Parameswari, R. P. (2010). Indian spices for healthy heart - an overview. Current cardiology reviews, 6(4), 274–279.
6. Majdalawieh, A. F., & Carr, R. I. (2010). In vitro investigation of the potential immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). Journal of medicinal food, 13(2), 371–381.
7. Kannappan, R., Gupta, S. C., Kim, J. H., Reuter, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2011). Neuroprotection by spice-derived nutraceuticals: you are what you eat!. Molecular neurobiology, 44(2), 142–159.
8. Ahmed, T., Iqbal, G., Iqbal, A., & Mahboob, A. (2016). [Memory Enhancing Effect of Black Pepper in the AlCl3 Induced Neurotoxicity Mouse Model is Mediated Through Its Active Component Chavicine (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305212916_Memory_Enhancing_Effect_of_Black_Pepper_in_the_AlCl3_Induced_Neurotoxicity_Mouse_Model_is_Mediated_Through_Its_Active_Component_Chavicine). Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 17 (999)
9. Bang, J. S., Oh, D. H., Choi, H. M., Sur, B. J., Lim, S. J., Kim, J. Y., Yang, H. I., Yoo, M. C., Hahm, D. H., & Kim, K. S. (2009). Anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects of piperine in human interleukin 1beta-stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes and in rat arthritis models. Arthritis research & therapy, 11(2), R49.
10. Heidari-Beni, M., Moravejolahkami, A, R., Gorgian, P., Askari, G., Tarrahi, M, J., & Bahreini-Esfahani, N. (2020). Herbal formulation “turmeric extract, black pepper, and ginger” versus Naproxen for chronic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 34 (8), 2067-2073.
11. Zou, L., Hu, Y. Y., & Chen, W. X. (2015). Antibacterial mechanism and activities of black pepper chloroform extract. Journal of food science and technology, 52(12), 8196–8203.
12. Duangjai, A., Ingkaninan, K., Praputbut, S., & Limpeanchob, N. (2013). Black pepper and piperine reduce cholesterol uptake and enhance translocation of cholesterol transporter proteins. Journal of natural medicines, 67(2), 303–310.