Black pepper is a spice commonly used throughout the world today, and can be found in shakers on most dining tables in the industrialized world. The black pepper vine (Piper nigrum) produces small fruit that are commonly called peppercorns when they are dried. The main active constituent of black pepper is piperine, which when refined for supplement use, is called bioperine.

Black Pepper As A Spice

Pepper has been used for centuries as a culinary spice around the world and was commonly traded for this purpose. It adds a slight spicy heat to dishes as well as its own characteristic pepper flavour. Because of this, those with stomach and intestinal ulcers, and others avoiding gut irritation should not use black pepper in their food, nor should they supplement with it.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Black pepper has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as: diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. Recent research in mice has supported its use in these conditions. It was also used to benefit pain and inflammation when applied directly to the skin. This is also supported by research in animal models for arthritis, where piperine was found to have anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic effects as well. In Ayurvedic medicine, black pepper is used as a home remedy for sore throat, congestion and cough, as well as other lung conditions.

Black Pepper For Weight Loss

Black pepper extract has been shown to reduce circulating fat levels in the bloodstream. This can be particularly beneficial to those with dyslipidemia and other risks for Arteriosclerosis. Piperine has also been shown to prevent the formation of new fat cells in mice. In humans, there is some controversy as to whether it acts as a thermogenic compound, which means that it may or may not accelerates energy metabolism in the body. Interestingly, it has been found that piperine can promote the production of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which are responsible for feelings of happiness and satiety. Thus, it may also help to reduce food cravings and hunger.

Increasing Absorption of Other Supplements

Interestingly, piperine has been shown to be able to boost the absorption of a number of other vitamins and nutrients. Research has shown this effect with Selenium, Vitamin B, Coenzyme Q10 and Beta-carotene. Piperine can also increase the bioavailability of Curcumin by 2000% in humans, thus making much smaller doses go a much longer way. Anyone who has taken curcumin, and is familiar with the large dose required, will note that reducing the number of required capsules is extremely convenient.

Smoking Cessation

Black pepper essential oil has been found to help benefit during smoking cessation. Aromatherapy with the oil reduced cravings and alleviated withdrawal symptoms like anxiety in test subjects attempting to quit smoking.

Skin Benefits of Black Pepper

When black pepper is applied to the skin it can help to reduce inflammation, and can act as a counter irritant to reduce arthritis and joint pain. When pepper is applied to the skin and then the skin is exposed to sunlight, it can increase the production of melanin pigment, and thus increase tanning of the treated area. Be sure to limit sun exposure to a short time to avoid burns.

Black Pepper Supplement Varieties

Using black pepper in your food is an excellent way to gradually introduce it into your diet. Research on human supplementation of black pepper extract and piperidine is still in its infancy, and recommended dosages have not yet been established. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations particular to your specific case, or follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage listed on the label. Be sure to avoid supplementation if you are on any medications as piperine can alter their absorption, or if you have any gastrointestinal irritation, including ulcers.