Organic Connections Black Pepper (Organic Medium/ Regular Grind) - 454g

Black Pepper
By: Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.)

The common spice sitting on your dining room table may actually be the medicine that you’ve been looking for…

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 supplemental use, is called bioperine.

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.

Traditional Medicine Use
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.

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
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. For more information on this use, please see our Essential Oils article.

Skin
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.

How can I take black pepper?
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.

Black Pepper (Piperine/ Bioperine) – Quick Facts

Source
· Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum) Fruit

Applications
· Weight Loss, Increased Nutrient Absorption, Reduce Blood Lipids, Smoking Cessation, Arthritis, Diarrhea, Constipation, Flavouring Of Food

Optimum Dosage
Oral: Not Yet Established. Please Consult With Your Healthcare Practitioner Or Follow Manufacturer’s Recommended Dosing.
Topically: Apply As Needed To Reduce Inflammation.
Essential Oil: Inhale Vapours As Needed To Manage Smoking Cessation.
(Clinical Doses May Differ As Recommended By Your Practitioner).

Works Well With
· Selenium, B Vitamins, Coq10, Beta-Carotene, And Curcumin

Important Information.
· Piperine Has Been Found To Alter The Metabolism And Transport Of Some Medications In The Body, So Be Sure To Ask Your Healthcare Practitioner Before Using This Supplement If You Are On Any Medications.
· Black Pepper Is Generally Regarded As Safe When Taken In Food Amounts By Mouth.
· Avoid Inhalation Of Ground Pepper As This Can Irritate The Lungs. Use Caution When Using The Essential Oil As Aromatherapeutic To Avoid Irritation.
· When Using Black Pepper Topically, Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure As It Can Increase Photosensitivity.
· Avoid Supplementation If You Have Stomach Or Intestinal Ulcers Or Other Gastrointestinal Irritation.