Piperine is a pungent component found in black pepper, which is in the Piper Nigrum family. This spice has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a restorative tonic. It is most well known for its ability to support the bioavailability of other foods and herbs in traditional herbal formulas. Much research has supported that it increases the bioavailability of turmeric root by as much as 20 fold.
Piperine extract, which is derived from black pepper fruit, has a long history of use dating back as far as 100 BC as noted in ancient Sanskrit literature. Pepper was a very common spice used in the middle ages to help cover the taste of salt-cured meats. It was highly prized and was used as currency. To give you a small idea of how important black pepper was during the times of the early Roman empire, 3000 pounds of black pepper was demanded along with gold, silver, and silk as ransom to free Rome from the Huns. Due to the value of spices, it was well known that those that ruled the black pepper and spice trade, in general, ruled the world.
Piperine has the ability to support the assimilation of food and herbs that are traditionally harder for the body to metabolize. It may support the inhibition of a variety of enzymes responsible for breaking down nutrients. It may stimulate amino acid transporters in the lining of the intestines, as well as, preventing removal of nutrients from the cells so they are available for a longer period of time. Finally, piperine may decrease activity in the intestines and possibly allowing a greater amount of active components to enter the bloodstream in larger quantities. Because of its stimulating effect, piperine has been shown to possibly support the pancreas in releasing digestive enzymes in order to reduce the transit time of food in the gut. The powerful end result is the possible inhibition of the rapid breakdown of certain substances allowing for better utilization by the body. This is a big reason why traditional herbal formulas almost always have some form of pepper in it, whether it is black or cayenne.
Piperine has been shown to support brain health because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, as well as, support other nutrients to do the same. It may possibly support healthy beta-endorphin and serotonin levels which can have a positive effect on one’s mood. Because of the way it helps other nutrients to support brain health, it is well spoken of as a nourishing brain tonic. Some of the nutrients it has shown to have a direct effect on include: CoQ10, B6, Curcumin, Amino Acids, Selenium, Glucose. Some of the metabolizing enzymes that are affected by piperine are CYPLa1, CYP1b1, CYP1b2, CYP2e1, CYP34a, as well as, a host of over the counter and prescription drugs. For clarification, when we speak of over the counter and prescription drugs we are simply informing you to be aware of piperine’s ability to increase bioavailability. It may very well enhance their action.
Based on a study done in the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology, piperine at various doses, showed a positive effect on mood and overall positive cognitive improvements. It was concluded that piperine is a powerful functional food for the brain. In another study in Planta Medica, piperine was coupled with curcumin to evaluate the bioavailability of curcumin in rats and healthy humans. The results were conclusive. When curcumin was given alone to the rats, moderate serum concentrations were achieved over a period of 4 hours. When piperine was added with the curcumin, the serum concentration of curcumin increased for a 1-2 hour period. Time to maximum concentration was significantly increased while elimination, half-life, and clearance significantly decreased. When curcumin was given alone to humans, serum levels were either undetectable or very low. The addition of piperine produced much higher blood concentrations within 1 hour after ingestion. The bioavailability of curcumin, when taken with piperine, increased 2000%.
Whether you use it as a supplement or as a part of your daily food intake piperine from black pepper is a great choice to not just spice up your food but get the most nourishment out of it too. Make spices a daily part of your life as they are an easy way to get a blast of powerful nourishment.
Some possible traditional uses of Piperine Extract Powder may include:
CAUTION: Do not take with medication.
Suggested Use: Take 10mg with any herb, nutrient, or spice mix, to support better nonavailability.
Mixing Suggestions: To increase flavor and nutritional profile combine with our organic turmeric, organic ginger, and organic cinnamon powders.
Botanical Name: Piper Nigrum L Seed.
Other Names: Pepper Extract.
Parts Used: Black Pepper.
Ingredients: Black Pepper Fruit Extract 40:1 (Yielding 95% Piperine).
Origin: Grown and extracted in China. Packaged with care in Florida, USA.
Lean Factor strives to offer the highest quality organically grown, raw, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO products available and exclusively uses low temperature drying techniques to preserve all the vital enzymes and nutrients. Our 95% Piperine Extract Powder passes our strict quality assurance which typically includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals, and microbiological contaminants. LeanFactor.com offers 95% Piperine Extract Powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your 95% Piperine Extract Powder in a cool, dark, dry place.