Piperine: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|An alkaloid responsible for the pungency of black pepper}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
'''Piperine''' is an [[alkaloid]] that is responsible for the pungency of [[black pepper]] (''Piper nigrum'') and long pepper (''Piper longum''). It is a key component that contributes to the characteristic spiciness of these peppers. Piperine is also found in small amounts in other spices and is known for its potential [[bioavailability]] enhancement properties. | |||
Piperine is | |||
== | ==Chemical Structure and Properties== | ||
Piperine is | Piperine is a [[nitrogen]]-containing compound with the molecular formula C<sub>17</sub>H<sub>19</sub>NO<sub>3</sub>. It is a crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents such as [[ethanol]] and [[chloroform]]. The structure of piperine consists of a piperidine ring bonded to a methylenedioxyphenyl group. | ||
[[File:Piperine-3D-balls.png|thumb|right|3D model of piperine molecule]] | |||
Piperine | |||
== | ==Sources and Extraction== | ||
Piperine is | Piperine is primarily extracted from the fruits of the black pepper plant. The extraction process typically involves the use of organic solvents to isolate piperine from the peppercorns. The yield of piperine from black pepper is approximately 5-10% by weight. | ||
== | ==Biological Effects== | ||
* [[ | Piperine is known to enhance the [[bioavailability]] of various nutrients and drugs. It achieves this by inhibiting certain enzymes involved in drug metabolism, such as [[cytochrome P450]] enzymes, and by increasing the absorption of substances in the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. | ||
* [[ | |||
===Potential Health Benefits=== | |||
Piperine has been studied for its potential health benefits, which include: | |||
* '''Anti-inflammatory effects''': Piperine may help reduce inflammation by modulating inflammatory pathways. | |||
* '''Antioxidant properties''': It can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. | |||
* '''Improved digestion''': Piperine stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, enhancing digestion. | |||
* '''Enhanced nutrient absorption''': It increases the bioavailability of nutrients such as [[curcumin]], [[vitamin B6]], and [[beta-carotene]]. | |||
==Uses in Medicine and Supplements== | |||
Piperine is often included in dietary supplements to enhance the absorption of other compounds. It is commonly combined with [[curcumin]] in turmeric supplements to improve curcumin's bioavailability. Piperine is also being researched for its potential role in weight management and as an adjunct in cancer therapy. | |||
==Safety and Toxicity== | |||
While piperine is generally considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in food, high doses may cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. It is important to use piperine supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals taking medications that may interact with piperine. | |||
==Related Pages== | |||
* [[Black pepper]] | |||
* [[Curcumin]] | |||
* [[Bioavailability]] | |||
* [[Alkaloid]] | * [[Alkaloid]] | ||
[[Category:Alkaloids]] | [[Category:Alkaloids]] | ||
[[Category:Spices]] | [[Category:Spices]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Phytochemicals]] | ||
Revision as of 17:42, 18 February 2025
An alkaloid responsible for the pungency of black pepper
Piperine is an alkaloid that is responsible for the pungency of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum). It is a key component that contributes to the characteristic spiciness of these peppers. Piperine is also found in small amounts in other spices and is known for its potential bioavailability enhancement properties.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Piperine is a nitrogen-containing compound with the molecular formula C17H19NO3. It is a crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform. The structure of piperine consists of a piperidine ring bonded to a methylenedioxyphenyl group.
Sources and Extraction
Piperine is primarily extracted from the fruits of the black pepper plant. The extraction process typically involves the use of organic solvents to isolate piperine from the peppercorns. The yield of piperine from black pepper is approximately 5-10% by weight.
Biological Effects
Piperine is known to enhance the bioavailability of various nutrients and drugs. It achieves this by inhibiting certain enzymes involved in drug metabolism, such as cytochrome P450 enzymes, and by increasing the absorption of substances in the gastrointestinal tract.
Potential Health Benefits
Piperine has been studied for its potential health benefits, which include:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Piperine may help reduce inflammation by modulating inflammatory pathways.
- Antioxidant properties: It can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
- Improved digestion: Piperine stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, enhancing digestion.
- Enhanced nutrient absorption: It increases the bioavailability of nutrients such as curcumin, vitamin B6, and beta-carotene.
Uses in Medicine and Supplements
Piperine is often included in dietary supplements to enhance the absorption of other compounds. It is commonly combined with curcumin in turmeric supplements to improve curcumin's bioavailability. Piperine is also being researched for its potential role in weight management and as an adjunct in cancer therapy.
Safety and Toxicity
While piperine is generally considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in food, high doses may cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. It is important to use piperine supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals taking medications that may interact with piperine.
