Piperine

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Piperine

Piperine (/ˈpaɪpəriːn/), also known by its systematic name 1-Piperoylpiperidine, is an alkaloid that gives black pepper (Piper nigrum) its pungency.

Etymology

The term "Piperine" is derived from the Latin piper, which is the term for pepper. The chemical suffix "-ine" is added to denote it as an alkaloid.

Description

Piperine is a crystalline substance that is colorless to pale yellow. It is the active compound that gives black pepper its characteristic heat and is also found in high concentration in white pepper and long pepper. Piperine has been shown to enhance the absorption of certain nutrients in the body, a phenomenon known as bioavailability.

Chemical Structure

Piperine is a nitrogenous organic compound which has the chemical formula C17H19NO3. It is structurally related to the alkaloid class of chemical compounds, which also includes other notable substances such as morphine and nicotine.

Health Benefits

Piperine has been studied for its potential health benefits. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also improve digestion and promote absorption of certain nutrients, such as curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric.

Related Terms

  • Alkaloid: A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms. Piperine is a member of this class.
  • Bioavailability: The proportion of a drug or other substance which enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect.
  • Curcumin: A bright yellow chemical produced by plants of the Curcuma longa species. It is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.

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