Did you know, that the same black pepper that sits on your kitchen table, also contains an impressive extract that can be extremely beneficial to your health? Well, let’s just say it could be. The verdict is still out. It’s called Piperine, or more commonly referred to by its trademarked name BioPerine. This active ingredient is what gives pepper its distinctive peppery taste. Though researchers are still in the infancy stages of its clinical studies to find out what it’s completely capable of, early research suggests that BioPerine helps to increase the absorption of nutrients and enhancing nutrient bioavailability. Bioavailability is great, but what are some of the other benefits of BioPerine, and what is it actually good for?
BioPerine Helps Nutrient Absorption
One of the most well-researched benefits of BioPerine is its proven ability as a bioenhancer. Dietary Piperine stimulates the digestive enzymes of the pancreas, enhances digestive capacity and significantly reduces gastrointestinal food transit time [R]. As a food additive, BioPerine can play a significant role in drug metabolism and nutrient absorption. This can be extremely beneficial especially when combined with nutrients, which have poor bioavailability and that are harder to digest such as Curcumin and Turmeric. Studies have indicated that when combined with Curcumin, Piperine can improve its bioavailability by up to 2000% [R].
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BioPerine Increases Energy Metabolism
BioPerine has also been researched in regards to its effect on metabolic function. Preliminary studies have indicated that BioPerine, paired with exercise promotes energy metabolism, through its thermogenic effects. More specifically it’s been found that Bioperine can regulate carbohydrate, fat metabolism and redox signals [R].
BioPerine May Have Anti-Depressant Effects
Other preliminary studies have indicated that BioPerine may have anti-depressant effects. Studies have suggested that BioPerine may be able to increase dopamine and serotonin levels. People suffering from depression are often deficient in serotonin and dopamine. therefore BioPerine could help those suffering from depression in establishing a positive mindset. That being said, more substantial evidence through clinical trials is needed to confirm such findings [R].
BioPerine Has Anti-Cancer Effects
Another proposed benefit of BioPerine is in its use as an anti-cancer treatment, specifically, the ability to inhibit tumor growth. In a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that piperine is an effective antitumor compound and has the potential to be developed into a new anticancer drug [R].
Benefits Of Bioperine: The Takeaway
Who would have known that your kitchen table held such a vast assortment of potential health benefits? Bioperine has some impressive preliminary studies, but more research will need to be conducted in order to find out, if the results are truly astonishing, or if black pepper should just be used to spice up your chicken. Only time will tell.
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References
- Srinivasan K. Black pepper and its pungent principle-piperine: a review of diverse physiological effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2007;47(8):735-48.
- Han HK. The effects of black pepper on the intestinal absorption and hepatic metabolism of drugs. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2011;7(6):721-9.
- Hewlings, Susan J., and Douglas S. Kalman. “Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health.” Foods10 (2017): 92. PMC. Web. 14 Aug. 2018.
- Kim, Jisu et al. “Piperine Enhances Carbohydrate/fat Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle during Acute Exercise in Mice.” Nutrition & Metabolism14 (2017): 43. PMC. Web. 14 Aug. 2018.
- Li S, Wang C, Li W, Koike K, Nikaido T, Wang MW. Antidepressant-like effects of piperine and its derivative, antiepilepsirine. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2007;9(3-5):421-30.
- Lai, Li-hua et al. “Piperine Suppresses Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Vitroand in Vivoin a 4T1 Murine Breast Cancer Model.” Acta Pharmacologica Sinica4 (2012): 523–530. PMC. Web. 14 Aug. 2018.
- Science Direct
