piperine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

Piperine has various pharmacological actions due to its potential to interact with many targets in the biological system. It inhibits the function of certain enzymes like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and xanthine oxidase as well as suppresses the activity of transcription factors like nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). 

These actions explain why piperine possesses anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In addition, piperine has an impact of enhancing the absorptivity of various nutrients and drugs into the bloodstream. Through the inhibition of enzymes such as the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), piperine impacts on this increased bioavailability. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

N/A  

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

 N/A  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Contraindications  

Hypersensitivity  

Cautions  

Renal impairment  

Hepatic impairment  

Drug interactions  

Pregnancy   

Breastfeeding  

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy/Lactation  

Pregnancy consideration:  No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy.  

Breastfeeding warnings: No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk.  

Pregnancy category:  

• Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.  
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.     
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.     
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.     
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.  

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

Piperine is an alkaloid derived from Piper nigrum with high lipophilicity; this compound significantly increases absorption of various nutrients. This is done by several ways, by blocking the enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of drugs and nutritional elements, promoting the transporters of amino acid in the wall of intestines, inhibiting the P-glycoprotein, and decreasing the synthesis of glucuronic acid in the intestines. 

Pharmacodynamics 

It acts as a plant metabolite, playing a role in human blood serum metabolism, and serving as a component in food.  

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption  

It is absorbed within the gastrointestinal tract 

Distribution  

Limited information available 

Metabolism  

The metabolic transformations predominantly occur in the liver. Enzymatic processes facilitate the conversion of piperine into various metabolites.  

Elimination and Excretion  

The elimination of both piperine and its metabolites takes place through urine and feces.  

Adminstartion

Administration 

The supplements are available in capsule or tablet form and taken orally  

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet  

Generic Name: piperine  

Pronounced: PIE-puh-reen  

Why do we use piperine?  

Piperine is an active component found in black pepper is used in enhancing the nutrient absorption and improves the digestive health. 

It also provides the anti-inflammatory benefits and acts as an antioxidant.