Piperaceae
Peppercorn
Piper nigrum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: South India, Vietnam
Also known as: Black Pepper, White Pepper, Green Pepper, Common Pepper
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Parts Used
Fruit
Therapeutic Uses
Digestive complaints (carminative), nutrient and drug bioavailability enhancement (piperine increases absorption of curcumin, CoQ10, resveratrol 2000%), chronic pain (topical capsaicin-like action), respiratory conditions.
Herbal Actions
Bioavailability enhancer (piperine), carminative, thermogenic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Active Constituents
Piperine (5–9% — primary active), volatile oil (β-caryophyllene, limonene, sabinene), alkaloids, resins
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.5 tsp ground black pepper in warm water with honey, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Primary use: combine with turmeric (20mg piperine increases curcumin absorption 2000%). BioPerine standardized extract: 5–20mg with other supplements. Culinary use fully medicinal at appropriate amounts. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: HIGH piperine doses increase drug absorption significantly — may cause toxicity of medications taken simultaneously. Caution with any pharmaceutical drug. Peptic ulcer — may irritate.
Side Effects: GI irritation at high doses. Sneezing. Drug interactions via CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibition.