Piperine (95% Purity) black pepper alkaloid (95% assay) is a standardized piperine ingredient used in supplements and functional foods primarily as a bioavailability enhancer for selected co‑administered compounds (e.g., curcumin).
| Benefit |
Typical study dose* |
Key human findings |
High-quality sources |
| 1 Bioavailability enhancement (adjunct use) |
~5–20 mg/day; commonly paired with other actives |
Used as an adjunct to increase exposure (AUC/absorption) of select compounds; most cited for curcumin co‑administration. |
PubMed |
| 2 Metabolic/thermogenic signals (preliminary) |
~5–20 mg/day; multi‑week interventions vary |
Some trials and reviews suggest potential effects on lipid/glucose-related markers, but outcomes vary and depend on population and co‑ingredients. |
PubMed search |
| 3 Antioxidant/anti‑inflammatory activity (supportive) |
Dose depends on application; evidence is mixed |
Strong preclinical evidence; human relevance depends on dose, formulation and study design. Use as supportive rationale, not as a standalone clinical claim. |
PubMed search |
*Typical supplemental products use piperine in the single‑digit to low‑tens of mg/day range. Start low and adjust cautiously; dosing should reflect regulatory status and product positioning.
Mechanistic highlights
- Metabolic enzyme/efflux modulation: Piperine can inhibit CYP3A4 and P‑glycoprotein, reducing first‑pass metabolism and intestinal efflux for certain compounds.
- Absorption enhancement: May increase intestinal uptake by affecting membrane dynamics and transport processes, improving exposure of co‑ingredients.
- Neuro‑sensory effects: TRPV1-related ‘warming’ sensation can occur at higher doses and may limit tolerance for some users.
Safety & practical use
- Usual supplemental range: ~5–20 mg/day (often 5–10 mg/day as a bioenhancer) with food.
- Upper-dose tolerance: Higher intakes may cause GI irritation/heartburn or a strong warming sensation; discontinue if symptoms occur.
- Drug interactions: Potential interactions via CYP3A4/P‑gp (may increase exposure of some medications). Avoid use with prescription drugs unless medically supervised.
- Regulatory/labeling: Confirm local regulatory allowance and labeling requirements before use in commercial products.
- Populations needing medical oversight: Pregnancy/breastfeeding, GI ulcer/reflux, liver disease, or anyone on chronic medications.
