• The history of piperine
• Pepper in the kitchen is not enough
• What properties does piperine have?
• Can everyone use piperine?

Piperine was discovered in 1819 by the Danish physicist and chemist Hans Christian Ørsted. The scientist isolated an organic chemical compound from black pepper.

The history of piperine

Pepper has played an important role in traditional Eastern medicine for centuries. In contrast, in recent years, scientists have become particularly interested in the top layer of pepper—piperine. They have conducted several studies demonstrating that this organic compound has health-promoting properties and supports weight loss.

Soo-Jong Korean researchers Um and Ji-Cheon have taken a closer look at piperine and found that it supports the breakdown of body fat during exercise and the maintenance of a negative calorie balance, as well as strengthening the immune system.

Pepper in the kitchen is not enough

Although scientists have shown that pepper can have positive effects on overall health, simply using it in cooking isn't enough to harness the spice's power. The most valuable ingredient in pepper is piperine , which is also responsible for the spice's characteristic spicy flavor. Separated piperine is available in the form of a powdered extract or tablets, for example, in online stores.

What properties does piperine have?

One of the most important properties of piperine is its ability to stimulate the digestive system. Thanks to piperine, pancreatic enzymes involved in digestion are stimulated. The compound also exhibits antioxidant and analgesic properties. Piperine also improves the absorption of elements and vitamins, including selenium, iron, vitamin B6, beta-carotene, and resveratrol.

Back to the research of Korean scholars. Their laboratory studies, which revealed abnormalities in the activity of genes that control the formation of new fat cells, lead to a different conclusion. Piperine, which can trigger a metabolic chain reaction, could also lead to a wider use of its extracts in the fight against obesity and related diseases.

Can everyone use piperine?

Every substance has properties that make its use impossible in certain cases. Piperine is no different. The alkaloid can interfere with medications or other dietary supplements—for example, it may accelerate the absorption of certain ingredients and vitamins. Although piperine is considered a safe substance, it's worth using it wisely.