Black Pepper Extract (Piperine): Bioavailability, Absorption And Cognitive Efficiency

Some carefully formulated supplements include an ingredient that most people overlook. It does not boost focus or memory on its own, but it can change how much of other ingredients the body absorbs. That ingredient is black pepper extract, standardized for piperine.

What is black pepper extract?

Black pepper extract is derived from Piper nigrum. In supplements, the extract is standardized to a high piperine content, typically 95 percent or more.

How piperine affects absorption

Slower breakdown in the gut and liver

Piperine inhibits enzymes in the gut wall and liver, such as those involved in glucuronidation, that would otherwise break some compounds down before they enter circulation.

Intestinal uptake

Animal studies suggest piperine may also change the intestinal lining in ways that increase uptake. This has not been confirmed in people.

What the evidence shows

• Curcumin: in healthy volunteers, 20 mg of piperine with 2 g of curcumin raised curcumin bioavailability by about 2000 percent
• Coenzyme Q10: 5 mg of piperine with CoQ10 increased plasma CoQ10 levels compared with CoQ10 alone
• For most other nutrients and botanicals, human data are limited

Dosage and safety

Piperine is typically used at 5 to 20 mg per day in studies. Because it affects metabolic enzymes, it can change how some medications are processed. Anyone taking prescription medication should consult a healthcare professional.