Piperine- Review of Advances in Pharmacology

Abstract

Piperine, an alkaloid, is found in Piper longum L. and Piper nigrum L. The plants containing piperine are widely used in Alternative and Complementary Therapies for curing an array of disorders. Piperine obtained from botanical sources is about 98% pure. It is produced in the laboratory for chemical and medical purposes. Piperine is helpful in reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and relieving pain and asthma. It is reported to improve the production of serotonin, it may relieve stomach ulcerations. It improves the bioavailability of other nutritive substances including beta carotene, curcumin, selenium, pyroxidine, glucose, and amino acids. Extensive data has been complied in favour of piperine in a wide range of pharmacological studies. The review analyses recent advances in pharmacology research on piperine.