Black pepper extract, the validity of which has been known to mankind for thousands of years, has also quite recently become the focus of scientists and doctors. Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is by far the most popular spice in virtually every cuisine in the world. It owes its characteristic spicy taste to piperine, a substance included in the alkaloid group, which also accounts for its health-promoting properties.
The miraculous medicinal effects of black pepper have already been mentioned in ancient sources on Ayurvedic medicine, recommending the use of this spice for fevers and various disorders of the digestive system, as well as for respiratory problems. Traditional Chinese medicine uses it to treat headaches, muscle pain, rheumatism, viral infections and to aid the circulatory system. Piperine was discovered in 1819 by Hans Christian Orsted, but it is only recently that scientific studies have shown that it can be taken for a wide variety of ailments.
How does piperine work? The use of this substance in medicine.
- Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action
Thanks to numerous scientific studies, piperine has been proven to relieve inflammation by taking over the role of the immune system when it is not functioning properly. It also shows effective validity against disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus and the bacteria Klebsiella aerogenes, Chromobacterium violaceum or Bacillus sphaericus.
- effects on metabolism and digestive system
Piperine stimulates the sensory endings of the gastrointestinal tract, so it stimulates the stomach to produce more gastric juice, thereby speeding up and facilitating digestion. It also increases metabolic processes, positively affecting thermogenesis and lipolysis, which helps with obesity problems.
- Better absorption of nutrients and vitamins
Piperine interacts with the intestinal cell membrane, interacts with fat cells, stopping them from blocking nutrients. This means that with piperine, more nutrients and vitamins are absorbed by the digestive system. It increases the absorptive surface area of the small intestine.
- Effects on improving mood and mental abilities
Black pepper extract also has valid antidepressant effects. It stimulates the serotonergic system, supports the processes of increasing neurotransmission of dopamine and serotonin. In addition, it positively affects memory processes and the ability to concentrate.
- anticancer prevention
Modern studies have shown the antimutagenic potential of piperine, which means that it can inhibit the action of chemicals that cause genetic mutations. In addition, a group of researchers at the University of Michigan conducted a study in which they added piperine to breast cancer cell cultures, noting that the substance blocked the growth of cancer cells. This gives hope for the invention of an effective drug to prevent breast cancer in the future.
Does black pepper extract cause side effects?
Despite its extensive medicinal use and the long list of benefits of taking piperine, it is completely safe for the body and is definitely worth including in your diet. It exhibits virtually no toxic properties and has no unwanted side effects.