When to take it
With food, together with the compound whose absorption it is meant to improve.
← All supplements
OtherModerate evidence
Piperine
Also known as: black pepper extract, Piper nigrum
Piperine is the alkaloid that gives black pepper its pungency. In supplements it is added mainly to improve the absorption of other compounds, especially curcumin.
What it is used for
- improved curcumin absorption – moderate evidence (pharmacokinetic studies)
- improved absorption of some nutrients (e.g. selenium, beta-carotene, B6) – weak evidence
- stand-alone effect on metabolism and inflammation – weak evidence
Forms and how they differ
standardised extract (95% piperine)
usually 5–20 mg per serving, often with turmeric or ashwagandha
ground black pepper
contains piperine naturally, in smaller amounts
Pairs well with
Turmeric and curcumin, a meal with fat.
Do not combine / separate
Piperine can raise blood levels of many medicines (it slows their breakdown in the liver) – if you take medicines, use it only after consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Watch out for
Take care in pregnancy and breastfeeding at above-food amounts. With ulcers, reflux or liver disease, consult your doctor.
Safety
Safe as a spice; with extracts do not exceed the label dose. It may irritate the stomach.
Practical tip
If you take medicines and want curcumin, consider better-absorbed forms without piperine (e.g. with lecithin).
Products containing Piperine 4
Ashwagandha + Piperineextract
Piperine 10 mgblack pepper extract · 10 mg / capsule
Turmeric + Piperineroot powder + black pepper
Turmeric + Piperine95% curcuminoids
How to read the evidence rating
Strong evidenceModerate evidenceWeak evidenceNo evidence
Strong = several good human studies or official recommendations; moderate = promising but smaller studies; weak = few studies or mixed results; no evidence = claims not confirmed.
Combination check
Select the supplements you take and, if relevant, your medicines. We show what interferes, what needs a time gap and what to watch out for.
Check Piperine with othersWhich supplements do you actually need?
Fénix Methode picks them from your blood results and schedules when to take what – no needless purchases.
From the same group
AlfalfaNo evidenceAndrographisWeak evidenceAroniaWeak evidenceBarley grassWeak evidenceBee pollenWeak evidenceBeef organs (desiccated)Weak evidence
Important notice
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give medicine dosages. Supplements are no substitute for a varied diet; if pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or on medication, consult a doctor first.