Black Pepper
Piper nigrum
B Limited clinical evidenceThe world's most widely used spice. Its piperine markedly increases the absorption of some compounds, such as curcumin from turmeric.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
Black pepper is the dried, unripe fruit of the Piper nigrum vine; piperine gives its heat. Human studies show piperine increases gut absorption of some compounds, such as curcumin from turmeric. Because this can also raise blood levels of some medicines, high-dose piperine supplements need care.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used as a spice to aid digestion and appetite. [1]
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Piperine increases the absorption of some nutrients such as curcumin (human studies). [1]
How is it used?
Food
Grind fresh over food; using it with turmeric increases curcumin absorption.
Amount: In cooking
[1]Safety & interactions
- Amounts used as a spice in food are generally safe; this does not apply to concentrated extracts and supplements.
- High-dose piperine supplements may raise blood levels of some medicines.
- May worsen reflux and gastritis.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| High-dose piperine supplements with phenytoin, propranolol, theophylline, ciclosporin | May raise drug levels; does not apply to food amounts. [1] | Moderate |
Side effects
- Heartburn
- Sneezing
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
In the Middle Ages, black pepper was so valuable that it was used instead of money to pay rent and taxes. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Why pair black pepper with turmeric?
Piperine in black pepper markedly increased curcumin absorption in human studies.
Is black pepper bad for the stomach?
Not in moderation; it may worsen reflux and gastritis.
White vs black pepper?
Same plant; white pepper is the ripe fruit with its outer skin removed.
Sources
- Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009
Cite This Page
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-pepper/
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