What is BioPerine?
BioPerine is a patented extract derived from piperine, a compound primarily found in black pepper. It boasts a high concentration of at least 95% piperine, in a form that is designed to be easily absorbed by the human body. BioPerine is frequently incorporated into various dietary supplements, where it's found either as a standalone ingredient or coupled with other beneficial compounds such as turmeric. The product was developed and patented by Sabinsa Corporation, a company that specializes in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. The primary objective of BioPerine is to boost the bioavailability of specific nutrients and compounds. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a consumed substance that enters the bloodstream and can have an active effect. By enhancing bioavailability, BioPerine improves the overall effectiveness of the nutrients and compounds with which it is consumed.
Top 9 Bioperine Benefits
1. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
One of the main reasons people take BioPerine supplements is to increase the absorption of various nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. It’s generally the most well backed reason and at this point is well accepted by the medical community. Research has shown that piperine can significantly enhance the absorption of certain nutrients and has shown to be particularly effective for curcumin, [1] beta carotene, [2] and selenium [3]. Making it particularly useful in supplements containing these ingredients.
Curcumin Absorption
Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, curcumin has poor bioavailability, which limits its effectiveness. Studies have shown that piperine can increase the absorption of curcumin by up to 2000%, making it more effective in exerting its health benefits. [1]
Beta Carotene Absorption
Beta carotene is a beneficial plant compound known for its antioxidant properties and its role in enhancing immune function. Research has shown that piperine can also boost the absorption of beta carotene, further promoting its health benefits. [2]
Selenium Absorption
Selenium is an essential mineral with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that piperine may enhance the absorption of selenium, thus improving its overall effectiveness. [3]
2. Early Signs Of Neuroprotective Effects
Early Animal studies have suggested that BioPerine could offer several cognitive benefits, such as improving memory and preventing mental impairment.
For example, research in mice has shown that piperine can reduce inflammation and protect brain cells from damage associated with Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. [4] Additionally, studies have found that piperine can protect the myelin sheath, an insulating layer around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This protective effect could have potential therapeutic applications for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). [5]
However, whilst promising, this is very early research and human research is needed to confirm these findings. Many effects from studies like this do not actually produce results in humans. Although it is more likely with compounds that have shown other results in human trials for different issues.
3. Bioperine Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation is a normal immune response that helps protect the body against illness and infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Studies have shown that piperine possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties, which may help combat chronic inflammation. [6] This makes it a very good ingredient to combine with curcumin as bioperine improves it’s absorption rate and it has similar effects, so combined they can multiply the benefits of bioperine for joints.
In test-tube studies, piperine has been shown to protect skin cells from UV-induced damage and inflammation and block the production of inflammatory markers in brain and spinal cord cells. Animal studies have also suggested that piperine could reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and asthma. [7] However, more research is needed to determine how piperine supplements, like BioPerine, affect inflammation in humans.
4. Bioperine For Blood Sugar Regulation
Whilst it’s still pretty early, it has been suggested in some studies to support improved blood sugar regulation. For instance, test-tube studies have observed that piperine could enhance the absorption of sugar from the bloodstream into cells, a mechanism that could potentially prevent high blood sugar levels, a common issue in conditions such as diabetes. [8]
In addition, a study conducted in mice with diabetes demonstrated that piperine could potentially enhance the effectiveness of metformin, [9] a medication commonly prescribed for managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Moreover, animal research has proposed that piperine might help combat insulin resistance, a condition that hampers the body's ability to efficiently utilize insulin to shuttle sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. If left unmanaged, insulin resistance can escalate into more severe conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
However, these findings mainly stem from in vitro and animal studies. Therefore, more human trials are needed to establish if BioPerine can offer similar blood sugar regulatory benefits in humans, and to determine the optimal dosages and administration methods.
5. Enhanced Immune Function through Piperine
It also seems that bioperine could have immunomodulatory effects, implying its potential to regulate and boost the immune system. Scientific studies have observed that piperine can boost the production of immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, and enhance their overall function. These cells play a crucial role in identifying and eliminating foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that could potentially cause disease. [10]
By facilitating the optimal function of these immune cells, supplements like BioPerine, which contain piperine, could potentially aid in supporting the body's defense mechanisms against a wide array of infections and illnesses. By boosting immune function, piperine could provide added resilience to the body, helping to protect against disease-causing microbes and to maintain overall health.
6. Improved Digestive Health with Piperine
It stands to reason that an extract proven to boost nutrient absorption would have some impact on digestive health. But, beyond the obvious, piperine has demonstrated anti-ulcer properties in studies. These properties are believed to be beneficial for protecting the stomach lining from potential damage that could result from factors such as excessive acid production or the ingestion of certain harmful substances. This protective effect might play a role in preventing or reducing the occurrence of gastric ulcers. [11]
7. Weight Management and Piperine
Piperine has shown some initial potential in aiding weight management as per some scientific research. It is thought to regulate body weight by boosting metabolism, which increases the rate at which the body burns calories, and by promoting the breakdown of fat. Animal studies have observed that supplementation with piperine can result in reductions in body weight, body fat percentage, and cholesterol levels, all of which are crucial for maintaining optimal health. [12]
8. Antidepressant Effects of Bioperine
Piperine has demonstrated potential antidepressant properties in animal studies, [13] revealing another intriguing aspect of this bioactive compound. It appears to enhance the levels of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which have a critical role in mood regulation. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters are often associated with mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
By modulating the levels and function of these neurotransmitters, BioPerine may potentially alleviate symptoms associated with these mental health conditions. However, it should be noted that most of the current evidence supporting this potential benefit comes from animal studies. Further rigorous investigation is needed to determine the possible antidepressant effects of BioPerine in human subjects.
9. Bioperine for Pain Relief
Whilst the evidence is relatively new, the pain-relieving mechanism of piperine is relatively well understood. It involves the inhibition of certain enzymes and chemicals in the body that trigger the sensation of pain. Among these is the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins - chemicals that promote inflammation and contribute to pain and fever in the body. By suppressing the COX enzyme, piperine could potentially reduce the production of prostaglandins, thereby relieving pain and inflammation. [14]
Another possible mechanism through which piperine may provide pain relief is by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters related to pain sensation, such as substance P and glutamate. These neurotransmitters are responsible for transmitting pain signals from peripheral nerves to the brain, and by regulating their function, piperine might be capable of disrupting this pain signal transmission. This suggests that supplements containing piperine, like BioPerine, might have significant potential applications in managing pain linked with various medical conditions.
These include chronic conditions such as arthritis, a joint disorder causing inflammation and pain, and neuropathy, a condition resulting from nerve damage that often presents with symptoms of pain, numbness, and weakness. Furthermore, due the anti-inflammatory effects we mentioned earlier. And the ability to increase absorption of other ingredients proven to help with inflammation related pain like curcumin, piperine could possibly be helpful in conditions where inflammation plays a key role, like in inflammatory bowel diseases, gout, and certain autoimmune disorders.
However, more rigorous and extensive research is needed to validate these findings in human trials and determine the optimal dosages and forms of administration for piperine and if it is going to work as well as is hoped.
Safety and Ideal Dosage of BioPerine
There are no official guidelines on the appropriate dosage of piperine. However, studies have shown that doses of 5-20 mg per day are generally considered safe and associated with minimal side effects.
The manufacturers of BioPerine recommend taking 5 mg, three times daily, for the best results, although this is generally for its effects at improving nutrient absorption, rather than any other potential benefits of bioperine.
Although BioPerine is generally considered safe, it may lower blood sugar levels and interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and medications used to treat insomnia, pain, and anxiety. If you have diabetes or are taking any medications, it is essential to consult with your doctor before taking BioPerine.
Bioperine Benefits Conclusion
BioPerine is a patented piperine extract designed to enhance the bioavailability and effectiveness of specific nutrients and compounds and for this is appears to be effective.
Early research suggests that there may be several other bioperine benefits, brain function, blood sugar regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Realistically, it looks most likely that the digestive benefits and blood sugar related improvements are most likely to pan out.
While the current body of research is promising, more studies are needed to determine the full extent of BioPerine's potential benefits in humans. As with any supplement, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using BioPerine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
References
1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
2 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8467119/
3 - https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/
4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31207354/
5 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32335165/
6 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
7 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2688199/
8 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7542877/
9 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4753761/
10 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8796742/
11 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11324467/
12 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3113382/
13 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21477634/
14 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19327174/
