Piper nigrum (Black Pepper)

Question 1

How do you recognise Black Pepper?

Answer 1

It has peppercorns. Black, white and green peppercorns are from the same plant.

• Black peppercorns are harvested when unripe, boiled briefly and then dried in the sun.
• White peppercorns are harvested when fully ripe and then have the outer flesh removed so that only the seed remains.
• Green peppercorns are harvested when unripe and then treated in a way to preserve the green coloring either through freeze drying, pickling or other means.
• Red peppercorns are harvested when fully ripe and then treated in a way to preserve the red coloring.

Question 2

What are Black Pepper’s main constituents?

Answer 2

• Piperine - an alkaloid and/or its analogues = piperanine, piperettine, piperylin A, piperolein B, & pipericine.
• Essential oil (comprising beta-bisbolene, camphene, beta-caryophyllene and many other terpenes and sesquiterpenes).
• Polyphenols (more in black than in white pepper), flavonoids, alkaloids, amides and lignans.

Question 3

What family is Black Pepper in?

Answer 3

A perennial vine member of the Piperaceae family native to the Kerala area of India.

Question 4

What is Black Pepper good for?

Answer 4

Summary: Commonly used to improve appetite & digestion (improve bioavailablity) but can also be used for for sore throats, coughs, colds, circulation/sweating & breathing problems, and for diabetes. Anti-infective for cholera and syphilis. Vermifuge. Mostly used in small amounts, added to capsules and pills.

Actions:
* Warming stimlate that promotes digestion
* Stimulates pancreatic enzyme production and increases absorption of nutrients.Used to increase absorption of Curcumin. Piperine increases bioavailability of some drugs
* Relieves bloating – may have +ve effect upon gut microbiome
* Supports cold treatment - Promotes sweating, opens sinuses/ expectorant
* Relieves pain
* **Improves circulation to brain **– investigation re use in Alzheimers.
* Possibly improves insulin sensitivity
* Other - Increases skin pigmentation - possible use in vitiligo, Anti tumour action - possible use in cancer, Piperine based substances used in cosmetics to increase absorption thro skin

Question 5

What is Black Pepper’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Piper nigrum

Question 6

What parts of Black Pepper do you use?

Answer 6

Peppercorns

Question 7

What safety issues might Black Pepper have?

Answer 7

It’s a safe herb.

Question 8

What useful research does Black Pepper have?

Answer 8

• Review of pepper as an anti-bacterial agent
• A Review on diversified use of “the king of spices
• In depth exploration of chemistry of piperine