Piperine, the most abundant pungent principle present in black pepper, was initially isolated in 1819 by Hans Christian Ørsted. He extracted a yellow crystalline material having molecular formula C17H19NO3 with a melting point of 128-130°C.
Where is piperine found?
Piperine is the predominant dietary alkaloid found in the fruits and roots of Piper nigrum L. (black pepper) and Piper longum L. (long pepper) species of Piperaceae family.
Why is piperine so important?
Piperine in Black Pepper
Black pepper contains the bioactive compound piperine, which is an alkaloid like capsaicin, the active component found in chili powder and cayenne pepper ( 3 ). Piperine has been shown to help relieve nausea, headaches and poor digestion and also has anti-inflammatory properties ( 4 , 5 , 6 ).
