Identity & origin
BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Kew describes this taxon as a climbing shrub or tree. This notice concerns Piper nigrum, family Piperaceae. The pharmacopoeial material is: fruits.
Contextualized findings do not constitute a self-medication recommendation.
Also known as: Poivre noir, Piper nigrum
Piper nigrum is identified separately from long pepper. Isolated piperine or piperine added to a supplement is not equivalent to the fruit used as a spice.A photograph alone does not guarantee identification for consumption.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
Uses & evidence
UNDERSTANDING THE USES
Properties & uses.
Piperine: pharmacokinetic interaction
Isolated piperine altered exposure to two medicines in volunteers. This is not a “detox” property.
This entry describes a risk or interaction, not a beneficial property.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
Precautions before use
BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications & precautions
- Insufficient dataThis targeted audit does not provide a comprehensive contraindication review; this does not mean contraindications are absent.
Medicine interactions
- Reported interactionA small volunteer study observed increased propranolol and theophylline exposure with isolated piperine. It cannot quantify the risk from a culinary pinch of pepper or justify changing medication without the prescriber.Source
Other retained warnings · review incomplete
These existing warnings remain relevant to consult. Their exhaustive reassessment is outside this targeted review.
Restrictions and precautions
- The references in this notice do not establish a complete contraindication list. This limitation does not mean absence of risk.
Medicine interactions
- A small volunteer study observed increased propranolol and theophylline exposure with isolated piperine. It cannot quantify the risk from a culinary pinch of pepper or justify changing medication without the prescriber.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and children
The retained data do not support recommending medicinal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No paediatric use is proposed; pharmacopoeial listing does not establish a child-appropriate dose.
“Reported” does not prove causality; “possible” may reflect indirect evidence. “None reported” means none in the cited source, not that all combinations have been studied. Do not stop a prescribed treatment based on this profile.
Adverse effects
- Altered medicine exposure may change tolerability; this trial does not characterize every risk or combination.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
The retained data do not support recommending medicinal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Children & adolescents
No paediatric use is proposed; pharmacopoeial listing does not establish a child-appropriate dose.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
Available evidence
EXPLORE THE EVIDENCE
The available evidence.
Isolated piperine altered exposure to two medicines in volunteers. This is not a “detox” property.
Piperine: pharmacokinetic interaction
Peak concentrations and total propranolol and theophylline exposure increased.
This entry describes a risk or interaction, not a beneficial property.
Read the referenceLimitations to keep in mind.
Have piperine-enriched supplements checked before combining them with medication.
Studies, findings & limitations
THE RESEARCH
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Piperine: pharmacokinetic interaction
This entry describes a risk or interaction, not a beneficial property.
- Type of research
- Crossover study, six subjects per group.
- Preparation concerned
- Isolated piperine combined with a medicine dose.
- Observed results
- Theophylline elimination was also prolonged.
- Limitations to consider
- Very small sample; the finding concerns a concentrated compound, not a pinch of pepper in food.
What can we take from this?
Very small sample; the finding concerns a concentrated compound, not a pinch of pepper in food.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
Sources & last review
CHECKING REFERENCES
Sources for this profile.
- ANSM — French Pharmacopoeia, List A, January 2026, p. 29Accessed on 09/10/2026
- GBIF — taxonomy of Piper nigrumAccessed on 09/10/2026
- Kew POWO — Piper nigrum L.Accessed on 09/10/2026
- Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. — Bano G et al. (1991)Accessed on 09/10/2026
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