Piperine (Black Pepper Extract)
Commonly used for
Supplement Absorption Enhancement
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What is it? / Overview
Piperine inhibits certain liver and gut enzymes responsible for metabolizing other compounds, which can measurably increase absorption of other supplements — most notably curcumin, its main and best-studied pairing, where it has been shown to substantially boost blood levels that would otherwise be very poorly absorbed. It also affects absorption of CoQ10, green tea catechins, and, notably, many prescription medications too. It is not independently studied as a wellness intervention on its own.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Standardized black pepper extract (95% piperine, often branded as BioPerine) — a bioavailability-enhancing ingredient for other supplements, not an independently studied wellness supplement in its own right.
Typical dose studied: 5–20 mg, taken alongside the specific supplement it's meant to enhance
Timing: Same time as curcumin (its primary, best-studied pairing) or other supplements with documented poor absorption
Curcumin is the main supplement piperine is paired with and has the strongest evidence behind that pairing — because it inhibits the CYP450 liver enzyme pathway many prescription drugs use, piperine can also meaningfully raise blood levels of numerous medications, a real, clinically documented interaction category and the primary reason for education-only handling here.
How well does it work? / Evidence
~ Moderate evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Chronic gastritis; GERD / Acid reflux / Heartburn
Interacts with: Multiple prescription medications via CYP450 enzyme inhibition — see notes
Already taking it? An absorption-enhancer for another supplement, not something with independent wellness benefit — not recommended as a standalone product.
Research & references
Shoba G et al. Piperine and curcumin bioavailability — the original bioavailability study. Srinivasan K. Black pepper and its piperine — review of pharmacological effects.
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