Nootropic profile
Piperine (BioPerine)
The primary bioactive alkaloid in black pepper - dramatically enhances the bioavailability of other nootropics and supplements while also providing its own serotonergic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Piperine (BioPerine)?
Piperine is the alkaloid responsible for the pungency of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as a bioenhancer - a compound that increases the absorption and effectiveness of other substances.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Bioenhancer dosage: 5-20 mg per day, taken alongside the supplement you wish to enhance
- BioPerine standard: The patented BioPerine extract is typically dosed at 5-10 mg, standardised to 95% piperine
- Standalone nootropic dosage: 20 mg per day for direct cognitive and mood effects
- Timing: Take simultaneously with the supplement you wish to enhance. Best taken with meals for optimal absorption
- Duration of effect: Enzyme inhibition peaks within 1-2 hours and lasts approximately 4-6 hours
Watch out for
- Generally safe at standard doses: Piperine from black pepper has thousands of years of safe dietary use. Supplement doses of 5-20 mg are well tolerated
- Drug interactions (important): Because piperine inhibits CYP3A4 and glucuronidation, it can increase blood levels of many prescription medications. This is...
- Specific caution drugs: Particularly important to avoid with narrow-therapeutic-window drugs including phenytoin, propranolol, theophylline, and certain...
- GI irritation: May cause mild GI discomfort, heartburn, or a warm sensation in the stomach at higher doses
- Pregnancy: Dietary amounts of black pepper are safe. High-dose piperine supplements are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential effects on drug...
The science, if you're curious.
- Inhibits UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes in the liver and intestine, preventing rapid conjugation and elimination of co-administered compounds
- Inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4, the major drug-metabolising enzyme, slowing first-pass metabolism of many co-ingested substances
- Inhibits the P-glycoprotein efflux pump in the intestinal wall, allowing greater absorption of compounds that would otherwise be pumped back into the gut lumen
- Inhibits both MAO-A and MAO-B, increasing synaptic levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine
Where to find it
- BioPerine: Patented black pepper extract standardised to 95% piperine, the most widely used form in supplements
- Generic piperine extract: Non-branded piperine extracts standardised to 95% piperine, available from bulk supplement suppliers
- Black pepper: Whole black pepper contains approximately 5-9% piperine. One teaspoon of ground black pepper provides roughly 20-30 mg of piperine
- Combination products: Piperine is commonly included in curcumin, resveratrol, CoQ10, and multi-ingredient nootropic formulations
Frequently asked
The primary bioactive alkaloid in black pepper - dramatically enhances the bioavailability of other nootropics and supplements while also providing its own serotonergic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
The main benefits people report from Piperine (BioPerine) are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood.
Bioenhancer dosage: 5-20 mg per day, taken alongside the supplement you wish to enhanceBioPerine standard: The patented BioPerine extract is typically dosed at 5-10 mg, standardised to 95% piperineStandalone nootropic dosage: 20 mg per day for direct cognitive and mood effectsTiming: Take simultaneo...
Generally safe at standard doses: Piperine from black pepper has thousands of years of safe dietary use. Supplement doses of 5-20 mg are well toleratedDrug interactions (important): Because piperine inhibits CYP3A4 and glucuronidation, it can increase blood levels of many prescription medications. T...
Inhibits UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes in the liver and intestine, preventing rapid conjugation and elimination of co-administered compoundsInhibits cytochrome P450 3A4, the major drug-metabolising enzyme, slowing first-pass metabolism of many co-ingested substancesInhibits the P-glycoprotein...
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