Excess free radical damage can lead to serious health problems, including inflammatory diseases, heart disease , and certain cancers. Research has shown that diets high in antioxidants could lessen free radical damage.

For example, one review of both test tube and rodent studies found that black pepper and piperine supplements may prevent or slow the advancement of free radical damage and related diseases such as atherosclerosis , diabetes , and cancer.

While there is no extensive human research on the anti-inflammatory benefits of black pepper and piperine, several rodent studies suggest that piperine may help ease inflammation.

For example, during one study aimed at learning whether or not piperine could suppress cardiac injury associated with doxorubicin, an anti-cancer drug, researchers found that lab mice injected with piperine experienced reduced inflammation.

Ischemia-reperfusion refers to tissue damage that occurs when a part of the body does not receive enough oxygen. Researchers have also found that specific piperine supplements may help decrease the chronic inflammation that people with metabolic syndrome experience, but more human research is necessary.

Another larger scale review examined lab and human studies involving the many pharmacological properties of piperine, including antibacterial properties.

Similarly, one test tube study found that piperine and piperlongumine — a component of the long pepper plant — may help fight multidrug-resistant pathogens.

However, authors from both reviews suggested more research is necessary. Although there have not been any human studies to date, several laboratory studies suggest the piperine in black pepper may have cancer-fighting properties. For example, one comprehensive review of spices and cancer treatments notes that studies found piperine suppressed cancer cell replication in breast, prostate, and colon cancer.

Similarly, the substance showed promise as a therapeutic agent in treating osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. However, more scientists need to conduct more studies to investigate this effect fully.

Researchers conducted a study of piglets randomly assigned a diet supplemented with or without black pepper and noted changes during their growing and fattening periods. The researchers believe these results might warrant further studies to explore the potential beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in humans.

A small study on humans on the effects of a supplement containing several bioactive food ingredients — including piperine — on insulin resistance found an improvement in insulin sensitivity. This means the hormone insulin was better able to regulate the uptake of glucose. However, because the supplement contained multiple food ingredients, it is not clear if piperine alone would have produced the same results.

Research from suggests black pepper may help boost nutrient absorption, as well as display prebiotic-like behavior, helping regulate intestinal microbiota and enhance gastrointestinal health.

These are damaging protein fragments that first develop in the areas of the brain linked with memory and cognitive function. There is not much scientific evidence to suggest black pepper causes any major health risks and side effects.

While consuming too much black pepper may cause digestive distress, this is true of most herbs and spices. And eating large quantities of black pepper may cause burning sensations in the mouth and throat.

However, some research does suggest that black pepper, or more specifically, piperine, can potentially lead to adverse effects in certain situations. For example, studies involving rodents and humans have shown that piperine may boost the absorption of certain medicines, such as antihistamines.

This might be helpful for poorly absorbed drugs, but it may result in overly high absorption of other medications. works well with · selenium , b vitamins , coq10 , beta-carotene , and curcumin important information.

click for products piperine has been found to alter the metabolism and transport of some medications in the body, so be sure to ask your healthcare practitioner before using this supplement if you are on any medications.

black pepper is generally regarded as safe when taken in food amounts by mouth. avoid inhalation of ground pepper as this can irritate the lungs.

use caution when using the essential oil as aromatherapeutic to avoid irritation. when using black pepper topically, avoid excessive sun exposure as it can increase photosensitivity. avoid supplementation if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers or other gastrointestinal irritation. for informational purposes only.

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Your Currency: Canadian Dollar - CAD US Dollar - USD. Shopping Cart. You have no items in your shopping cart. Fill me up! Subsequently, sassafras was removed from root beer, but people continued using pepper. While the occasional black pepper sprinkle may not be harmful, higher amounts are typically used in cooking, packaged foods and at the dinner tables of almost everyone having the traditional salt and pepper shaker.

Waiters anxiously await your nod for freshly ground pepper from those big grinders. Despite the evidence that salt is not harmful unless you are sodium sensitive , using less or no salt is still the norm, giving people added reasons to use more black pepper.

And, with aging, poor health and bad eating habits, taste and smell sensation can wane, increasing further the amount of black pepper used. And, most black pepper is ground, usually long ago, reducing its flavor and contributing to the use of higher quantities.

Sufficient amounts of black pepper can increase free-radical production. It is this oxidative effect that may trigger intestinal irritation. Higher doses of black pepper may be comparable to the harmful gut effects of a single dose of aspirin, which causes mild intestinal bleeding.

Because so much of the immune system is housed in the gut, immunity may be compromised too, along with function of the urinary tract, prostate, and potentially elsewhere.

Problems caused by black pepper may go unnoticed, although it can also trigger epigastric pain and dyspepsia, which are common symptoms for many people, and ones that often result in the use of over-the-counter or prescription medication to quiet the stomach.

The problem with pepper may not be black and white. The spice contains the phytonutrient piperine , which can also control free radicals with its antioxidant effects.

The use of PFAs has become increasingly popular in the post-antibiotic era due to their various biological properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which are secondary metabolites of plants, are primarily responsible for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

The feeding trial results indicated that quail chicks fed diets supplemented with AGP and TUP had higher body weight gain and lower FCR than the other groups. However, adding BPP to the experimental diets did not enhance growth performance at any trial stage.

Likewise, Khan and Ahmad reported that TUP at a 0. Yarru et al. Furthermore, prior research has demonstrated that adding different PFAs to broiler diets, such as Pulicaria gnaphalodes powder and Achyrabthes japonica extract, can improve BWG, FCR, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota, and intestinal morphology Shirani et al.

Plant extracts, spices, and herbs can improve nutrient digestion in poultry by stimulating various digestive functions, such as appetite, saliva secretion, bile acid secretion, and digestive enzyme activity, including lipase, amylase, and protease Jang et al.

These outcomes can ultimately contribute to improved growth performance. The improved growth performance in birds fed the TUP diet in the present study was associated with the higher concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in turmeric extract.

Nevertheless, some studies on PFAs in poultry diets have yielded inconsistent results regarding growth performance, such as the report by Jang et al. The lack of impact of diets containing BPP on growth performance in the current study is likely due to factors like inclusion dosage, BPP composition, active ingredient concentrations, and their biological activity.

In terms of carcass characteristics, breast yield was found to be higher in birds fed AGP, TUP, and MIX than in the other groups, indicating the growth-promoting effect of these feed additives.

Xie et al. According to other studies, active substances present in medicinal plants can also reduce abdominal fat by inhibiting the synthesis of adipose tissue through the modulation of fatty acid transportation Shirani et al.

Meat pH is a significant factor that affects meat quality attributes such as color and WHC. A decrease in postmortem pH can result in protein denaturation, leading to paleness and decreased WHC of the meat.

The data from this study indicated that the MIX treatment increased the meat sample pH value after 7 days of refrigerated storage compared to the CON and AGP treatments. The simultaneous inclusion of TUP and BPP in the diet and their synergistic effect can control oxidation reactions in meat to maintain water storage space between myofibrils and increase WHC in meat Huff-Lonergan and Lonergan, Rajput et al.

Meat color is a crucial criterion related to meat freshness and quality, affecting consumer acceptance of meat. It is evaluated by determining the lightness, redness, and yellowness Niu et al. According to Jiang et al.

In the present study, diets supplemented with TUP and MIX decreased the lightness index in meat samples after 7 days of refrigerated storage compared to the other diets.

Niu et al. The MDA concentration in tissue indirectly mirrors lipid peroxidation, which is the outcome of attenuated antioxidant protection Jazi et al.

Long-term storage is one of the reasons for the increased lipid peroxidation in meat after slaughter Aziza et al. In the current study, lower MDA content in breast muscle during 7 days of storage at 4°C was observed when quails were fed the MIX diet. Thus, the simultaneous inclusion of TUP and BPP may provide a more efficient free radical scavenging activity in birds.

Similarly, improvements in the lipid peroxidation of meat have been reported in several studies when herbal additives rich in phenolic compounds or flavonoids were added to the diet Aziza et al.

The current study found that the tested feed additives reduced pH and coliforms in the crop and ileum while increasing the LAB population in the ileum of birds. The growth inhibition of coliforms by TUP and BPP was similar to that of AGP. Curcumin possesses high antibacterial activity against Clostridium difficile , as shown by an in vitro study by Mody et al.

Additionally, the administration of curcumin in humans has been reported to markedly shift the ratio of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria by enhancing the population of lactobacilli , bifidobacteria , and butyrate-producing bacteria and decreasing the number of enterococci and enterobacteria , as reported by Zam Moreover, several in vivo studies have demonstrated the potent antibacterial activity of black pepper essential oil against pathogenic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus.

Zhang et al. Some studies with Japanese quails Mehri et al. One of the critical features of PFAs is their hydrophobicity, allowing them to easily enter the bacterial cell membrane, leading to cell membrane disintegration, leakage of intracellular material, reduction of proton force, and, eventually, death of the bacterial cell Zeng et al.

Therefore, reducing the population of pathogenic bacteria, such as coliforms within the gastrointestinal tract, may increase the number of beneficial bacteria, such as LAB. Another possible explanation for the positive effect of PFAs on the growth of beneficial bacteria is that LAB can metabolize phenolic compounds as nutritional substrates, suggesting the prebiotic-like impact of phenolic compounds Iqbal et al.

Intestinal epithelial integrity and structure play an important role in nutrient digestion, absorption, and overall gut health Soumeh et al.

Intestinal villi are the leading site for absorption of nutrients; therefore, longer villi may indicate a greater surface area, which in turn can enhance nutrient absorption capacity, while deeper crypt may suggest fast cellular turnover and regeneration processes of tissue due to damage that is induced by pathogens Jazi et al.

Therefore, VH: CD can reflect digestive and absorptive capacities. The present study showed that the MIX treatment group had a higher VH: CD ratio in the duodenum, while the AGP, TUP, and MIX groups had higher VH and VH: CD ratio in the jejunum.

Improving the intestinal mucosal structure in response to dietary PFAs may be linked to an increased population of beneficial bacteria, which can produce antibacterial compounds and compete with harmful pathogens like coliforms.

This can prevent their colonization and minimize their negative impact on the intestinal structure Jazi et al. Feeding broiler chickens with PFAs may also stimulate mucus secretion into the intestine, which can act as a dynamic protective surface and prevent the adherence of pathogens to intestinal epithelial cells Cornick et al.

Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of PFAs may protect villi from oxidative stress caused by digestive processes Zeng et al. The present study found that combining TUP and BPP in the diet improved the population of gastrointestinal microbiota and intestinal morphology more effectively, indicating synergistic effects between TUP and BPP.

The serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides can reflect lipid metabolism Sharifi et al. The current study revealed that the tested feed additives reduced the concentration of cholesterol. Kim and Kim reported a significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels in rats fed an excessive fat diet supplemented with curcumin, possibly due to increased expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, a rate-limiting enzyme in bile acid formation from cholesterol.

Piperine, the active compound in black pepper, is known to reduce plasma and liver cholesterol by changing cholesterol transporter proteins and reducing lipogenic gene expression Tunsophon and Chootip, Shirani et al.

Serum levels of ALT, ALP, and AST serve as indicators of liver health and functionality, as their concentrations increase when liver cells are destroyed Mohebodini et al. However, in the present study, the experimental treatments did not affect the concentrations of these enzymes and therefore had no negative impact on the liver.

Researchers have recently focused on modifying fatty acid compounds in poultry meat, as the level of SFA are correlated to hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease Ahmed et al. However, the MIX diet had a more pronounced effect on the meat fatty acid profile, possibly due to the synergistic effects.

Similar observations were made in broiler chickens fed phytogenic products containing TUP by Daneshyar et al. It has been suggested that palmitic acid C often raises blood cholesterol levels, while oleic acid C has the opposite effect on blood cholesterol.

Additionally, PUFA may decrease abdominal fat deposition by enhancing the expression of acyl-CoA oxidase the main enzyme of the beta-oxidation process Crespo and Esteve-Garcia, ; The decrease in SFA in the meat of birds may be related to an increase in the amount of oleic acid C and MUFA, given that stearic acid C is converted to oleic acid C more rapidly Ahmed et al.

In addition, the enhanced PUFA concentration may be due to the improvement of the antioxidant defense system, which could protect PUFA oxidation and cause the production of stable products Mohebodini et al.

The PUFA: SFA and n n-3 ratios are typically used to assess the nutritional value of meat. Ahmed et al. In the current study, although the n n-3 ratio was not affected by the experimental treatments, the PUFA: SFA ratio in birds fed the additives was higher than the minimum recommended values, indicating a positive effect of the tested PFAs on meat quality.

In addition to the above indices, a more comprehensive approach to the nutritional evaluation of meat could involve using indices based on the functional effects of fatty acids, such as the HH ratio Santos-Silva et al.

The highest HH index values were recorded in birds fed the MIX diet, indicating a better nutritional value of meat in this group. The present study indicates that the simultaneous application of TUP and BPP to improve growth performance is ineffective.

However, TUP alone can result in improvements in BWG and FCR. Additionally, because the simultaneous inclusion of TUP and BPP can positively affect the population of gastrointestinal microbiota and intestinal morphology, their combination may be more effective under stressful conditions.

Combining TUP and BPP in the diet also improves breast meat quality and shelf life, indicating the synergistic effects between TUP and BPP. The raw data supporting the conclusion of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

The animal study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the Gorgan University of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran. The authors listed have made a substantial, direct, and intellectual contribution to the work and approved it for publication.

This work is funded by the Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Abdallah, E. Black pepper fruit Piper nigrum L as antibacterial agent: A mini-review. Open Access 6, — CrossRef Full Text Google Scholar. Ahmed, S. Meat composition, fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of meat from broilers supplemented with pomegranate Punica granatum L by-products.

Food Chem. PubMed Abstract CrossRef Full Text Google Scholar. Amalraj, A. Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives—A review. Apperson, K. Effect of whole flax seed and carbohydrase enzymes on gastrointestinal morphology, muscle fatty acids, and production performance in broiler chickens.

Aziza, A. Antioxidative effect of dietary Camelina meal in fresh, stored, or cooked broiler chicken meat. Barbarestani, S. Effects of dietary lavender essential oil on growth performance, intestinal function, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens.

Cao, F. Effect of feeding fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves on growth performance, meat quality, and lipid metabolism in broilers. Castellini, C.

Effect of organic production system on broiler carcass and meat quality. Meat Sci. Chowdhury, S. Different essential oils in diets of broiler chickens: 2. Gut microbes and morphology, immune response, and some blood profile and antioxidant enzymes.

Feed Sci. Cornick, S. Roles and regulation of the mucus barrier in the gut. Tissue Barriers 3, e Cottica, S. Characterization of Canadian propolis fractions obtained from two-step sequential extraction. LWT - Food Sci.

Crespo, N. Dietary fatty acid profile modifies abdominal fat deposition in broiler chickens. Dietary linseed oil produces lower abdominal fat deposition but higher de novo fatty acid synthesis in broiler chickens.

Daneshyar, M. Effects of dietary turmeric supplementation on plasma lipoproteins, meat quality and fatty acid composition in broilers. Gorgani, L. In a in vitro lab study exploring piperine's ability to treat drug-resistant cancers, researchers found it may help reduce chemotherapy resistance in some cancers by increasing the effectiveness of tumor-killing drugs.

Though research remains in the early stages and has yet to involve human trials, piperine's properties may give it an important role in future treatments for cancer, especially drug-resistant cancers.

The easiest way to use pepper involves adding it to food, which many people do by default. Sprinkle it on scrambled eggs, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, and fresh-picked tomatoes for a satisfying zing.

Black pepper is safe to consume as a seasoning, but it may cause minor side effects like heartburn or digestive upset if you eat it in large quantities, Gladd says.

And while few people are allergic to black pepper, an allergy or sensitivity is still possible. You also have the option of taking black pepper in supplement form, which you may find labeled as piperine or black pepper extract.

A typical daily dose for adults is usually 10 milligrams mg. Black pepper may pack some noteworthy benefits, including helping ease inflammation, control blood sugar, and regulate cholesterol levels. To date, few human studies have explored black pepper as a remedy for health concerns, but adding a dose of flavor to your food with this pungent spice likely won't pose any risk to your health.

Just keep in mind that despite any potential health benefits it may offer, black pepper can't replace any medications or treatments prescribed by your doctor.

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By: Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor and a Holistic Nutritionist. Black Pepper As A Spice Health Benefits of Black Pepper Black Pepper For Weight Loss Increasing Absorption of Other Supplements Smoking Cessation Skin Benefits of Black Pepper Black Pepper Supplement Varieties.

topically: apply as needed to reduce inflammation. essential oil: inhale vapours as needed to manage smoking cessation. clinical doses may differ as recommended by your practitioner. works well with · selenium , b vitamins , coq10 , beta-carotene , and curcumin important information.

click for products piperine has been found to alter the metabolism and transport of some medications in the body, so be sure to ask your healthcare practitioner before using this supplement if you are on any medications.

black pepper is generally regarded as safe when taken in food amounts by mouth. avoid inhalation of ground pepper as this can irritate the lungs. use caution when using the essential oil as aromatherapeutic to avoid irritation.

when using black pepper topically, avoid excessive sun exposure as it can increase photosensitivity. avoid supplementation if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers or other gastrointestinal irritation.

for informational purposes only. please consult your health care practitioner before taking natural health care products. click here for full disclaimer. Please leave your comment in the form below Earn FREE Reward Points.

Select AN EMOJI. Post Comment. Comment Sent Your comment has been received and is pending moderation. Thanks for being part of the NN community! Oops We are sorry - something went wrong.

Please resubmit your reply.