Posted by Catherline Ng
on September 01, 2025
A Spice Beyond Flavor
When you sprinkle black pepper on your food, it adds heat and aroma. But beyond being the “king of spices,” black pepper also carries hidden value in modern nutrition.
Its extract, obtained from the fruit of Piper nigrum, contains active compounds such as piperine—the most studied—along with polyphenols, flavonoids, and trace minerals. Together, these contribute to black pepper extract’s unique physiological properties.
In simple terms: Black pepper is not just flavor—it also contains piperine, a compound that can help your body use other nutrients more efficiently.
Why Bioavailability Matters
Taking a supplement does not always mean your body absorbs it. Many nutrients—such as curcumin, coenzyme Q10, or beta-carotene—naturally have limited absorption. Much of what you take may be metabolized or excreted before reaching your bloodstream.
In simple terms: Sometimes supplements pass through the body without being fully used. That is where piperine may help.
Piperine: Nature’s Bioavailability Enhancer
Piperine has been widely researched as a natural bioavailability enhancer, acting through several mechanisms:
- Inhibiting CYP3A4 metabolism: This liver and intestinal enzyme breaks down many nutrients before absorption. Piperine helps slow this process, allowing more of the nutrient to remain available.
- Reducing P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux: P-gp pushes absorbed nutrients back into the gut. Piperine can reduce this “loss,” so more remains in circulation.
- Improving membrane permeability and mild thermogenesis: Piperine slightly raises local intestinal temperature, which can make cell membranes more permeable and improve nutrient passage.
In simple terms: Piperine helps nutrients stay longer in the body and cross gut barriers more easily, so more of what you take can be used.
BioPerine®: The Patented Extract
BioPerine® is a patented extract standardized for piperine. Its production process preserves natural activity while supporting stability and effectiveness. Because of its ability to enhance nutrient absorption, BioPerine® is widely used in dietary supplement formulations worldwide.
In simple terms: BioPerine® is a standardized form of black pepper extract, designed to provide consistent results in supplements.
Human Study: BioPerine® and CoQ10 Absorption
In a clinical study of 12 healthy men (ages 20–47):
- One group took coenzyme Q10 (90–120 mg daily).
- The other group took the same dose plus 5 mg BioPerine® daily.
- After 21 days, the BioPerine® group showed approximately 32% greater increases in plasma CoQ10 and about 30% higher AUC (area under the concentration–time curve) compared with the control group.
In simple terms: Adding just a small amount of BioPerine® helped the body absorb and retain more CoQ10 in this study.
Why This Matters in Supplements
CoQ10 supports cellular energy, but its absorption is naturally limited. When combined with BioPerine®, the body can utilize more of what you take. This does not change the nutrient itself—it simply supports more efficient delivery.
In simple terms: BioPerine® does not replace CoQ10—it just helps your body get more from it.
FAQ
Q1: Does BioPerine® work with all nutrients?
A: It has shown supportive effects with several nutrients such as curcumin, CoQ10, and beta-carotene, but not every nutrient has been studied.
Q2: Is BioPerine® safe?
A: At typical dietary supplement levels (5–10 mg per serving), studies report good tolerance in healthy adults.
Q3: Do I need to take it with food?
A: Yes. Many nutrients it supports (such as CoQ10 or curcumin) are fat-soluble, so taking them with meals containing healthy fats is recommended.
Q4: How long until I notice a difference?
A: BioPerine® itself is not about a “feeling.” Its role is to help other nutrients stay in your body longer and be better absorbed, which supports their intended effects over time.
References
1. Bhardwaj, R. K., Glaeser, H., Becquemont, L., Klotz, U., Gupta, S. K., & Fromm, M. F. (2002). Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper, inhibits human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 302(2), 645–650.
2. Majeed, M., Badmaev, V., & Prakash, L. (1999). BioPerine®: Nature’s own thermonutrient and natural bioavailability enhancer. Piscataway, NJ: Nutriscience Publishers.
3. Badmaev, V., Majeed, M., & Prakash, L. (2000). Piperine derived from black pepper increases the plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 following oral supplementation. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 11(2), 109–113.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Results may vary by individual. The information on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
