If you’ve hopped on the turmeric health trend over the past couple of years, we don’t have to tell you how powerful the anti-inflammatory ingredient is. You may have wondered why it’s recommended to always pair turmeric with black pepper, though (especially in sweeter desserts and drinks, like golden milk).
As it turns out, this pairing is anything but random (one reason: it helps optimize turmeric’s absorption). But this botanical can stand on its own two feet as well. The secret to black pepper’s potent health benefits?* An organic compound called piperine.
Piperine is a naturally occurring phytonutrient compound (think of it as black pepper’s MVP bioactive) that gives freshly ground pepper its sharp, biting flavor. It’s found in piper fruits from the Piperaceae family but is most concentrated in Piper nigrum, or black pepper.
Black pepper is a botanical that has been utilized as an ingredient in natural remedies and recipes in ancient Indian (Ayurvedic) and Chinese medicine for centuries, and piperine’s health benefits are touted in modern scientific studies as well.*
Piperine has many bioactive effects in the body. For starters, its antioxidant activity supports liver function, a vital organ for many critical pathways in the body—including detoxification.* Piperine also boasts anti-inflammatory actions, which have direct relevance for promoting a robust and balanced immune response.* And who doesn’t need that these days?
Piperine’s most impressive feat, however, is its ability to enhance the bioavailability of other botanical ingredients.
Together is always better.
While piperine’s solo health benefits are certainly nothing to scoff at, its role as a bio-enhancer is what makes it a truly valuable ingredient in food, supplements, and beyond. It’s why you grind a little fresh pepper into your golden milk, and you better believe it’s the reason mbg chose black pepper fruit extract as one of the ingredients in our plant-centric multivitamin formula (that these doctors, scientists, nutritionists, and more are raving about).
Piperine is a dynamic plant bioactive that is highly valued for its bio-enhancing abilities (and a “secret sauce” ingredient for botanical teamwork and absorption).* At mindbodygreen, we’re proud of the lineup of longevity botanicals that support cellular functions, integrity, and health; combat oxidative stress; and promote longevity in the comprehensive and cutting-edge ultimate multivitamin+.*
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.
