black pepper
Piper nigrum
Piper nigrum is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae used extensively in various global medicinal traditions. Historically, it has been applied to address digestive complaints, fever, colic, and headaches, and sometimes served as an antidote for various toxins. Scientific research suggests that piperine derivatives may possess anticancer potential and act as epigenetic modulators. Some studies involving nano-cocrystals have indicated a reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in animal models. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- fever · stimulant
- Traditions
- Unani · TCM · traditional · Ayurveda
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- fever
- stimulant
- carminative
- cholera
- stomachic
- digestive complaints
- headache
- antidote (fish)
- antidote (mushroom)
- antidote (shellfish)
- antioxidant
- aperitif
- bacterial infections
- colic
- coma
What the science says
- Nano-cocrystals of piperine-succinic acid significantly reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in male Wistar rats compared to intact piperine.
- The study identified Streptomyces minutiscleroticus and S. longisporoflavus with potential to control Phytophthora capsici and promote black pepper growth.
- Recent studies suggest that structurally modified piperine derivatives from Piper nigrum exhibit enhanced potential as anticancer agents.
- Piperine modulates DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA networks, showing potential as an epigenetic modulator in cancer and chronic diseases.
- The study found that pathogen infection by Phytophthora capsici induces changes in m⁶A modification in black pepper, potentially linking to defense responses.
Frequently asked questions
What is black pepper?
black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is black pepper traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record black pepper for: fever, stimulant, carminative, cholera, stomachic, digestive complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use black pepper?
black pepper appears in these traditions in our sources: Unani, TCM, traditional, Ayurveda.
What does the scientific evidence say about black pepper?
5 sourced findings are recorded for black pepper; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Nano-cocrystals of piperine-succinic acid significantly reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in male Wistar rats compared to intact piperine.
How strong is the evidence for black pepper?
The strongest finding for black pepper carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is black pepper safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for black pepper in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does black pepper interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for black pepper in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of black pepper?
black pepper is also known as: черный перец, poivre.
Is black pepper a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Unleashing the biocontrol and plant growth promoting potential of native rhizosphere Streptomyces spp. against Phytophthora foot rot in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Pathogen-triggered m⁶A epitranscriptomic reprogramming is linked to host defense responses in the Piper nigrum-Phytophthora capsici pathosystem. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Recent advances in piperine and its derivatives as potential anticancer agents. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nano-cocrystals of piperine-succinic acid and its antihyperlipidemic effect in male Wistar rats. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Piperine as a Multifunctional Epigenetic Modulator: Integrative Molecular Insights into Cancer and Chronic Disease Therapy. literature abstract metadata