If you grew up in a South Asian family, chances are that you have quite a few household remedies for common ailments up your sleeve, that you were introduced to as a child. To this day, if I feel like I am coming down with a cold, it’s not the medicine cabinet I seek out but my spice rack. Powdered black pepper in honey is my go-to for a sore throat. Black pepper, which is used in so many cultures and cuisines, was known in ancient times by the moniker “black gold”, and for good reason.

The use of black pepper, or Piper nigrum, in South Asian cuisine, particularly Indian cuisine, has been documented as early as 2000 BC. Later, its popularity grew to the extent that it even began to be traded as currency! 

We have been seasoning our foods with black pepper and using it as remedies for minor aches and pains, without really giving much thought as to how it really helps.

Today, there is actual scientific backing for the claims my mother made about how this wonder spice is such a miracle worker. A compound called piperine which is responsible for the pungency and unique “spiciness” associated with black pepper has been shown to have a positive effect on various physiological functions. 

ENHANCES NUTRIENT ABSORPTION

Black pepper has been found to have a profound effect on how nutrients are absorbed in the intestines. It does so in a few ways. [1]

Extracted piperine has been demonstrated to stimulate the release of catecholamines which are hormones that increase the demand for nutrients in the intestine by producing heat. 

Another way this compound increases absorption of nutrients is by limiting the function of P-glycoprotein whose function is to transport compounds out of the cell. In other words, piperine helps nutrient retention within the cell, thereby giving them more time to be absorbed. 

Piperine has been proven to boost iron absorption in the body. As we know, iron is vital for hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells throughout the body.  [1]

HELPS FIGHT CANCER

Research suggests this wonder seed may hold an arsenal of bioactive molecules with powerful anticancer potential [2]. These aren’t just limited to the well-known piperine, but a whole team of natural warriors! Studies show they can target different cancer cell lines and even work alongside traditional treatments to make them even more effective.

The best part? Black pepper generally has a gentle nature, with a favorable safety profile when used responsibly. Early research is painting a promising picture, but like any potential medicine, more studies are needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety in people.

The future looks bright: With continued research, black pepper and its bioactive friends could offer new weapons in the fight against cancer, paving the way for gentler, more targeted treatments that give patients hope and support their quality of life.

A paper published in October of 2023 [3], detailed a study that showed that the spicy compound piperine in black pepper targets and kills cancer cells. Black pepper extracts shrank tumors in both breast and skin cancer models in the same study. The compound also increased the number of good immune cells like dendritic cells and T cells, which helps the body recognize and attack cancer cells.

ANTIOXIDANT POWERHOUSE

Free radicals are atoms or molecules that have electrons making them highly unstable. Due to this instability, free radicals react quickly with other molecules in an effort to become more stable. Oxygen molecules that are split into single molecules create free radicals, a process that occurs naturally. This is called oxidative stress and causes cell damage which can result in symptoms of aging, and has been linked to diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Numerous studies suggest that the antioxidant properties of piperine can help eliminate free radicals potentially reducing the damage caused by stress in cells. [4]

Moreover, research indicates that piperine might possess anti-inflammatory effects, which could further help alleviate the risk of certain chronic conditions. Although more research is necessary to comprehend the health benefits of piperine, these findings highlight black pepper’s potential as a dietary source of antioxidants. [5]

CAN PREVENT PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson’s disease is caused when there is a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra which is responsible for producing  dopamine. This hormone acts as a messenger between the parts of the brain and nervous system that help control and coordinate body movements.

The amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced when these nerve cells die or become damaged thus disrupting the communication between the brain and muscles, making everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing a letter more difficult. 

An obvious decrease in dopamine producing nerve cells was observed in the substantia nigra in mice treated with a neurotoxin that selectively destroys these nerve cells, and this phenomenon was significantly prevented by piperine treatment. [6]

While human research is still in its early stages, these findings open exciting possibilities for brain health support.

A Sprinkle of Caution

While black pepper is generally safe for most individuals, excessive consumption can irritate the digestive system. As with any food, moderation is key. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications should consult their doctor before increasing their black pepper intake.

From the Spice Jar to the Medicine Cabinet

Black pepper, a readily available and affordable spice, appears to potentially have benefits with profound positive effects on our overall health.  Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nutrient-boosting properties hold promise in the treatment and prevent of  various health conditions. While further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential, incorporating this humble spice into your daily diet might not be just a flavor-enhancing choice, but a health-promoting one as well.

[1] Fernández-Lázaro D, Mielgo-Ayuso J, Córdova Martínez A, Seco-Calvo J. Iron and Physical Activity: Bioavailability Enhancers, Properties of Black Pepper (Bioperine®) and Potential Applications. Nutrients. 2020; 12(6):1886.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061886

[2] Turrini E, Sestili P, Fimognari C. Overview of the Anticancer Potential of the “King of Spices” Piper nigrum and Its Main Constituent Piperine. Toxins. 2020; 12(12):747. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins12120747

[3] Lasso, P., Rojas, L., Arévalo, C. et al. Piper nigrum extract suppresses tumor growth and enhances the antitumor immune response in murine models of breast cancer and melanoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 72, 3279–3292 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-023-03487-3

[4] Gülçin I. (2005). The antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of black pepper (Piper nigrum) seeds. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 56(7), 491–499. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637480500450248[5] Bang, J. S., Oh, D. H., Choi, H. M., Sur, B. J., Lim, S. J., Kim, J. Y., Yang, H. I., Yoo, M. C., Hahm, D. H., & Kim, K. S. (2009). Anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects of piperine in human interleukin 1beta-stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes and in rat arthritis models. Arthritis research & therapy, 11(2), R49.
https://doi.org/10.1186/ar2662

Written by Hira Laishram. Edited by Indira.