1. Home
  2. / CL Answers
  3. / Is it safe to take Bioperine (which contains piperine from black pepper)?

Our Members Asked:

Is it safe to take Bioperine (which contains piperine from black pepper)?

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. cooperman.png

Initially Posted: 08/30/2017 | Last Updated: 10/14/2018

Recent CL Answers

Answer:

Piperine (from black pepper) can enhance the absorption or bioavailability of certain compounds, such as curcumin from turmeric. Bioperine is a branded extract of black pepper which is 95% piperine and is commonly included in curcumin supplements, but is also sold separately. Be aware that piperine can interact with many medications and may also have anti-platelet effects. In addition, it may cause gastrointestinal side-effects and, potentially, bleeding, at somewhat higher-than-suggested doses. See the "Concerns and Cautions" for black pepper extract within the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review.

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/

2 Comments

Related CL Answers (6)

Can turmeric or curcumin with black pepper extract cause constipation? I had this problem, but it resolved when I switched to a curcumin supplement without piperine (black pepper extract).

Learn more about black pepper extract, why it is added to turmeric/curcumin supplements, and if it can cause gastrointestinal effects. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

I recently read that turmeric is only effective if it is combined with black pepper. Is this true?

Find out the best way to take turmeric and curcumin supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

I read that turmeric may be a GI irritant. I have GI problems and wonder if I should avoid turmeric and curcumin?

Find out if turmeric/curcumin supplements can cause gastrointestinal irritability. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Is it safe to take curcumin or turmeric supplements for a long period of time?

Information on the long-term effects of curcumin or turmeric supplements. Find out if curcumin and turmeric is safe to take for long periods. ConsumerLab explores these questions.

What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?

Info on which supplements to avoid before surgery due to increased risk of bleeding or interference with anesthesia. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What is the best way to take curcumin? Is it better to take it all at once or in divided doses?

Find out the best way to take curcumin and turmeric supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability, plus the best way to cook with turmeric spice. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Related Reviews (2)

CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices

Join the conversation

Carrie17237
October 14, 2018

I personally had a bad experience with Bioperine added to Tumeric. I am Bi-Polar type II and take several medications. After taking the new kind of Tumeric with pepper additive I just did not feel "right". Something was off for 2 months with my moods changing. It was only in hindsight that I considered the new Tumeric as the problem. I stopped taking it and within a week I felt better. Since then I make sure I do not take any supplement containing a pepper adjuvant. The FDA should stop its usage...99% of the population will not know how it can mess with other medications.

Carolyn18196
August 13, 2019

Better idea: Have the FDA simply tell Bioperine users where to find the information explaining how piperine works in the liver. Once that knowledge is widely available then people can make their own decision to use or not based on their own situation. That will allow us 1%er's to continue to getting the maximum benefit from curcumin.

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to CL Answers

Join Now

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/