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

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

Last updated Oct. 14, 2018 | Initially Posted Aug. 30, 2017

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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.

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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.

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