Piperine (from Black Pepper, Piper nigrum)

Pepper alkaloid: Bioenhancer (P-gp/CYP ↓), apoptosis ↑, angiogenesis ↓; preclinical in breast/colorectal/prostate/ovarian; high interaction risk.

← All agents

Human-reviewed · How we review →

AI extractedhuman reviewedsources checkedretractions suppressed

🔬⭐⭐ Preclinical — Robust mechanistic and PK data as a bioenhancer; no human cancer-outcome trials; high interaction risk.PiperinBlack pepper alkaloid

Forms: Standardized extract capsules (5-20 mg piperine) · BioPerine (patented 95% piperine)

Educational only, not medical advice. OncoForge makes no claim that Piperine (from Black Pepper, Piper nigrum) treats, prevents, or cures any condition, beyond what the linked studies show. Evidence levels vary; effects may not translate to people, and some compounds can cause harm. Always coordinate with your oncology team.

Key Takeaway

Powerful bioavailability enhancer that inhibits intestinal P-gp and CYP3A4, markedly raising exposure to co-administered agents (e.g., curcumin). Preclinical oncology data show pro-apoptotic, anti-invasive, and chemosensitizing effects, but there are no human cancer-outcome trials and drug–drug interactions can be significant.

Evidence at a glance

Tier 1 · labBreastColorectalProstateOvarian

Human PK trials confirm enhancer role; preclinical apoptosis/invasion across models; no dedicated cancer outcomes; interaction data from pharma studies.

How it may work

Acute piperine exposure inhibits ABCB1 (P-gp) and CYP3A4, increasing oral AUC/Cmax of co-agents. In tumor models, piperine raises ROS, activates caspases, suppresses NF-κB/STAT3/PI3K-Akt, and lowers MMP-2/9 and VEGF, reducing invasion/angiogenesis. It can sensitize tumors (e.g., docetaxel synergy) partly via PK and efflux modulation. Repeated exposure may engage PXR with complex effects on CYP expression.

Targets & pathways

Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.

Bioavailability↑P-gp/CYP3A4 inhibition for co-agents
P-gp↓Efflux pump blockade
CYP3A4↓Metabolism inhibition
Apoptosis↑ROS/caspase/JNK activation
Angiogenesis↓VEGF/MMP-2/9 suppression

BioavailabilityP-gpCYP3A4ApoptosisAngiogenesis

Often studied / combined with

Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.

Docetaxel: MDR reversal and growth inhibition in prostate xenografts.
Curcumin: Bioavailability x2000%; additive apoptosis in CRC.
Resveratrol: Enhanced NF-κB suppression in colorectal models.
Quercetin: Cooperative anti-VEGF in breast cancer.

Overlapping mechanisms

Bioenhancer: Overlaps with quercetin/EGCG; no additive PK gain.
Apoptosis: Redundant ROS pathways; monitor oxidative stress.

Safety & interactions

Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.

Risk categories

Gi IrritationDrug InteractionsLiver Enzymes

Potential interactions

CYP3A4 substratesMonitorHighTheoretical↑ exposure (e.g., statins, tacrolimus).
P-gp substratesMonitorHighTheoretical↑ absorption (e.g., digoxin, colchicine).
DocetaxelSynergizeModerateTheoreticalEfflux inhibition enhances efficacy.

Timing

With-co-agent: Simultaneous for PK synergy.
Meal-time: Reduces GI upset.

References

Research

No published studies for Piperine (from Black Pepper, Piper nigrum) yet

New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.

Dose: as studied, not a recommendation

These are doses as studied or reported, never a recommendation. The right amount of Piperine (from Black Pepper, Piper nigrum) depends on you, your other medicines, and your situation; decide it with your oncology team and pharmacist, not from a web page.

Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 5–20 mg/day (po) With co-agent; divided if >10 mg, Bioenhancer 5-10 mg with curcumin/resveratrol; standalone anti-cancer preclinical 20-50 mg/kg; short-term use to minimize induction..

Trials studying Piperine (from Black Pepper, Piper nigrum)

No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →

Inclusion here is not an endorsement. OncoForge makes no claim beyond what the linked studies show. Discuss anything on this page with your oncology team before acting on it.

← All agents · Research Radar