Black Pepper and Memory
Black pepper is known to enhance the absorption of curcumin and certain nutrients. In experimental research, black pepper extract (also known as piperine) is shown to have important antioxidant capabilities.
Black Pepper enhances curcumin absorption.
Black pepper is known to significantly enhance the absorption of curcumin.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and potent anti-inflammatory. Despite this, limited absorption is highlighted as a concern when taking curcumin.
Studies show black pepper is able to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000% (1).
Black pepper has also been shown to enhance the absorption of vitamin B6 (2) and selenium (3).
Black pepper experimental studies suggest promising benefits.
Experimental research shows black pepper may provide benefits as a central nervous system stimulant and may also have mood-boosting properties (4)(5).
Multiple animal studies have shown promising benefits in combating the brain-aging process. Research performed in animals suggests piperine (black pepper extract) may help to;
1. Attenuate the effects of neurotoxicity caused by brain plaque (6).
2. Improve spatial working memory (6).
3. Increase antioxidative enzymes (7).
4. Improve cholinergic function (7).
– The cholinergic system of the brain is involved in the regulation of attention and cognitive processing. Alterations in cholinergic function are seen in brain-aging and memory loss.
5. Combat neuroinflammation and restore normal neurotransmission (8).
6. Help restore blood perfusion to the brain (9).
It is important to remember these studies were done in animals and therefore human studies are necessary in order to truly understand the supportive role of black pepper in supporting brain health.
References:
1) Shoba, G., Joy, D., Joseph, T., Majeed, M., Rajendran, R., & Srinivas, P. (1998). Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Medica, 64(04), 353–356. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957450
2) Vitamin B6. BioPerine®. (2021, August 11). Retrieved September 26, 2022, from https://bioperine.com/vitamin-b6/
3) Selenium. BioPerine®. (2021, August 11). Retrieved September 26, 2022, from https://bioperine.com/selenium/
4) Takooree, H., Aumeeruddy, M. Z., Rengasamy, K. R. R., Venugopala, K. N., Jeewon, R., Zengin, G., & Mahomoodally, M. F. (2019). A systematic review on black pepper (piper nigrum L.): From folk uses to pharmacological applications. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(sup1). https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2019.1565489
5) Ademuyiwa, O. H., Fasogbon, B. M., & Adebo, O. A. (2021). The potential role of piper guineense (black pepper) in managing Geriatric Brain Aging: A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1980764
6) Hritcu, L., Noumedem, J. A., Cioanca, O., Hancianu, M., Kuete, V., & Mihasan, M. (2014). Methanolic extract of piper nigrum fruits improves memory impairment by decreasing brain oxidative stress in amyloid beta(1–42) rat model of alzheimer’s disease. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 34(3), 437–449. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-014-0028-y
7) Rajashri, K., Mudhol, S., Serva Peddha, M., & Borse, B. B. (2020). Neuroprotective effect of spice oleoresins on memory and cognitive impairment associated with scopolamine-induced alzheimer’s disease in rats. ACS Omega, 5(48), 30898–30905. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c03689
8) Wang, C., Cai, Z., Wang, W., Wei, M., Kou, D., Li, T., Yang, Z., Guo, H., Le, W., & Li, S. (2019). Piperine attenuates cognitive impairment in an experimental mouse model of sporadic alzheimer’s disease. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 70, 147–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.05.009
9) Vaibhav, K., Shrivastava, P., Javed, H., Khan, A., Ahmed, M. E., Tabassum, R., Khan, M. M., Khuwaja, G., Islam, F., Saeed Siddiqui, M., Safhi, M. M., & Islam, F. (2012). Piperine suppresses cerebral ischemia–reperfusion-induced inflammation through the repression of COX-2, nos-2, and NF-ΚB in middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 367(1-2), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-012-1321-z