The effect of turmeric and black pepper powder incorporated in breakfast on postprandial glycemia, appetite, palatability, and gastrointestinal well-being in normal-weight adults

Culinary herbs and spices are primarily known as flavor enhancers, research suggests that black pepper (Piper nigrum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) have now been proven to prevent many non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes. Bioactive components of black pepper and turmeric ameliorate glucose metabolism and appetite regulation. The present research was designed to investigate the impact of turmeric and black pepper on blood glycemia, gastrointestinal well-being, appetite, and palatability. In a randomized crossover study, four iso-caloric experimental meals each having 50 g of available carbohydrates were subjected to healthy human participants (N = 20). Turmeric and black pepper were incorporated in the breakfast meal, 1 g black pepper (BP), 1 g turmeric (TR), and combination of the (BP + TR) was added in the breakfast. Standard questionnaires were used to evaluate palatability, subjective appetite, and gastrointestinal well-being. Blood glycemia, subjective gastrointestinal well-being, and appetite were measured at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min. Experimental meals BP and BP + TR resulted in lower blood glycemia (p < .05) significantly compared to control meal. A decrease in perceived eating ability and hunger, and an increase in satiety after BP + TR and BP meal was observed. No significant changes were observed after consuming test meals on gastrointestinal well-being. Compared to control and BP + TR meals, BP and TR meals had considerably lower palatability. Results showed that compared to the control intake of starchy meals supplemented with black pepper and turmeric reduced postprandial glycemia, hunger, and perceived eating ability without affecting gastrointestinal well-being.

Morphologic, Morphometric, and Molecular Characterization of Vietnamese Populations of Meloidogyne incognita

Meloidogyne incognita is considered the most damaging and common root-knot nematode to numerous host plants worldwide. During a survey of nematodes in Vietnam, 1,106 samples from 22 different plant species were collected. M. incognita was recorded on 13 of the 22 host plants. Four populations of M. incognita from four host plants were chosen for comparison and confirmation of their morphologic, morphometric, and molecular characteristics. Genetically based phylogenetic trees were constructed to show relationships among root-knot nematodes. Molecular barcodes of four gene regions, ITS, D2-D3 of 28S rRNA, COI, and Nad5 mtDNA, integrated with morphologic and morphometric data were used as reliable references for molecular identification of M. incognita. Our analyses indicated that tropical root-knot nematodes are very similar in characterization of ITS, D2-D3 of 28S rRNA, and COI regions. However, these gene regions can be used to separate the tropical root-knot nematode group from other groups. On the other hand, the analysis of Nad5 mtDNA and multiplex-PCR with specific primers can be used to distinguish tropical species.

Thermal desorption direct analysis in real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry and machine learning allow the rapid authentication of ground black pepper and dried oregano: A proof-of-concept study

Thermal desorption direct analysis in real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry (TD-DART-HRMS) approaches have gained popularity for fast screening of a variety of samples. With rapid volatilization of the sample at increasing temperatures outside the mass spectrometer, this technique can provide a direct readout of the sample content with no sample preparation. In this study, TD-DART-HRMS's utility for establishing spice authenticity was examined. To this aim, we directly analyzed authentic (typical) and adulterated (atypical) samples of ground black pepper and dried oregano in positive and negative ion modes. We analyzed a set of authentic ground black pepper samples (n = 14) originating from Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Ecuador, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Cambodia, and adulterated samples (n = 25) consisting of mixtures of ground black pepper with this spice's nonfunctional by-products (pinheads or spent) or with different exogenous materials (olive kernel, green lentils, black mustard seeds, red beans, gypsum plaster, garlic, papaya seeds, chili, green aniseed, or coriander seeds). TD-DART-HRMS facilitated the capture of informative fingerprinting of authentic dried oregano (n = 12) originating from Albania, Turkey, and Italy and those spiked (n = 12) with increasing percentages of olive leaves, sumac, strawberry tree leaves, myrtle, and rock rose. A predictive LASSO classifier was built, after merging by low-level data fusion, the positive and negative datasets for ground black pepper. Fusing multimodal data allowed retrieval of more comprehensive information from both datasets. The resultant classifier achieved on the withheld test set accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 100%, 75%, and 90%, respectively. On the contrary, the sole TD-(+)DART-HRMS spectra of the oregano samples allowed construction of a LASSO classifier that predicted the adulteration of the oregano with excellent statistical indicators. This classifier achieved, on the withheld test set, 100% each for accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Feeding Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) or Exogenous Xylanase Improves the Blood Lipid Profile of Broiler Chickens Fed Wheat-Based Diets

This study aimed to determine the impact of dietary black peppercorn (BP) and xylanase (XYL) alone or in combination on growth performance, dietary energy, nutrient digestibility and blood lipid profile when fed to male Ross 308 broiler chickens from the ages of 7 to 21 d. A wheat-soy-based basal feed that was formulated to be 0.42 MJ lower in metabolizable energy (ME) was mixed. The basal feed was then split into four batches, with the first batch set aside as the basal control; the second batch was supplemented with freshly milled BP; the third batch was supplemented with XYL; the fourth batch was supplemented with both BP and XYL, as in the previous two batches. Each diet was fed to eight pens, with two birds in a pen, following randomization. Feeding BP reduced bird growth and most of the digestibility coefficients but increased blood high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05). Dietary XYL increased bird growth, dietary ME and nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05). In addition, XYL increased hepatic carotenoids and coenzyme Q10, but reduced blood low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05). There were no BP by XYL interactions (p > 0.05) observed. Further research is needed to identify the optimum level of BP in broiler diets.

Effects of black pepper and turmeric powder on growth performance, gut health, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of Japanese quail

In poultry production, the search for alternatives to in-feed antibiotics continues unabated. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of black pepper and turmeric powder, separately or in combination, on the growth performance, gastrointestinal microbiota population, intestinal morphology, serum biochemical parameters, meat quality, and meat fatty acid profile in Japanese quails. Five hundred-day-old mixed-sex Japanese quail chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: a control diet (CON); CON +0.2% antibiotic flavomycin as an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP); CON +0.5% turmeric powder (TUP); CON +0.5% black pepper powder (BPP); and CON +0.5% TUP, and 0.5% BPP (MIX). The findings showed that quail chicks fed AGP and TUP throughout the rearing period had better body weight gain (p = 0.007) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.02) than the other treatments. The TUP, BPP, and MIX feeds reduced (p = 0.005) abdominal fat percentage. The MIX group had a better breast muscle water-holding capacity (p = 0.04) and lightness index (p = 0.02) and lower (p = 0.02) malondialdehyde concentration after 7 days of refrigerated storage. Feeding BPP, TUP, and MIX diets decreased (p = 0.001) serum cholesterol concentration. Quail chicks fed the CON diet showed significantly higher coliform counts in the crop and ileum (p < 0.001), whereas the lactic acid bacterial population was lower (p = 0.008) in the ileum. Birds that received the MIX diet exhibited a higher (p = 0.02) villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum compared to the other groups. The tested feed additives increased (p < 0.001) villus height in the jejunum and ileum compared to other groups. Feeding the TUP, BPP, and MIX diets reduced (p < 0.001) total saturated fatty acid content and increased (p = 0.004) total polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration, where the MIX diet had the best results. Overall, the present data indicate that supplementing the basal diet with turmeric powder enhances the growth performance of Japanese quails. In some respects, such as gut health and meat quality, combining turmeric powder and black pepper powder was more effective than using them independently.

Two plant-associated Bacillus velezensis strains selected after genome analysis, metabolite profiling, and with proved biocontrol potential, were enhancing harvest yield of coffee and black pepper in large field trials

Elimination of chemically synthesized pesticides, such as fungicides and nematicides, in agricultural products is a key to successful practice of the Vietnamese agriculture. We describe here the route for developing successful biostimulants based on members of the Bacillus subtilis species complex. A number of endospore-forming Gram-positive bacterial strains with antagonistic action against plant pathogens were isolated from Vietnamese crop plants. Based on their draft genome sequence, thirty of them were assigned to the Bacillus subtilis species complex. Most of them were assigned to the species Bacillus velezensis. Whole genome sequencing of strains BT2.4 and BP1.2A corroborated their close relatedness to B. velezensis FZB42, the model strain for Gram-positive plant growth-promoting bacteria. Genome mining revealed that at least 15 natural product biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) are well conserved in all B. velezensis strains. In total, 36 different BGCs were identified in the genomes of the strains representing B. velezensis, B. subtilis, Bacillus tequilensis, and Bacillus. altitudinis. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated the potential of the B. velezensis strains to enhance plant growth and to suppress phytopathogenic fungi and nematodes. Due to their promising potential to stimulate plant growth and to support plant health, the B. velezensis strains TL7 and S1 were selected as starting material for the development of novel biostimulants, and biocontrol agents efficient in protecting the important Vietnamese crop plants black pepper and coffee against phytopathogens. The results of the large-scale field trials performed in the Central Highlands in Vietnam corroborated that TL7 and S1 are efficient in stimulating plant growth and protecting plant health in large-scale applications. It was shown that treatment with both bioformulations resulted in prevention of the pathogenic pressure exerted by nematodes, fungi, and oomycetes, and increased harvest yield in coffee, and pepper.

Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters and Contaminants in Herbal Dietary Supplements Used in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a complex disorder characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation. Thus, patients prefer to use herbal dietary supplements containing turmeric, Indian frankincense, green chiretta, and black pepper in an attempt to cope better with their chronic condition. The dietary supplements' dosage forms and herbal ingredients were assessed in terms of the products' physicochemical parameters (weight uniformity, friability, disintegration, rupture test, tablet's breaking force, and powder flowability) in view of the USP-NF requirements. In addition, contaminants such as organic solvents and ethylene oxide were evaluated using gas chromatography. Assessment of gluten via an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was also performed. Most of the products met USP requirements. The high average weight of one multicomponent tablet sample with a high breaking force value can explain the observed negative results of the disintegration test. A total of 26% of samples tested positive for gluten, but the most alarming fact is that the ethylene oxide levels found in two samples were up to 30 times higher than the EU limit. Accordingly, dietary supplement quality control is of fundamental importance.

Combination of Taurine and Black Pepper Extract as a Treatment for Cardiovascular and Coronary Artery Diseases

The shift in modern dietary regimens to "Western style" and sedentary lifestyles are believed to be partly responsible for the increase in the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Natural products have been used throughout human history as treatments for a plethora of pathological conditions. Taurine and, more recently, black pepper have gained attention for their beneficial health effects while remaining non-toxic even when ingested in excess. Taurine, black pepper, and the major terpene constituents found in black pepper (i.e., β-caryophyllene; α-pinene; β-pinene; α-humulene; limonene; and sabinene) that are present in PhytoCann BP^® have been shown to have cardioprotective effects based on anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms. This comprehensive review of the literature focuses on determining whether the combination of taurine and black pepper extract is an effective natural treatment for reducing cardiovascular diseases risk factors (i.e., hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia) and for driving anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms to combat coronary artery disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerotic disease.

Edible Plant Extracts against Aedes aegypti and Validation of a Piper nigrum L. Ethanolic Extract as a Natural Insecticide

The Aedes aegypti mosquito significantly impacts public health, with vector control remaining the most efficient means of reducing the number of arboviral disease cases. This study screened the larvicidal and pupicidal activity of common edible plant extracts. Piper nigrum L. (black pepper) extract production was optimized using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and validated following regulatory requirements using HPLC-PDA analytical methodology to quantify its major component-piperine. Larvicidal activity was determined for the standardized P. nigrum fruit ethanol extract (LC₅₀ 1.1 µg/mL) and piperine standard (LC₅₀ 19.0 µg/mL). Furthermore, 9-day residual activity was determined for the extract (4 µg/mL) and piperine (60 µg/mL), with daily piperine quantification. Semi-field trials of solid extract formulations demonstrated 24-day activity against Ae. aegypti larvae. Thus, the standardized P. nigrum extract emerges as a potential candidate for insecticide development to control the arboviral vector.

The chloroplast genome of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and its comparative analysis with related Piper species

Piper nigrum, also known as black pepper, is an economically and ecologically important crop of the genus Piper. It has been titled as the king of spices due to its wide consumption throughout the world. In the present investigation, the chloroplast genome of P. nigrum has been assembled from a whole genome sequence by integrating the short and long reads generated through Illumina and PacBio platforms, respectively. The chloroplast genome was observed to be 161,522 bp in size, having a quadripartite structure with a large single copy (LSC) region of 89,153 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,255 bp separated by a copy of inverted repeats (IRs), each 27,057 bp in length. Taking into consideration all the duplicated genes, a total of 131 genes were observed, which included 81 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, 4 rRNAs, and 1 pseudogene. Individually, the LSC region consisted of 83 genes, the SSC region had 13 genes, and 18 genes were present in each IR region. Additionally, 216 SSRs were detected and 11 of these were validated through amplification in 12 species of Piper. The features of the chloroplast genome have been compared with those of the genus Piper. Our results provide useful insights into evolutionary and molecular studies of black pepper which will contribute to its further genetic improvement and breeding.

Comparative Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis of Resistant and Susceptible Piper Species Upon Infection by the Oomycete Phytophthora Capsici

Phytophthora capsici is a destructive oomycete pathogen that causes devastating disease in black pepper, resulting in a significant decline in yield and economic losses. Piper nigrum (black pepper) is documented as susceptible to P. capsici, whereas its close relative Piper flaviflorum is known to be resistant. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the resistance of P. flaviflorum remains obscure. In this study, we conducted a comparative transcriptome and metabolome analysis between P. flaviflorum and P. nigrum upon P. capsici infection and found substantial differences in their gene expression profiles, with altered genes being significantly enriched in terms relating to plant-pathogen interaction, phytohormone signal transduction, and secondary metabolic pathways, including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Further metabolome analysis revealed the resistant P. flaviflorum to have a high background endogenous ABA reservoir and time-course-dependent accumulation of ABA and SA upon P. capsici inoculation, while the susceptible P. nigrum had a high background endogenous IAA reservoir and time-course-dependent accumulation of JA-Ile, the active form of JA. Investigation of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis metabolome further indicated the resistant P. flaviflorum to have more accumulation of lignin precursors than the susceptible P. nigrum, resulting in a higher accumulation after inoculation. This study provides an overall characterization of biologically important pathways underlying the resistance of P. flaviflorum, which theoretically explains the advantage of using this species as rootstock for the management of oomycete pathogen in black pepper production.

Rapid Genome-Wide Location-Specific Polymorphic SSR Marker Discovery in Black Pepper by GBS Approach

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), the "King of Spices," is an economically important spice in India and is known for its medicinal and cultural values. SSRs, the tandem repeats of small DNA sequences, are often polymorphic in nature with diverse applications. For population structure, QTL/gene discovery, MAS, and diversity analysis, it is imperative to have their location specificity. The existing PinigSSRdb catalogs ~70K putative SSR markers but these are anonymous (unknown chromosomal location), based on 916 scaffolds rather than 26 chromosomes. Under this study, we generated ddRAD sequence data of 29 black pepper genotypes from all over India, being low-cost and most efficient technique for the identification of polymorphic markers. The major limitation of ddRAD with compromised/non-uniform coverage has been successfully overcome by taking advantage of chromosome-wise data availability. The latest black pepper genome assembly was used to extract genome-wide SSRs. A total of 276,230 genomic SSRs were mined distributed over 26 chromosomes, with relative density of 362.88 SSRs/Mb and average distance of 2.76 Kb between two SSRs. This assembly was also used to find the polymorphic SSRs in the generated GBS data of 29 black pepper genotypes utilizing rapid and cost-effective method giving 3,176 polymorphic SSRs, out of which 2015 were found to be hypervariable. The developed web-genomic resource, BlackP2MSATdb (http://webtom.cabgrid.res.in/blackp2msatdb/), is the largest and first reported web resource for genomic and polymorphic SSRs of black pepper, which is useful to develop varietal signature, coreset, physical map, QTL/gene identification, and MAS in endeavor of black pepper production.

Semi-Synthesis of N-Aryl Amide Analogs of Piperine from Piper nigrum and Evaluation of Their Antitrypanosomal, Antimalarial, and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Activities

Piper nigrum, or black pepper, produces piperine, an alkaloid that has diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, N-aryl amide piperine analogs were prepared by semi-synthesis involving the saponification of piperine (1) to yield piperic acid (2) followed by esterification to obtain compounds 3, 4, and 5. The compounds were examined for their antitrypanosomal, antimalarial, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 main protease activities. The new 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenyl piperamide 5 exhibited the most robust biological activities with no cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines, Vero and Vero E6, as compared to the other compounds in this series. Its half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense was 15.46 ± 3.09 μM, and its antimalarial activity against the 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum was 24.55 ± 1.91 μM, which were fourfold and fivefold more potent, respectively, than the activities of piperine. Interestingly, compound 5 inhibited the activity of 3C-like main protease (3CL^Pro) toward anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity at the IC₅₀ of 106.9 ± 1.2 μM, which was threefold more potent than the activity of rutin. Docking and molecular dynamic simulation indicated that the potential binding of 5 in the 3CL^pro active site had the improved binding interaction and stability. Therefore, new aryl amide analogs of piperine 5 should be investigated further as a promising anti-infective agent against human African trypanosomiasis, malaria, and COVID-19.

Effect of a Fixed Combination of Curcumin, Artemisia, Bromelain, and Black Pepper Oral Administration on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Indices in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema

Background: To investigate the effects of a fixed combination of Curcumin (200 mg), Artemisia (80 mg), Bromelain (80 mg), and Black pepper (2 mg) on vascular parameters in mild to moderate diabetic macular edema (DME). Design: Prospective, case-control study. Methods: Fifty-six patients affected by diabetes mellitus type II were enrolled in the study. Twenty-eight patients with DME received 2 tablets/day, before meals of a dietary complementary supplement containing in fixed combination Curcumin (200 mg), Artemisia (80 mg), Bromelain (80 mg), and Black pepper (2 mg) (Intravit®, OFFHEALTH Spa, Firenze, Italy) for 6 months. Twenty-eight age-matched subjects affected by diabetes mellitus type II were given placebo and served as control group. Patients underwent best correct visual acuity (BCVA), swept optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT-Angiography (OCTA). OCTA images of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were obtained for each eye. By the end of the follow-up patients were defined responder to the therapy when a decrease of more than 30 μm was registered in central retinal thickness (CRT) measurement, while a poor responder was determined by the absence of reduction or an increase in central retinal thickness at 6 months. We assessed the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, vessel density and quantified the number of microaneurysms in each layer. Results: A significant improvement of BCVA and CRT reduction was recorded at 6 months follow-up in the dietary complementary supplementation group compared to control (respectively p = 0.028 and p = 0.0003). VD of the total capillary plexus, microaneurysms count, glycaemia and HbA1c did not vary over the follow-up period between groups. Within the Intravit® group, poor responders tended to show a larger FAZ area, more microaneurysms, and a lower VD in the DCP compared to the good responders group (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: A fixed combination of Curcumin, Artemisia, Bromelain, and Black pepper oral administration may have a positive impact on central retinal thickness, visual acuity, and VD of the DCP in compensated type 2 diabetic patients with mild DME.

Rapid estimation of piperine in black pepper: Exploration of Raman spectroscopy

INTRODUCTION

The major chemical marker of black pepper (Piper nigrum L) is piperine and its estimation is extremely important for quality assessment of black pepper. The methods for piperine quantification, to date, are laboratory based and use high end instruments like chromatographs, which require tedious sample processing and cause sample destruction.

OBJECTIVES

In this article, we present a simple, rapid and green analytical method based on Raman spectroscopy for the quantitative assessment of piperine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To assess the potential of the technique, we report the complete vibrational characterisation of the piperine with density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

RESULTS

The theoretical peaks were obtained at 1097 cm^-1 , 1388 cm^-1 , 1528 cm^-1 , 1578 cm^-1 , and at 1627 cm^-1 , and this result was verified in a Raman spectrometer followed by a preliminary experiment. Twenty black pepper samples were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and used as reference data for Raman analysis. The Raman shift spectra were analysed using partial least squares (PLS) and good prediction accuracy with correlation coefficient of prediction (Rp² ) = 0.93, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.13 and residual prediction deviation (RPD) = 3.9 obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate the efficacy of the Raman technique for the estimation of piperine in the dry fruit of Piper nigrum.

Therapeutic spectrum of piperine for clinical practice: a scoping review

Translation of traditional knowledge of herbs into a viable product for clinical use is still an uphill task. Piperine, a pungent alkaloid molecule derived from Piper nigrum and Piper longum possesses diverse pharmacological effects. Traditionally, pepper is used for arthritis, bronchitis, gastritis, diarrhea, snake bite, menstrual pain, fever, and bacterial infections, etc. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions of piperine are the possible mechanisms behind its therapeutic potential. Various in-silico and experimental studies have shown piperine as a possible promising molecule in coronavirus disease (COVID-19), ebola, and dengue due to its immunomodulatory and antiviral activities. The other important clinical applications of piperine are due to its bio enhancing effect on drugs, by modulating, absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, altering activities of transporters like p-glycoprotein substrates, and modulating drug metabolism by altering the expression of cytochrome P450 or UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes. Piperine attracted clinicians in treating patients with arthritis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, skin infections, gastric and liver disorders. This review focused on systematic, evidence-based insight into the use of piperine in clinical settings and mechanistic details behind its therapeutic actions. Also, highlights a number of clinical trials of piperine at various stages exploring its clinical application in cancer, neurological, respiratory, and viral disease, etc.

ViphyllinTM, a Standardized Black Pepper Extract Exerts Antihyperglycemic Effect and Improves Sciatic Nerve Conduction in High Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Model Rats

PURPOSE

Research on plant-based formulations has drawn considerable attention in the management of diabetic neuropathy (DN) for having lesser side effects than the synthetic counterparts. Here, we have investigated for the first time the therapeutic effects of a standardized Piper nigrum L., (black pepper) seed extract, Viphyllin^TM in mitigating hyperglycemia and neuropathic pain of type 2 diabetes model rats.

METHODS

Type 2 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats using high fat diet and a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.). The diabetic rats were orally administered with Viphyllin containing not less than 30% β-caryophyllene (BCP), at 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg/kg/day doses for 6 weeks. Changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucose tolerance, and blood biochemical parameters were measured. The nociceptive response to thermal stimulus (tail flick test) and sciatic nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were recorded at the end of study.

RESULTS

Viphyllin treatment markedly improved the body weight and glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. Also, the extract could significantly reduce the diabetes-induced elevation in FBG, liver and kidney indices. Further, Viphyllin dose-dependently increased the nociception latency in tail flick test compared to untreated diabetic rats (p<0.05). Viphyllin at 100 mg/kg significantly increased the NCV (44.12±1.91*** m/s vs diabetic control 25.80±1.88 m/s). The antioxidant enzyme activities in sciatic nerve tissue were considerably increased in Viphyllin-treated groups compared to diabetic control. A 6-week treatment with Viphyllin markedly reversed the pathological manifestations of diabetes in vital organs such as liver, kidney and pancreas.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that Viphyllin exerts antidiabetic effects and improves nerve conduction to mitigate neuropathic pain.

Neuroprotective Effects of Black Pepper Cold-Pressed Oil on Scopolamine-Induced Oxidative Stress and Memory Impairment in Rats

Oxidative stress is usually associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of cold-pressed oil (CPO) from black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruits was performed and its neuroprotective effects were evaluated for the first time. The analysis of CPO revealed the presence of the lignan sesamin (39.78%), the alkaloid piperine (33.79%), the monoterpene hydrocarbons 3-carene (9.53%) and limonene (6.23%), and the sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene (10.67%). Black pepper hydrodistilled oil (HDO) was also comparatively analyzed by GC-MS to show the impact of oil isolation by two different methodologies on their components and class of compounds identified. HDO analysis revealed 35 compounds (99.64% of the total peak areas) mainly composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons (77.28%), such as limonene (26.50%), sabinene (21.36%), and β-pinene (15.53%), and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (20.59%) represented mainly by β-caryophyllene (19.12%). Due to the low yield obtained for HDO (0.01% v/w), only CPO was chosen for the evaluation of its neuroprotective potential. Alzheimer-type dementia was induced in rats by scopolamine intraperitoneal injection (1.5 mg/kg/day) for seven days. CPO was administered orally (100 mg/kg) for a week before scopolamine administration and then concomitantly for another week. Donepezil (1 mg/kg, orally) was used as a reference drug. CPO administration significantly improved the rat behaviors as evaluated by the Morris water maze test, evident from prolongation in time spent in the platform quadrant (262.9%, compared to scopolamine) and increasing in the crossing time by 18.18% compared to the control group. The rat behavior tested by passive avoidance, showed prolongation in the step-through latency compared to control. Moreover, CPO significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents by 22.48%, 45.41%, and 86.61%, respectively, compared to scopolamine. Furthermore, CPO administration decreased scopolamine-induced elevated acetylcholinesterase levels in rats' hippocampi by 51.30%. These results were supported by histopathological and in silico molecular docking studies. Black pepper oil may be a potential antioxidant and neuroprotective supplement.

A standardized black pepper seed extract containing β-caryophyllene improves cognitive function in scopolamine-induced amnesia model mice via regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and MAPK proteins

β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene present in plants, is a selective agonist of cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2) of the endocannabinoid system. In this study, we have prepared an extract from Piper nigrum (black pepper) seeds using supercritical fluid extraction, standardized to contain 30% BCP (Viphyllin^TM ). The beneficial effects of prophylactic treatment with Viphyllin on cognitive functions were demonstrated in Scopolamine-induced dementia model mice. Male Swiss albino mice (25-30 g) were administered with Viphyllin (50 mg and 100 mg/kg body weight p.o.) or donepezil (1.60 mg/kg) for 14 days. Subsequently, cognitive deficits were induced by treating the animals intraperitoneally with Scopolamine (0.75 mg/kg). The cognitive behavior of mice was evaluated using a novel object recognition test (NORT) and Morris water maze (MWM) test. The brain homogenates were studied for biochemical parameters including cholinesterase activities and antioxidant status. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the mechanism of action. Viphyllin dose dependently improved the recognition and spatial memory and cholinergic functions in Scop-treated mice. The extract was found protective against Scop-induced oxidative damage and histopathologic changes in the brain. At 100 mg/kg Viphyllin markedly reduced the proBDNF/mBDNF ratio (p < .05) and augmented the TrkB expression (p < .01). Viphyllin (100 mg/kg) was found to be neuroprotective by reducing the Scop-induced upregulation of p-JNK and p-p38 MAPK proteins, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase activation in the brain. Viphyllin also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating Cox-2, TNF-α, and NOS-2 in Scop-induced mice (p < .05). To summarize, our data encourage Viphyllin as a functional ingredient/dietary supplement for brain health and cognition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Black pepper is a culinary spice having several medicinal attributes. Essential oils in the seeds of the plant give aroma and flavor to it. Here we have prepared an extract from the seeds of black pepper using supercritical fluid extraction, characterized for the presence of β-caryophyllene (not <30%). This research work further validates the neuroprotective mechanism of the extract in Scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment model mice. The findings from this study strongly suggest the beneficial neuroactive properties of black pepper seed extract having the presence of BCP, a CB2 receptor agonist. It can thus be used potentially as a functional food ingredient for cognition and brain function.

The potential role of Piper guineense (black pepper) in managing geriatric brain aging: a review

Brain aging is one of the unavoidable aspects of geriatric life. As one ages, changes such as the shrinking of certain parts (particularly the frontal cortex, which is vital to learning and other complex mental activities) of the brain may occur. Consequently, communications between neurons are less effective, and blood flow to the brain could also decrease. Efforts made at the biological level for repair become inadequate, leading to the accumulation of β-amyloid peptide in the brain faster than its probable degradation mechanism, resulting in cognitive malfunction. Subsequent clinical usage of drugs in battling related brain-aging ailments has been associated with several undesirable side effects. However, recent research has investigated the potential use of natural compounds from food in combating such occurrences. This review provides information about the use of Piper guineense (black pepper) as a possible agent in managing brain aging because of its implications for practical brain function. P. guineense contains an alkaloid (piperine) reported to be an antioxidant, anti-depressant, and central nervous system stimulant. This alkaloid and other related compounds are neuroprotective agents that reduce lipid oxidation and inhibit tangles in the brain tissues.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium in black and red pepper by vacuumed hydrogen peroxide vapour

AIMS

In this study, the efficacy of using vacuumed hydrogen peroxide vapour (VHPV) to inactivate foodborne pathogens in whole dried black pepper (Piper nigrum) and powdered dried red pepper (Capsicum annuum) was evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Black and red pepper inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium were subjected to 3.81, 7.93, 12.33, 17.04 and 21.67 mg l^-1 VHPV for 1 min, and the change in pepper colour was evaluated after treatment. Pathogen quantities decreased with increasing hydrogen peroxide concentration. For black pepper, the 21.67 mg l^-1 VHPV treatment decreased E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium quantities by >6.12 and 4.52 log CFU per gram, respectively, without causing colour change. In addition, the 21.67 mg l^-1 VHPV treatment caused 4.35 and 2.36 log CFU per gram reductions in these two pathogen quantities in red pepper, respectively. During the VHPV treatment, colour values of peppers did not significantly change.

CONCLUSIONS

VHPV effectively reduced the levels of foodborne pathogens in black and red pepper while inducing minimal colour changes.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) is typically used as a sterilization method for medical devices, and many studies have confirmed the effectiveness of HPV or the gaseous phase of hydrogen peroxide on the inactivation of micro-organisms. However, using HPV for food pasteurization has rarely been studied. In the present study, we confirmed that VHPV effectively reduced the levels of pathogens in black and red pepper without colour changes.

A Genome-Wide Analysis of Pathogenesis-Related Protein-1 (PR-1) Genes from Piper nigrum Reveals Its Critical Role during Phytophthora capsici Infection

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is a prominent spice that is an indispensable ingredient in cuisine and traditional medicine. Phytophthora capsici, the causative agent of footrot disease, causes a drastic constraint in P. nigrum cultivation and productivity. To counterattack various biotic and abiotic stresses, plants employ a broad array of mechanisms that includes the accumulation of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. Through a genome-wide survey, eleven PR-1 genes that belong to a CAP superfamily protein with a caveolin-binding motif (CBM) and a CAP-derived peptide (CAPE) were identified from P. nigrum. Despite the critical functional domains, PnPR-1 homologs differ in their signal peptide motifs and core amino acid composition in the functional protein domains. The conserved motifs of PnPR-1 proteins were identified using MEME. Most of the PnPR-1 proteins were basic in nature. Secondary and 3D structure analyses of the PnPR-1 proteins were also predicted, which may be linked to a functional role in P. nigrum. The GO and KEGG functional annotations predicted their function in the defense responses of plant-pathogen interactions. Furthermore, a transcriptome-assisted FPKM analysis revealed PnPR-1 genes mapped to the P. nigrum-P. capsici interaction pathway. An altered expression pattern was detected for PnPR-1 transcripts among which a significant upregulation was noted for basic PnPR-1 genes such as CL10113.C1 and Unigene17664. The drastic variation in the transcript levels of CL10113.C1 was further validated through qRT-PCR and it showed a significant upregulation in infected leaf samples compared with the control. A subsequent analysis revealed the structural details, phylogenetic relationships, conserved sequence motifs and critical cis-regulatory elements of PnPR-1 genes. This is the first genome-wide study that identified the role of PR-1 genes during P. nigrum-P. capsici interactions. The detailed in silico experimental analysis revealed the vital role of PnPR-1 genes in regulating the first layer of defense towards a P. capsici infection in Panniyur-1 plants.

Feasibility of Applying Untargeted Metabolomics with GC-Orbitrap-HRMS and Chemometrics for Authentication of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and Identification of Geographical and Processing Markers

Black pepper is one of the most consumed spices all over the world. Due to its high demand and nutritional value, a metabolomics approach based on GC-Orbitrap-HRMS fingerprinting and chemometrics was applied to assess its geographical traceability and processing authenticity. GC-HRMS-based fingerprints were obtained using a simple ultrasound-assisted extraction method, which may be easily implemented in routine activities of quality control. Unsupervised methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA), were performed for sample overview according to the investigated origins (Brazil, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka) and processing (sterilized vs nonsterilized samples). Further orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were validated by cross- and external validation, providing satisfactory performance for geographical and processing authentication, as well as excellent predictive ability for further samples. Furthermore, reliable putative identification of 12 key metabolites (markers) was performed, highlighting the feasibility of combining untargeted GC-HRMS analysis with chemometrics for quality control of black pepper.

Influence on Secondary Metabolism of Piper nigrum L. by Co-Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis

To elucidate defense mechanisms of Piper nigrum against fusariosis, an experiment based on co-inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis was performed. Variations in secondary metabolism in plants infected with F. solani f. sp. piperis (FUS) and co-inoculated with AMFs and F. solani (AMF + FUS) were monitored at 7- and 21-days post inoculations (dpi). The pathogen induced a decrease in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (82.0–77.4%), and changes in the concentrations of the main compounds, α-muurolene, α-muurolol, and 2E-hexenal in the leaves. It was observed that the concentration of 2E-hexenal decreased at 7 dpi, α-muurolene decreased at 21 dpi, and α-muurolol increased at 21 dpi. There was a prevalence of sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons in the roots, such as β-caryophyllene, δ-elemene, and limonene. The infection and co-inoculation induced greater production of phenolics in the roots at 7 dpi. The enzymatic activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase decreased in the leaves at 21 dpi and in the roots on both days, while the lipoxygenase activity decreased only in the roots at 21 dpi. The results demonstrated that co-inoculation with AMFs and F. solani induces changes in the defense metabolism of P. nigrum, but it is not efficient in the biocontrol of fusariosis during the evaluated period.

Black pepper and piperine induce anticancer effects on leukemia cell line

The black pepper, most commonly used in Indian cuisines for ages, is considered as "king of spices." The present study evaluates the anticancer potential of black pepper and its main constituent, i.e. alkaloid piperine, against human leukemia cell line, K-562 cells. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed the presence of piperine in black pepper extract. The methanolic extract of black pepper (BP-M) and pure piperine (PIP) showed a strong cytotoxic effect against this cell line. Both BP-M and PIP generated apoptotic bodies in K-562 cells and caused nuclear condensation as visualized by fluorescent microscopy, which was further confirmed by flow cytometry analysis. BP-M and PIP also generated reactive oxygen species in K-562 cells as established by flow cytometry. The translation of Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 genes was found to be upregulated with subsequent downregulation of Bcl-2 gene. The anti-proliferative effect of both BP-M and PIP was also observed by trypan blue staining and was further confirmed by the downregulated expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The molecular docking studies showed the binding of PIP with PCNA and Bcl-2 and supported the in vitro findings. The docking studies also proposed the binding of PIP to ADP binding pocket of Apaf-1 protein. Taken together, these findings signify the anticancer potential of both black pepper and PIP, thus proposing black pepper as a potent nutraceutical for preventing the progression of chronic myeloid leukemia.

Piper nigrum CYP719A37 Catalyzes the Decisive Methylenedioxy Bridge Formation in Piperine Biosynthesis

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is among the world's most popular spices. Its pungent principle, piperine, has already been identified 200 years ago, yet the biosynthesis of piperine in black pepper remains largely enigmatic. In this report we analyzed the characteristic methylenedioxy bridge formation of the aromatic part of piperine by a combination of RNA-sequencing, functional expression in yeast, and LC-MS based analysis of substrate and product profiles. We identified a single cytochrome P450 transcript, specifically expressed in black pepper immature fruits. The corresponding gene was functionally expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and characterized for substrate specificity with a series of putative aromatic precursors with an aromatic vanilloid structure. Methylenedioxy bridge formation was only detected when feruperic acid (5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid) was used as a substrate, and the corresponding product was identified as piperic acid. Two alternative precursors, ferulic acid and feruperine, were not accepted. Our data provide experimental evidence that formation of the piperine methylenedioxy bridge takes place in young black pepper fruits after a currently hypothetical chain elongation of ferulic acid and before the formation of the amide bond. The partially characterized enzyme was classified as CYP719A37 and is discussed in terms of specificity, storage, and phylogenetic origin of CYP719 catalyzed reactions in magnoliids and eudicots.

The Effect of Black Pepper (Piperine) Extract Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Fecal Microbial, Fecal Gas Emission, and Meat Quality of Finishing Pigs

Simple Summary

Recently, Livestock industries use many herbs and spices as feed additives for various purposes. In addition, herbal extracts can be efficiently used as growth promoters, anti-stress agents, Immune boosters, and antimicrobials. However, limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of black pepper extract (BPE) in swine diets. So, in this study, we use different doses of BPE (piperine) as supplemental additives to evaluate the growth performance of finishing pigs. The findings suggested that the graded level of BPE supplementation in pigs diet had a positive effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal gas emission, and meat quality. The results of this research will provide a new perception on the applications of BPE as a feed additive in livestock feed industry.

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the effect of black pepper extract (BPE) supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal gas emission, and meat quality of finishing pigs. A total of 180 crossbred [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] finishing pigs with average initial body weight (BW) of 53.7 ± 1.42 kg were used in 10-week trial and allotted to 6 dietary treatments (6 replications pens/treatment with 5 pigs per pen). The dietary treatments were: CON (basal diet), TRT1-CON + 0.025% BPE, TRT2-CON + 0.05% BPE, TRT3-CON + 0.1% BPE, TRT4-CON + 0.2% BPE, TRT5-CON + 0.4% BPE. Linear increase in body weight gain (BWG) (p = 0.038, 0.006) and average daily gain (ADG) were observed (p = 0.035, 0.007,and 0.006 respectively), during the overall trial in pigs fed increasing levels of BPE in supplemented diet compared to control. The dietary supplementation of BPE showed a linear increase (p = 0.007) in gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) at week 10. However, there were no significant results observed on average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the overall experiment. The total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM) was linearly improved (p = 0.053) with graded levels of BPE. In addition, BPE diet supplementation had linearly increased fecal Lactobacillus counts (p = 0.048) and decreased Escherichia coli counts (p = 0.031) in pigs at week 10. Furthermore, NH3, methyl mercaptans, and acetic acid was linearly decreased (p = 0.023, 0.056, 0.054) in pigs fed graded level of BPE supplementation. The inclusion of BPE in pigs’ diet had linearly increased (p = 0.015) backfat thickness at week 10. Thus, we concluded that BPE supplementation had positively enhanced the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal gas emission, and meat quality of finishing pigs.

Piperine: A review of its biological effects

Medicinal plants have been used for years as a source of food, spices, and, in traditional medicine, as a remedy to numerous diseases. Piper nigrum, belonging to the family Piperaceae is one of the most widely used spices all over the world. It has a distinct sharp flavor attributed to the presence of the phytochemical, piperine. Apart from its use as a spice, P. nigrum is frequently used for medicinal, preservation, and perfumery purposes. Black pepper contains 2-7.4% of piperine, varying in content is associated with the pepper plant. Piperine displays numerous pharmacological effects such as antiproliferative, antitumor, antiangiogenesis, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, antiaging, and immunomodulatory effects in various in vitro and in vivo experimental trials. Furthermore, piperine has also been documented for its hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This review highlights and discusses the medicinal and health-promoting effects of piperine, along with possible mechanisms of its action in health promotion and disease prevention. In addition, the present review summarizes the recent literature related to piperine as a therapeutic agent against several diseases.

Feasibility of rapid piperine quantification in whole and black pepper using near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics

Piperine is a bioactive alkaloid that possesses various health benefits and is responsible for the pungent aroma of pepper. Piperine content in whole and ground black pepper (n = 132) was analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the 950 to 1650 nm wavelength window. Chemometric modeling using partial least square regression was performed, and outliers were checked and removed during the preparation of the calibration curve by considering sample residual variance and sample leverage. Model accuracy was evaluated with a low root-mean-square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) and a high ratio performance to deviation (RPD). The optimal model had a coefficient of determination (R² ) of 0.726, RMSECV of 0.289 g/100 g, and RPD of 1.744 for the whole black pepper. The results of R² , RMSECV, and RPD for the ground black pepper were 0.850, 0.231 g/100 g, and 2.424, respectively. Therefore, based on the perspective of onsite process, the proposed NIRS method can be employed for selecting abnormal samples during the inspection of black pepper raw material and for quantifying piperine contents of final black pepper product. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Generally, the quality indicators of black pepper are graded solely based on their external appearance, quality, and size. This study discloses the development of a near-infrared spectroscopy-based fast and accurate nondestructive analytical method for the detection of piperine, a bioactive constituent of pepper, as a tool for the quality control of whole and ground black pepper.

Herbal formulation "turmeric extract, black pepper, and ginger" versus Naproxen for chronic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial

Osteoarthritis is the most common articular disease that can lead to chronic pain and severe disability. Curcumin-an effective ingredient in turmeric with anti inflammatory property-plays an important role in protecting the joints against destructive factors. Gingerols and piperine, are the effective ingredients of ginger and black pepper, which may potentially enhance and sustain the effect of curcumin in this direction. To determine the effect of cosupplementation with turmeric extract, black pepper, and ginger on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis, compared with Naproxen. Sixty patients with two different levels of knee osteoarthritis (Grade 2 and 3) were studied. Individuals were randomly assigned to receive daily turmeric extract, ginger, and black pepper together or Naproxen capsule for 4 weeks. PGE2 was evaluated by ELISA method. 24-hr recall was also assessed. All of participants completed the study. PGE2 decreased significantly in both groups (p < .001), but there was no significant differences between groups. The results of this study indicated that intake of the selected herbs twice a day for 4 weeks may improve the PGE2 levels in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis similar to Naproxen drug.

Iron and Physical Activity: Bioavailability Enhancers, Properties of Black Pepper (Bioperine®) and Potential Applications

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) has been employed in medicine (epilepsy, headaches, and diabetes), where its effects are mainly attributed to a nitrogen alkaloid called piperidine (1-(1-[1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl]-1-oxo-2,4 pentenyl) piperidine). Piperine co-administered with vitamins and minerals has improved its absorption. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the impact of the joint administration of iron (Fe) plus black pepper in physically active healthy individuals. Fe is a micronutrient that aids athletic performance by influencing the physiological functions involved in endurance sports by improving the transport, storage, and utilization of oxygen. Consequently, athletes have risk factors for Fe depletion, Fe deficiency, and eventually, anemia, mainly from mechanical hemolysis, gastrointestinal disturbances, and loss of Fe through excessive sweating. Declines in Fe stores have been reported to negatively alter physical capacities such as aerobic capacity, strength, and skeletal muscle recovery in elite athletes. Thus, there is a need to maintain Fe storage, even if Fe intake meets the recommended daily allowance (RDA), and Fe supplementation may be justified in physically active individuals, in states of Fe deficiency, with or without anemia. Females, in particular, should monitor their Fe hematological profile. The recommended oral Fe supplements are ferrous or ferric salts, sulfate, fumarate, and gluconate. These preparations constitute the first line of treatment; however, the high doses administered have gastrointestinal side effects that reduce tolerance and adherence to treatment. Thus, a strategy to counteract these adverse effects is to improve the bioavailability of Fe. Therefore, piperine may benefit the absorption of Fe through its bioavailability enhancement properties. Three research studies of Fe associated with black pepper have reported improvements in parameters related to the metabolism of Fe, without adverse effects. Although more research is needed, this could represent an advance in oral Fe supplementation for physically active individuals.

Piperine Alters the Pharmacokinetics and Anticoagulation of Warfarin in Rats

Introduction

Piperine, the bioactive compound of black pepper, and warfarin are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and are both highly plasma protein-bound compounds. In this study, we evaluated the effect of co-administered piperine on the pharmacokinetics and anticoagulation of warfarin in rats.

Methods

We studied four Sprague-Dawley rat groups: a negative control group receiving only oral warfarin, a test group receiving warfarin plus piperine, a positive control group receiving warfarin plus sulfaphenazole (CYP2C inhibitor), and another positive control group receiving warfarin plus ketoconazole (CYP3A inhibitor). We also analyzed plasma concentrations of warfarin and its major metabolite, 7-hydoxywarfarin. Blood clotting time, calculated as international normalized ratio (INR), was also measured.

Results

Our results showed that although co-administration of piperine produced a non-significant decrease in warfarin concentrations, it resulted in significantly lower 7-hydroxywarfarin metabolite concentrations. Piperine significantly decreased, by sixfold, AUC_0–∞, by eightfold, C_max, but significantly increased, by fivefold, CL/F and, by sixfold, Vd/F of 7-hydroxywarfarin. The INR values were consistent with the decrease in warfarin concentration in the presence of piperine and showed a significant decrease at 24 h after warfarin dose.

Conclusion

We conclude that piperine could be a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 metabolism of warfarin in vivo and, contrary to the expectation, may reduce the plasma concentration and anticoagulation of warfarin. This interaction could have a clinical significance and should be investigated in patients.

Switchable-hydrophilicity solvent liquid-liquid microextraction versus dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction prior to HPLC-UV for the determination and isolation of piperine from Piper nigrum L

Switchable-hydrophilicity solvent liquid-liquid microextraction and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction were compared for the extraction of piperine from Piper nigrum L. prior to its analysis by using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Under optimum conditions, limits of detection and quantitation were found as 0.2-0.6 and 0.7-2.0 μg/mg with the two methods, respectively. Calibration graphs showed good linearity with coefficients of determination (R² ) higher than 0.9962 and percentage relative standard deviations lower than 6.8%. Both methods were efficiently used for the extraction of piperine from black and white pepper samples from different origins and percentage relative recoveries ranged between 90.0 and 106.0%. The results showed that switchable-hydrophilicity solvent liquid-liquid microextraction is a better alternative to dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the routine analysis of piperine in food samples. A novel scaled-up dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method was also proposed for the isolation of piperine providing a yield of 102.9 ± 4.9% and purity higher than 98.0% as revealed by NMR spectroscopy.

Alkaloids from Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Murine Macrophages by Inhibiting Activation of NF-κB Pathway

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) has been commonly utilized in food preparation and traditional medicine in several countries. Seven new amide alkaloids, pipernigramides A-G (3, 10, 38, and 41-44), a new piperic ester, pipernigrester A (48), along with 47 known compounds were isolated from the EtOH extract of P. nigrum. The inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) of all compounds were then evaluated. Among the tested compounds, three of them (42-44) significantly inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-mediated NO (IC₅₀ = 4.74 ± 0.18, 4.08 ± 0.19, and 3.71 ± 0.32 μM, respectively), and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE₂ release in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, 42-44 suppressed IκB degradation and further inhibited the cytosol-nucleus translocation of the p65 subunit by targeting IKK-β. In the carrageenan-induced paw edema test, 42-44 demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects as well. These results indicate that all three compounds from P.nigrum have the potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Volatiles of Black Pepper Fruits (Piper nigrum L.)

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is historically one of the most important spices and herbal medicines, and is now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. The essential oil of black pepper fruits has shown a myriad of biological activities and is a commercially important commodity. In this work, five black pepper essential oils from eastern coastal region of Madagascar and six black pepper essential oils from the Amazon region of Brazil were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major components of the essential oils were α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, δ-3-carene, limonene, and β-caryophyllene. A comparison of the Madagascar and Brazilian essential oils with black pepper essential oils from various geographical regions reported in the literature was carried out. A hierarchical cluster analysis using the data obtained in this study and those reported in the literature revealed four clearly defined clusters based on the relative concentrations of the major components.

PipeNig®-FL, a Fluid Extract of Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum L.) with a High Standardized Content of Trans-β-Caryophyllene, Reduces Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and Improves Glucose Uptake in C2C12 Myotubes

Trans-β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural sesquiterpene hydrocarbon with several important pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective functions. These properties are mainly due to its selective interaction with the peripherally expressed cannabinoid receptor 2. In addition, BCP activates peroxisome proliferated activator receptors α and γ and inhibits the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Given the growing scientific interest in BCP, the aim of our study was to investigate the metabolic effects of a black pepper extract (PipeNig^®-FL), containing a high standardized content of BCP. In particular our interest was focused on its potential activity on lipid accumulation and glucose uptake. The extract PipeNig^®-FL was chemically characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection (GC–FID), confirming a high content (814 mg/g) of BCP. Experiments were performed on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and on C2C12 myotubes. Lipid content following 3T3-L1 adipogenic differentiation was quantified with AdipoRed fluorescence staining. Glucose uptake and GLUT4 membrane translocation were studied in C2C12 myotubes with the fluorescent glucose analog 2-NBDG and by immunofluorescence analysis. Here we show that PipeNig^®-FL reduces 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. Moreover, acute exposure of C2C12 myotubes to PipeNig^®-FL improves glucose uptake activity and GLUT4 migration. Taken together, these results reveal interesting and novel properties of BCP, suggesting potential applications in the prevention of lipid accumulation and in the improvement of glucose uptake.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Colonization Promotes Changes in the Volatile Compounds and Enzymatic Activity of Lipoxygenase and Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase in Piper nigrum L. 'Bragantina'

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been used to promote numerous benefits to plants. In this study, we evaluated the symbiosis between AMF species (Rhizophagus clarus, Claroideoglomus etunicatum) and Piper nigrum L. 'Bragantina'. Volatile compounds, lipoxygenase (LOX) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities, and total phenolic content were monitored from 1 to 60 days post-inoculation (dpi). Hyphae, arbuscles, and vesicles were observed during the root colonization. In the leaves, AMF induced an increase of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (54.0%-79.0%) and a decrease of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (41.3%-14.5%) at 7 dpi and 60 dpi (41.8%-21.5%), respectively. Cubenol, the main volatile compound of leaves, showed a significant decrease at 7 dpi (21.5%-0.28%) and 45 dpi (20.4%-18.42%). β-caryophyllene, the major volatile compound of the roots, displayed a significant reduction at 45 dpi (30.0%-20.0%). LOX increased in the roots at 21, 30, and 60 dpi. PAL was higher in leaves during all periods, except at 60 dpi, and increased at 21 and 45 dpi in the roots. The total phenolic content showed a significant increase only in the roots at 30 dpi. The results suggested that AMF provided changes in the secondary metabolism of P. nigrum, inducing its resistance.

Impact of nanoencapsulated natural bioactive phenolic metabolites on chitosan nanoparticles as aflatoxins inhibitor

Aflatoxins are part of fungal secondary metabolites which become serious health, environmental, and economic problems and can cause corruption of many crops and agricultural grains that used as food and feed for human and animal. Aflatoxins mainly produce by Aspergillus spp. especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The present work aimed to study the effect of nanoencapsulation of chitosan (CS) nanoparticles with two phenolic compounds 1-(2-ethyl,6-heptyl)phenol (EHP) extracted from Cuminum cyminum and 5-ethyl-2-(methoxymethyl)phenol (EMMP) extracted from black pepper on growth and aflatoxins production of A. flavus and A. parasiticus. A. flavus growth was completely inhibited by 0.6 mg/ml of EHP and EMMP as well as A. parasiticus which showed the same minimal inhibition concentration with the first compound and 0.8 mg/ml with the second one. CS nanoparticles inhibited the growth of the tested organisms more than CS especially with A. parasiticus and this potency became much better when nanoencapsulated with the two extracted phenolic compounds. In inhibition of aflatoxins production, EHP reduced the production of aflatoxin B1 and B2 of A. flavus by 68.6% and 69.7%, respectively. In the same manner EMMP reduce the production of the two toxins by 87.3% and 82.6%, respectively. The reduction effect of CS nanoparticles is much more than that of CS as it record in most cases about twofold increase. Nanoencapsulation of CS nanoparticles by the extracted phenolic compounds is much more effective with complete inhibition of aflatoxin B1 of both fungi and aflatoxin G1 of A. parasiticus.

Responses of growing rabbits to supplementing diet with a mixture of black and red pepper oils as a natural growth promoter

The current study was explored to examine the impacts of dietary inclusion of mixture of black (BPO) and red pepper (RPO) oils as growth promoters on growth, carcass, blood haematology, serum chemistry, immunity and antioxidative status of New Zealand White rabbits (NZW). A number total of 100 5-week-old NZW growing weaned rabbits were randomly allocated into four treatment groups in a complete randomized experiment. The dietary treatment groups were as follows: control: basal diet; BRP0.5: basal diet + 0.25 g BPO + 0.25 g RPO/kg diet; BRP1.0: basal diet + 0.50 g BPO + 0.50 g RPO/kg diet; and BRP1.5: basal diet + 0.75 g BPO + 0.75 g RPO/kg diet. Rabbits fed the highest level of BRP mixture were the heaviest, while the control rabbits were the lightest. During 5-9 weeks of age, a gradual improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) was noticed with increasing BRP level. The control group excelled all BRP groups regarding the majority of blood haematological parameters. Liver function was better in rabbits fed BRP enriched diets than the control. A gradual depression (p < 0.05 or 0.01) in serum lipids regardless high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were recorded with elevating BRP level in the diet. The supplementation of BRP mixture enhanced the immune function and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and depressed serum malondialdehyde (MDA) in comparison with control. It could be concluded that dietary BRP mixture can affect some of growth traits, improve the immunity and antioxidant parameters, lower lipid profile and lipid peroxidation. Based on the study results, the recommended level of BRP mixture is 1.5 g/kg diet.

Growth, Carcass Traits, Blood Hematology, Serum Metabolites, Immunity, and Oxidative Indices of Growing Rabbits Fed Diets Supplemented with Red or Black Pepper Oils

The present study aimed to examine the impacts of the supplementation of red or black pepper oils to rabbit diet as growth promoters on New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. One hundred and forty weaned NZW rabbits were divided randomly into seven groups in a completely randomized experiment using different quantities of red pepper oil (RPO; 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 g/kg diet) or black pepper oil (BPO; 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 g/kg diet), in addition to the control group. Compared to the control, values of live body weight (LBW) for rabbits fed either RPO or BPO enriched diets were greater. The concentrations of serum triglycerides and cholesterol were lower (p < 0.01) in the RPO- and BPO-treated groups than in the control. Immunity parameters and antioxidant indices were improved in treated groups in comparison to the control. Dietary RPO or BPO can affect some growth traits, improve immunity parameters and the antioxidant activity, and decrease the lipid profile and lipid peroxidation. The use of 0.5 g RPO/kg diet as a dietary supplement had a larger effect on growth parameters than the other treatment groups.

A Comprehensive Review on Rasam: A South Indian Traditional Functional Food

The view that food can have an expanded role that goes well beyond providing a source of nutrients truly applies to traditional functional foods. The systematic consumption of such traditional functional food provides an excellent preventive measure to ward off many diseases. Rasam, a soup of spices, is a traditional South Indian food. It is traditionally prepared using tamarind juice as a base, with the addition of Indian sesame oil, turmeric, tomato, chili pepper, pepper, garlic, cumin, curry leaves, mustard, coriander, asafoetida, sea salt, and water. Rasam is a classic example of traditional functional food with all its ingredients medicinally claimed for various ailments. The preclinical and clinical studies on rasam and its ingredients support their traditional claim. This review is an attempt to compile the literatures on rasam, its ingredients, and to highlight its medicinal potential that has been underestimated.

Application of microwaves for microbial load reduction in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

BACKGROUND

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is exposed to microbial contamination which could potentially create public health risk and also rejection of consignments in the export market due to non-adherance to microbial safety standards. The present study investigates the use of microwave (MW) radiation for microbial load reduction in black pepper and analyses the effect on quality.

RESULTS

Black pepper was exposed to MWs at two different power levels (663 and 800 W) at an intensity of 40 W g(-1) for different time intervals (1-15 min) and moisture content (110 and 260 g kg(-1) on a wet basis). The exposure of black pepper to MWs at 663 W for 12.5 min was found to be sufficient to reduce the microbial load to the permissible level suggested by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods and the European Spice Association. The retention of volatile oil, piperine and resin was 91.3 ± 0.03, 87.6 ± 0.02 and 90.7 ± 0.05%, respectively, in MW-treated black pepper. The final moisture content after MW treatment was found to be 100 ± 1 g kg(-1) for black pepper containing initial moisture of 260 ± 3 g kg(-1) .

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that MW heating can be effectively used for microbial load reduction of black pepper without a significant loss in product quality. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of combinations of fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder on production traits of the broilers

Aim:

To study the effects of combinations of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), garlic (Allium sativum), and black pepper (Piper nigrum) powder supplementation on production traits of broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 288 commercial broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 1-9 groups with 4 replicates each. An experiment was conducted in broilers with different feed formulations; control feed, with no added fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder; and 8 treatment groups receiving feed supplemented with different combinations of fenugreek, garlic, and black pepper powder. The individual broilers’ body weight and feed consumption were recorded and calculate the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR).

Results:

Broiler’s weight gain and FCR were significantly higher in groups receiving feed supplemented with garlic and black pepper powder combinations (p<0.01). Cumulative feed consumption was significantly higher in groups receiving feed supplemented with garlic and black pepper powder combinations (p<0.01).

Conclusion:

The combination of garlic and black pepper powder supplemented broiler feed fed groups showed higher production performance. The 5 g/kg garlic powder+1 g/kg black pepper powder and 10 g/kg garlic powder+2 g/kg black pepper powder significantly improved the weight gain and FCR.

Comparison of Fungal Community in Black Pepper-Vanilla and Vanilla Monoculture Systems Associated with Vanilla Fusarium Wilt Disease

Long-term vanilla monocropping often results in the occurrence of vanilla Fusarium wilt disease, seriously affecting its production all over the world. In the present study, vanilla exhibited significantly less Fusarium wilt disease in the soil of a long-term continuously cropped black pepper orchard. The entire fungal communities of bulk and rhizosphere soils between the black pepper-vanilla system (i.e., vanilla cropped in the soil of a continuously cropped black pepper orchard) and vanilla monoculture system were compared through the deep pyrosequencing. The results showed that the black pepper-vanilla system revealed a significantly higher fungal diversity than the vanilla monoculture system in both bulk and rhizosphere soils. The UniFrac-weighted PCoA analysis revealed significant differences in bulk soil fungal community structures between the two cropping systems, and fungal community structures were seriously affected by the vanilla root system. In summary, the black pepper-vanilla system harbored a lower abundance of Fusarium oxysporum in the vanilla rhizosphere soil and increased the putatively plant-beneficial fungal groups such as Trichoderma and Penicillium genus, which could explain the healthy growth of vanilla in the soil of the long-term continuously cropped black pepper field. Thus, cropping vanilla in the soil of continuously cropped black pepper fields for maintaining the vanilla industry is executable and meaningful as an agro-ecological system.

Transfer RNA Derived Small RNAs Targeting Defense Responsive Genes Are Induced during Phytophthora capsici Infection in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Small RNAs derived from transfer RNAs were recently assigned as potential gene regulatory candidates for various stress responses in eukaryotes. In this study, we report on the cloning and identification of tRNA derived small RNAs from black pepper plants in response to the infection of the quick wilt pathogen, Phytophthora capsici. 5'tRFs cloned from black pepper were validated as highly expressed during P. capsici infection. A high-throughput systematic analysis of the small RNAome (sRNAome) revealed the predominance of 5'tRFs in the infected leaf and root. The abundance of 5'tRFs in the sRNAome and the defense responsive genes as their potential targets indicated their regulatory role during stress response in black pepper. The 5'Ala(CGC) tRF mediated cleavage was experimentally mapped at the tRF binding sites on the mRNA targets of Non-expresser of pathogenesis related protein (NPR1), which was down-regulated during pathogen infection. Comparative sRNAome further demonstrated sequence conservation of 5'Ala tRFs across the angiosperm plant groups, and many important genes in the defense response were identified in silico as their potential targets. Our findings uncovered the diversity, differential expression and stress responsive functional role of tRNA-derived small RNAs during Phytophthora infection in black pepper.

Recent Progress for the Utilization of Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum and Phoenix dactylifera Seeds against Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Diabetes mellitus is an important human disease afflicting many from various walks of life in different countries. Even though modern medicines contribute a variety of effective treatment options, they can have several unfavourable effects. The intention of this review is to organize and discuss various studies that have been previously conducted on the effectiveness of these herbal plants in diabetes.

Method

By using various electronic search databases, a comprehensive English literature search was conducted. Different search terms were used by combining all the search fields in titles, abstracts and keywords.

Results

Curcuma longa,a spice, is commonly known as turmeric and belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. Piper nigrumis also a spice, commonly called black pepper, and belongs to the family Piperaceae. Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as date fruit, belongs to the family Arecaceae. From ancient times, they have been traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases. Among various activities, regulation of hyperglycaemia is considered one of their important effects. One of the aetiological factors implicated in the development of diabetes and its complications is the damage induced by free radicals. Antioxidant properties of antidiabetic compounds would be more beneficial. Extracts of these plants have shown hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects by the involvement of several mechanisms. In the future, further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms involved in their hypoglycaemic potential and their active constituents as synthetic analogues.

Conclusions

This review focusses on some medicinal plants that have antidiabetic effect, thus contributing to the reduction of risk factors associated with diabetes, and related beneficial effects are compiled.

Effects of culinary spices and psychological stress on postprandial lipemia and lipase activity: results of a randomized crossover study and in vitro experiments

BACKGROUND

Data suggest that culinary spices are a potent, low-calorie modality for improving physiological responses to high fat meals. In a pilot study (N = 6 healthy adults), we showed that a meal containing a high antioxidant spice blend attenuated postprandial lipemia by 30% compared to a low spice meal. Our goal was to confirm this effect in a larger sample and to consider the influence of acute psychological stress on fat metabolism. Further, we used in vitro methods to evaluate the inhibitory effect of spices on digestive enzymes.

METHODS

In a 2 x 2, randomized, 4-period crossover design, we compared the effects of 14.5 g spices (black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, oregano, paprika, rosemary, and turmeric) vs. placebo incorporated into a high fat meal (1000 kcal, 45 g fat), followed by psychological stress (Trier Social Stress Test) vs. rest on postprandial metabolism in 20 healthy but overweight adults. Blood was sampled at baseline and at 105, 140, 180, and 210 minutes for analysis of triglycerides, glucose, and insulin. Additional in vitro analyses examined the effect of the spice blend and constituent spices on the activity of pancreatic lipase (PL) and secreted phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂). Mixed models were used to model the effects of spices and stress (SAS v9.3).

RESULTS

Serum triglycerides, glucose and insulin were elevated following the meal (p < 0.01). Spices reduced post-meal triglycerides by 31% when the meal was followed by the rest condition (p = 0.048), but this effect was not present during stress. There was no effect of the spice blend on glucose or insulin; however, acute stress significantly increased both of these measures (p < 0.01; mean increase of 47% and 19%, respectively). The spice blend and several of the individual spices dose-dependently inhibited PL and PLA2 activity in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Inclusion of spices may attenuate postprandial lipemia via inhibition of PL and PLA₂. However, the impact of psychological stress negates any influence of the spice blend on triglycerides, and further, increases blood glucose and insulin.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00954902 .

Isolation, characterization and identification of pericarp-degrading bacteria for the production of off-odour-free white pepper from fresh berries of Piper nigrum L

AIM

To isolate, fermentatively evaluate and identify black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)-associated bacteria for the microbial decortication of fresh ripened berries and dried black pepper for preparation of off-odour-free white pepper.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among 45 bacterial isolates obtained from black pepper, seven of them were found to decorticate black pepper (>60%) and fresh pepper berries (98-100%) into white pepper within 5 days of immersion in bacterial suspension. The 16S rRNA genes (1500-bp amplicon) of these bacteria were sequenced, and species identity was established by closest match in GenBank. Superior-quality white pepper was obtained with Bacillus subtilis (IISR WP 33, 34, 38), Bacillus licheniformis (IISR WP 43), Acinetobacter baumanii (IISR WP 35), Klebsiella pneumoniae (IISR WP 19) and Microbacterium barkeri (IISR WP25). The bacterial isolates were found to secrete multiple hydrolytic enzymes such as cellulase, pectinase, amylase, protease and xylanase. Bacterial cultures were deposited with International Depository Authority at Microbial Type Culture Collection, India, as patent deposits as prescribed in Budapest Treaty for microbial deposits. The white pepper, thus obtained from bacterial decortication process, was free from off-odour compound, especially skatole. Other biochemical constituents such as oleoresin, piperine and essential oils were found in the acceptable range. The bacterial decortication did not affect inherent constituents of pepper such as essential oil constituents, oleoresin and piperine content.

CONCLUSION

One of the most significant findings of the work is identification of specific bacterial species for decortication of fresh berries or black pepper berries into value-added white pepper.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This work paved way for developing a technological process for microbial decortication of fresh/black pepper for the production of superior-quality white pepper.