Black Pepper
Botanical Name: Piper nigrum
Pharmacognosy & Source
Plant Part Used
Dried unripe fruits
Geographical Source
India, Indonesia, Brazil
Macroscopic Features
Globular, strongly wrinkled, blackish-brown, aromatic odor, pungent taste.
Constituents & Pharmacology
Active Constituents
Alkaloid (Piperine), Volatile oil (pinene, caryophyllene), Resin
Pharmacological Actions
Digestive stimulant, bioenhancer (inhibits CYP450)
Traditional Uses
Spice, carminative, to enhance bioavailability of other drugs
Safety & Warnings
Contraindications
Gastric ulcer, GERD
