- Increases bioavailability of a number of micronutrients (2000% for curcumin)
- Increases activity of digestive enzymes
- Standardised to 95% natural piperine (the maximum available)
- Increases thermogenesis
- Stimulates the taste buds
Bioperine® is a black pepper extract (Piper nigrum) in vegetarian capsules, standardised to 95% piperine, to support digestive health.
We’re all familiar with the hotness of black pepper: it is due to the biological activity of several active compounds, in particular piperine. Piperine is an alkaloid used for more than 20 years to maximise the bioavailability of nutrients.
Black pepper is one of three essential natural ingredients used in the majority of Ayurvedic formulations. It can increase absorption of selenium and vitamin C by up to 42% and 50% respectively. Below are just some of the many micronutrients where absorption can be improved by piperine:
Bioperine® effects are due to three distinct mechanisms of action:
In addition to optimising bioavailability, piperine also offers digestive benefits: it stimulates appetite and facilitates digestion (by increasing the activity of salivary amylase and trypsin, an enzyme in pancreatic juice which helps ‘break’ proteins (7)).
Note:
Piperine also helps increase the bioavailability of certain drugs such as ibuprofen (8). It therefore should not be taken at the same time as medication.
Black pepper is a climbing vine that grows in forest habitats and equatorial climates: it can only be cultivated between the latitudes 15 degrees north and 15 degrees south.
Black pepper is picked when the berries (or drupes) start to turn red: it is at this stage that the amount of essential oil is at its peak. They are then deseeded, dried in the sun till the berries go black, then plunged into boiling water for several minutes. The heat ruptures the peppers’ cell walls and releases heat-resistant enzymes. The drupes are then dried in the open air before the outer coating is removed.
In the case of Bioperine®, the piperine content is then increased so that it makes up around 95% of the natural black pepper extract.
It’s worth noting that while piperine can be synthesised in the laboratory using an enzyme called piperotransferase, Bioperine® contains natural piperine extracts from black pepper drupes, unlike many piperine supplements on the market.
Buy Bioperine® capsules to aid digestion.
Daily serving: 3 capsules Number of servings per bottle: 30 |
Quantity per serving |
Black pepper extract (Piper nigrum) standardised to 95% piperin | 30 mg |
Other ingredients: Acacia gum, rice bran.
Bioperine® - Sabinsa Corporation. |
Part of Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine for centuries, Curcuma is traditionally used to stimulate digestion and treat digestive problems. It also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To improve uptake and absorption of curcumin, our dietary supplement Super Curcuma in vegetarian capsules, has been formulated to be 29 times more bioavailable than a traditional product, now available to buy at Supersmart. In order to take advantage of Curcuma’s benefits, we recommended a dose of 1 to 2 capsules a day.
This supplement acts primarily by increasing bile secretion, thus facilitating digestion. As a result of its therapeutic benefits, Curcuma has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. Researchers have succeeded in isolating the substances responsible for Curcuma’s many benefits – curcuminoids – of which curcumin is the most abundant in Curcuma and the best-documented in the scientific literature. Curcumin is recognised for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As an antioxidant, Curcuma helps combat free radicals, the reactive molecules responsible for cellular ageing.
Given Curcuma’s many properties, scientists are investigating its use in the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases. While results are still awaited, there is evidence to suggest Curcuma may have a role in treating certain inflammatory diseases and arthritis. Other studies are also underway on the spice’s anti-cancer properties and potential for preventing some forms of cancer. Additional research is currently in progress which will hopefully reveal all Curcuma’s secrets. See also our article 5 good reasons to consume turmeric.
Buy Super Curcuma to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties.
Daily dose : 2 capsules Number of doses per pack : 30 |
Amount per dose |
Meriva® (Soya phospholipids, extract of Curcuma longa) | 1 000 mg |
Other ingredients : Acacia gum.
Meriva®, Indena, Italy. |
Many studies highlight the benefits of probiotics for helping to prevent or reduce constipation. But which particular probiotics should you choose?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is extremely common. A diet low in fermentable sugars, known as FODMAP, can help relieve symptoms. Discover which foods to prioritise and which to avoid.
For healthy teeth, it’s important to observe good hygiene and eat a sensible diet. But which are the most important vitamins for dental health?