Bioperine supplement health benefit by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Bioperine, a standardized piperine composition derived from black pepper extract. Bioperine, made by Sabinsa, is a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). It contains 95 percent piperine. Piperine has potential health benefits as listed on the web page piperine.

Bioperine for improved nutrient absorption
Sabinsa claims that Bioperine has been shown in clinical research to increase the absorption of nutrients in nutritional supplement formulations. However, whether this potential increase in absorption, even if true, makes practical significance and improves health is not clear since most herbal and nutritional products are sold in higher than normal required dosages and additional absorption, even if true, may or may not be beneficial. It is possible that the use of Bioperine may increase the side effects of certain supplements if it is true that the use of this product increases absorption. For the time being, it appears that the benefit of Bioperine - in terms of nutrient absorption - has more to do with a marketing agenda as opposed to real health benefit. However, it is also quite possible that Bioperine could well have benefits of its own - for instance as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, etc - that would make it a helpful supplement. Many herbal extracts have some benefit even if they have not been studied that well.

Source Naturals Bioperine 10 mg
Black Pepper fruit extract

Bioperine is a pure form of piperine, derived from the fruits of black pepper. According to Source Naturals, studies indicate that Bioperine promotes nutrient absorption. The practical significance of this effect is not yet fully clear. Bioperine does not appear to be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract.

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Bioperine side effects
No significant Bioperine side effects have been reported at this time. Minor gastrointestinal discomfort or GI symptoms may occur with high doses of Bioperine.
   Not enough human studies have been done to determine the side effects of chronic supplementation with Bioperine. For the time being, it is a good idea to take 2 days off a week, and one full week off each month from the use of a Bioperine supplement. It is quite likely that the small amounts of Bioperine could provide health benefits while larger amounts could be toxic or damaging to the liver or other organs.

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Bioperine trademark and legal issues
November 2006 - Sabinsa Corporation announced that it has taken legal action against DNP International, Inc. in the United States District Court in New Jersey for infringement of Sabinsa's patents governing the use of BioPerine, a black pepper extract, U.S. Patent No. 5,972,382, and ForsLean, a Coleus forskohlii extract, U.S. Patent No. 5,804,596. Sabinsa has alleged in its complaint that DNP has been unlawfully marketing and distributing piperine and Coleus forskohlii for uses that Sabinsa researched and patented in the late-1990's. "Sabinsa is a pioneering company that is committed to the innovation of new products. The company is able to further its commitment by protecting these innovative products through obtaining patents," stated Dr. Muhammed Majeed, founder and CEO, Sabinsa Corporation. "We invest significant amounts of money each year into research to develop products that can be safely and confidently used by the nutritional supplement industry. Intellectual property allows us to bring the fruits of this research to the marketplace," added Muhammed Majeed.

December 19, 2006 - The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has completed a formal review of Sabinsa Corporation's Patent No. 5,972,382, "Use of piperine as a bioavailability enhancer" and concluded that all points outlined within the patent are valid. Four examiners with the USPTO extensively reviewed the patent, which is one of 5 granted that surrounds Sabinsa's branded ingredient Bioperine, a standardized piperine composition derived from black pepper extract that the company claims has been shown in clinical research to increase the absorption of nutrients in nutritional supplement formulations. Sabinsa says, "This assessment reaffirms that Bioperine is the only black pepper extract that can legally be used in nutritional supplements for the purpose of enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients. This independent review ensures that all claims outlined in this patent are valid, and that companies selling piperine containing black pepper extracts for the express or implied purpose of nutrient absorption enhancement are clearly infringing on this patent," stated Todd Norton, president, Sabinsa Corporation. "There really is no other purpose or application for using piperine in nutritional formulations. We hope that any company illegally selling black pepper extracts will cease and desist immediately." * Bioperine(R) is a Registered Trademark and a product of Sabinsa Corporation, and its use is protected under U.S. Patents.

About Sabinsa
Sabinsa Corporation, founded in 1988, is a manufacturer and supplier of herbal extracts, cosmeceuticals, minerals and specialty fine chemicals. Sabinsa's mission is to provide alternative and complementary natural products for human nutrition and well-being. Over the past nine years, Sabinsa has brought to market more than 50 standardized botanical extracts and privately funded several clinical studies in conjunction with prestigious institutions in support of these products. With more than 100 scientists working full time conducting ongoing research both in India and the United States, Sabinsa continues to develop and patent phytonutrients for the world market. All products intended for human consumption are certified Kosher. For more information visit www.sabinsa.com.

Bioperine is a Registered Trademark and a product of Sabinsa Corporation.

ForsLean is a Registered Trademark and a product of Sabinsa Corporation.

Bioperine supplement questions
Q.  I am looking to purchase a particular CoQ-10 supplement that contains 5 mg BioPerine. I need to supplement with CoQ-10, Is 5mg Bioperine a high dose?
   A. Very few human studies with Bioperine have been published and the right dosage for long term use is not known. Would Bioperine supplement use for many months or years cause side effects? The answers are not in and therefore taking breaks is a good idea. CoQ10 has been studied more often and it may be better to take the supplements separately since one can take more time off from the Bioperine until more studies are published.

Will Bioperine help the body absorb supplements better?
    This is a claim the manufacturer makes but I have not seen enough data to know for sure and whether, practically speaking, it makes much difference.