Black pepper (Piper nigrum) has a long history of use, not only in culinary applications, but also in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional healing systems. Its bioactive compound, called piperine, is responsible for black pepper's pungent bite and healing benefits.
Piperine has been shown to significantly improve absorption of curcumin, the powerful anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric, and increase bioavailability of other nutrients.And piperine is an antioxidant that's been shown to reduce inflammation, lessen pain, support gut health and improve insulin resistance.