Piperine: Medicinal, Analytical and Therapeutics perspective

Abstract: Piperine, a bioactive alkaloid of pepper, has been considered for its medicinal properties. It has received significant attention from pharmaceutical scientists for its bioavailability enhancement action for the development of novel formulations. Piperine has shown numerous effects on health and therapeutic properties; however, its pharmacological actions are limited due to its poor aqueous solubility. Numerous reports have been published which depicted the potential of piperine in pharmaceuticals development along with the treatment of various ailments. The present review emphasizes the different methods for isolation of piperine from natural resources, synthesis of piperine, chemistry, quality control aspects of piperine in bulk drug as well as in formulation, the usefulness of piperine in pharmaceutical formulations, its biological activities and clinical studies. The detailed review will help researchers to accelerate the transition of this lead molecule from kitchen spices to the clinic.