Piperine, a Pungent Alkaloid from Black Pepper, Inhibits B Lymphocyte Activation and Effector Functions

Preparation, pungency and bioactivity transduction of piperine from black pepper (Piper nigrum L.): A comprehensive review

Piperine, derived from black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), is responsible for the pungent sensation. The diverse bioactivities of piperine underscores its promising potential as a functional food ingredient. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the research progress in extraction, synthesis, pungency transduction mechanism and bioactivities of piperine. Piperine can be extracted through various methods, such as traditional, modern, and innovative extraction techniques. Its synthesis mainly included both chemical and biosynthetic approaches. It exhibits a diverse range of bioactivities, including anticancer, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and cardiovascular protective activities. Piperine can bind to TRPV1 receptor to elicit pungent sensation. Overall, the present review can provide a theoretical reference for advancing the potential application of piperine in the field of food science.

TRPV1: The key bridge in neuroimmune interactions

The nervous and immune systems are crucial in fighting infections and inflammation and in maintaining immune homeostasis. The immune and nervous systems are independent, yet tightly integrated and coordinated organizations. Numerous molecules and receptors play key roles in enabling communication between the two systems. Transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1) is a non-selective cation channel, recently shown to be widely expressed in the neuroimmune axis and implicated in neuropathic pain, autoimmune disorders, and immune cell function. TRPV1 is a key bridge in neuroimmune interactions, allowing for smooth and convenient communication between the two systems. Here, we discuss the coordinated cross-talking between the immune and nervous systems and the functional role and the functioning manner of the TRPV1 involved. We suggest that TRPV1 provides new insights into the collaborative relationship between the nervous and immune systems, highlighting exciting opportunities for advanced therapeutic approaches to treating neurogenic inflammation and immune-mediated diseases.

Anticancer Potential of the Principal Constituent of Piper nigrum, Piperine: A Comprehensive Review

Black pepper's main component, piperine, is a phytochemical that gives the spice its distinctively pungent flavor, which has made it a staple in human diets for decades and a widely used food item. In addition to its use as a culinary component and preservation agent, it is also employed in traditional medicine for a diverse range of objectives, a practice that has been substantiated by existing scientific investigations on its physiological impacts in the majority of instances. Piperine contains various bioactive effects, such as antibacterial activity, in addition to several physiological benefits that could help overall human health, such as immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimetastatic, anticancer, and many more properties that have been established. Clinical trials revealed that this phytochemical has exceptional antioxidant, anticancer, and drug availability-enhancing properties, as well as immunomodulatory potential. The different components of evidence indicate the therapeutic potential of piperine and underscore the importance of incorporating it into both broad health-promoting interventions and supplementary treatment pharmaceutical formulations. This inclusion can enhance the bioavailability of other therapeutic medications, including those used in chemotherapy.

Synergistic effects of bee venom, hesperidin, and piperine with tamoxifen on apoptotic and angiogenesis biomarker molecules against xerographic MCF-7 injected rats

Breast cancer ranks as the second leading most significant of mortality for women. Studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of natural compounds in cancer treatment and prevention, either in isolation or in conjunction with chemotherapy. In order to improve Tamoxifen's therapeutic efficacy in in-vivo studies, our research sought to determine the effects of hesperidin, piperine, and bee venom as natural compounds, as well as their combination effect with or without Tamoxifen. First, 132 female albino rats were equally divided into six groups and five subgroups, and breast cancer was induced in the selected groups by xenografting of MCF7 cells. Second, the effect of single and best ratio combinations treatment from previous in vitro studies were selected. Next, tumorous mammary glands were collected for apoptotic and antiapoptotic biomarkers and cell cycle analysis. Single or combined natural products with or without Tamoxifen revealed a significant up-regulation in apoptotic genes Bax and Casp3 and a downregulation of antiapoptotic and angiogenesis genes Bcl-2 and VEGF genes. We found that cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase was exclusively caused by Tamoxifen and/ or hesperidin. However, the cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase is a result of the combination of piperine and bee venom, with or without Tamoxifen by using the flow cytometric technique. Our research concludes that bee venom, hesperidin, and piperine can synergistically enhance to increase Tamoxifen's efficiency in the management of breast cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabigerol in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Cultures Are Partly Mediated by TRPA1

Since its medical legalization, cannabis preparations containing the major phytocannabinoids (cannabidiol (CBD) and δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) have been used by patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to alleviate pain and inflammation. However, minor cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG) also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, but due to the lack of studies, they are not widely used. CBG binds several cellular target proteins such as cannabinoid and α2-adrenergic receptors, but it also ligates several members of the transient potential receptor (TRP) family with TRPA1 being the main target. TRPA1 is not only involved in nnociception, but it also protects cells from apoptosis under oxidative stress conditions. Therefore, modulation of TRPA1 signaling by CBG might be used to modulate disease activity in RA as this autoimmune disease is accompanied by oxidative stress and subsequent activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (RASF) were stimulated or not with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) for 72 h to induce TRPA1 protein. CBG increased intracellular calcium levels in TNF-stimulated RASF but not unstimulated RASF in a TRPA1-dependent manner. In addition, PoPo3 uptake, a surrogate marker for drug uptake, was enhanced by CBG. RASF cell viability, IL-6 and IL-8 production were decreased by CBG. In peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures (PBMC) alone or together with RASF, CBG-modulated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, TNF and immunoglobulin M and G production which was dependent on activation stimulus (T cell-dependent or independent). However, effects on PBMCs were only partially mediated by TRPA1 as the antagonist A967079 did inhibit some but not all effects of CBG on cytokine production. In contrast, TRPA1 antagonism even enhanced the inhibitory effects of CBG on immunoglobulin production. CBG showed broad anti-inflammatory effects in isolated RASF, PBMC and PBMC/RASF co-cultures. As CBG is non-psychotropic, it might be used as add-on therapy in RA to reduce IL-6 and autoantibody levels.

Function and therapeutic potential of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 in fibrosis

The transient receptor potential (TRP) protein superfamily is a special group of cation channels expressed in different cell types and signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1), an ion channel in this family that exists in the cell membrane and shows a different function from other TRP channels. TRPA1 usually has a special activation effect that can induce cation ions, especially calcium ions, to flow into activated cells. In this paper, we review the role of TRPA1 in fibroblasts. To clarify the relationship between fibroblasts and TRPA1, we have also paid special attention to the interactions between TRPA1 and inflammatory factors leading to fibroblast activation. TRPA1 has different functions in the fibrosis process in different organs, and there have also been interesting discussions of the mechanism of TRPA1 in fibroblasts. Therefore, this review aims to describe the function of TRP channels in controlling fibrosis through fibroblasts in different organ inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. We attempt to prove that TRPA1 is a target for fibrosis. In fact, some clinical trials have already proven that TRPA1 is a potential adjuvant therapy for treating fibrosis.

Cannabidiol: Influence on B Cells, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell/Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblast Cocultures

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD), one major nonintoxicating phytocannabinoid from Cannabis sativa demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of several inflammatory conditions, including arthritis. However, it is still unknown which cell types mediate these anti-inflammatory effects of CBD, and, since CBD binds to a plethora of receptors and enzymes, it is complicated to pinpoint its mechanism of action. In this study, we elucidate the effects of CBD on B cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in respect to survival, calcium mobilization, drug uptake, and cytokine (IL-6, IL-10, and TNF) and immunoglobulin production. Methods: Modulation of intracellular calcium and drug uptake in B cells was determined by using the fluorescent dyes Cal-520 and PoPo3, respectively. Cytokine and immunoglobulin production was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PBMC composition and B cell survival after CBD treatment was assessed by flow cytometry. Results: B cells express two major target receptors for CBD, TRPV2 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 2) and TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1), which are not regulated by B cell activation. CBD increased intracellular calcium levels in mouse and human B cells, which was accompanied by enhanced uptake of PoPo3. These effects were not dependent on transient receptor potential channel activation. CBD increased the number of early apoptotic B cells at the expense of viable cells and diminished interleukin (IL)-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production when activated T cell independently. In PBMCs, CBD increased IL-10 production when B cells were activated T cell dependent, while decreasing TNF levels when activated T cell independently. In PBMC/rheumatoid synovial fibroblast cocultures, CBD reduced IL-10 production when B cells were activated T cell independently. Immunoglobulin M production was augmented by CBD when B cells were activated with CpG. Conclusion: CBD is able to provide pro- and anti-inflammatory effects in isolated B cells and PBMCs. This is dependent on the activating stimulus (T cell dependent or independent) and concentration of CBD. Therefore, CBD might be used to dampen B cell activity in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which B cells are activated by specific autoantigens.

Unravelling the Immune Modulatory Effect of Indian Spices to Impede the Transmission of COVID-19: A Promising Approach

Months after WHO declared COVID-19 as a Global Public Health Emergency of International Concern, it does not seem to be flattening the curve as we are still devoid of an effective treatment modality and vaccination is in the first phase in many countries. Amid such uncertainty, being immune is the best strategy to defend against corona attacks. As the whole world is referring back to immune-boosting traditional remedies, interest is rekindled in the Indian system of Medicine, which is gifted with an abundance of herbal medicines as well as remedies. Among them, spices (root, rhizome, seed, fruit, leaf, bud, and flower of various plants used to add taste and flavors to food) are bestowed with immense medicinal potential. A plethora of clinical as well as preclinical studies reported the effectiveness of various spices for various ailments. The potential immune-boosting properties together with their excellent safety profiles are making spices the current choice of phytoresearch as well as the immune-boosting home remedies during these sceptical times. The present review critically evaluates the immune impact of various Indian spices and their potential to tackle the novel coronavirus, with comments on the safety and toxicity aspects of spices.

Naturally occurring heterocyclic anticancer compounds

Naturally occurring heterocyclic scaffolds are key ingredients for the development of various therapeutics employed for biomedical applications. Heterocyclic pharmacophores are widely disseminated and have been befallen in almost all categories of drugs for the alleviation of myriad ailments including diabetes, neurodegenerative, psychiatric, microbial infections, disastrous cancers etc. Countless fused heterocyclic anticancerous templates are reported to display antimetabolite, antioxidant, antiproliferative, cytostatic etc. pharmacological actions via targeting different signaling pathways (cell cycle, PI-3kinase/Akt, p53, caspase extrinsic pathway etc.), overexpressive receptors (EGRF, HER2, EGF, VEGF etc.) and physiological enzymes (topoisomerase I and II, cyclin dependent kinase etc.). A compiled description on various natural sources (plants, microbes, marine) containing anticancer agents comprising heterocyclic ring specified with presence of nitrogen (vincristine, vinblastine, indole-3-carbinol, meridianins, piperine, lamellarins etc.), oxygen (paclitaxel, halichondrin B, quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol etc.) and sulphur atoms (brugine, fucoidan, carrageenan etc.) are displayed here along with their molecular level cytotoxic action and therapeutic applications.

Cytogenotoxicity and protective effect of piperine and capsaicin on meristematic cells of Allium cepa L

Piperine and capsaicin are important molecules with biological and pharmacological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the cytogenotoxic and protective effect of piperine and capsaicin on Allium cepa cells. A. cepa roots were exposed to negative (2% Dimethylsulfoxide) and positive (Methylmethanesulfonate, MMS, 10 µg/mL) controls, and four concentrations (25-200 µM) of piperine or capsaicin (alone) or associated before, simultaneously or after with the MMS. Only the lowest concentration of piperine (25 µM) showed a protective effect because it was not genotoxic. Piperine and capsaicin were cytotoxic (50, 100 and 200 µM). Piperine (50 to 200 µM) caused a significant increase in the total average of chromosomal alterations of in A. cepa cells. For capsaicin, the genotoxic effect was dose-dependent with a significant increase for all concentrations, highlighting the significant presence of micronuclei and nuclear buds for the two isolates. In general, bioactive compounds reduced the total average of chromosomal alterations against damage caused by MMS, mainly micronuclei and/or nuclear buds. Therefore, the two molecules were cytotoxic and genotoxic at the highest concentrations, and did not have cytoprotective action, and the lowest concentration of piperine demonstrated important chemopreventive activity.

Enhanced Bioavailability of Boswellic Acid by Piper longum: A Computational and Pharmacokinetic Study

Chronic inflammation is a key culprit factor in the onset and progression of several diseases. Novel and pharmacologically effective therapeutic approaches are needed for new treatment remedy or improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for existing synthetic drugs, in particular natural products. Boswellic acids are well-known natural products, with capacity to effectively retard inflammation without severe adverse effects. However, the therapeutic use of Boswellic acids are greatly hindered by its poor pharmacokinetic properties. Co-administration strategies that facilitate the oral absorption and distribution of Boswellic acids should lead to a safe and more effective use of this product prophylactically and therapeutically in inflammatory disorders. In this study, we examined the effect of Piper longum extract on the absorption and bioavailability of Boswellic acid in rabbits. In addition, we further explored computational pharmacodynamic interactions between Piper longum and Boswellic acid. Piper longum extract at 2.5 and 10 mg/kg, increased the bioavailability of Boswellic acid (p < 0.05). Based on our drug-based computational modeling, cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-mediated mechanism was involved in increased bioavailability. These findings confirmed that Piper longum with Boswellic acid may be administered orally together for effective therapeutic efficacy. Thus, our studies support the application of Piper longum with Boswellic acid as a novel therapeutic avenue in diseases associated with inflammation.

Inflammation, Cancer and Immunity-Implication of TRPV1 Channel

Process of inflammation and complex interactions between immune and cancer cells within tumor microenvironment are known to drive and shape the outcome of the neoplastic disease. Recent studies increasingly show that ion channels can be used as potential targets to modulate immune response and to treat inflammatory disorders and cancer. The action of both innate and adaptive immune cells is tightly regulated by ionic signals provided by a network of distinct ion channels. TRPV1 channel, known as a capsaicin receptor, was recently documented to be expressed on the cells of the immune system but also aberrantly expressed in the several tumor types. It is activated by heat, protons, proinflammatory cytokines, and associated with pain and inflammation. TRPV1 channel is not only involved in calcium signaling fundamental for many cellular processes but also takes part in cell-environment crosstalk influencing cell behavior. Furthermore, in several studies, activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin was associated with anti-cancer effects. Therefore, TRPV1 provides a potential link between the process of inflammation, cancer and immunity, and offers new treatment possibilities. Nevertheless, in many cases, results regarding TRPV1 are contradictory and need further refinement. In this review we present the summary of the data related to the role of TRPV1 channel in the process of inflammation, cancer and immunity, limitations of the studies, and directions for future research.

Supplementation of Plants with Immunomodulatory Properties during Pregnancy and Lactation-Maternal and Offspring Health Effects

A pregnant woman’s diet consists of many products, such as fruits, vegetables, cocoa, tea, chocolate, coffee, herbal and fruit teas, and various commercially available dietary supplements, which contain a high number of biological active plant-derived compounds. Generally, these compounds play beneficial roles in women’s health and the development of fetus health. There are, however, some authors who report that consuming excessive amounts of plants that contain high concentrations of polyphenols may negatively affect the development of the fetus and the offspring’s health. Important and problematic issues during pregnancy and lactation are bacterial infections treatment. In the treatment are proposals to use plant immunomodulators, which are generally considered safe for women and their offspring. Additional consumption of biologically active compounds from plants, however, may increase the risk of occurrences to irreversible changes in the offspring’s health. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out safety tests for immunomodulators before introducing them into a maternal diet. Here, we present data from animal experiments for the four most-studied plants immunomodulators genus: Rhodiola, Echinacea, Panax, and Camellia, which were used in maternal nutrition.

Piperine: role in prevention and progression of cancer

Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Several pharmacological protocols have been developed in order to block tumor progression often showing partial efficacy and severe counterproductive effects. It is now conceived that a healthy lifestyle coupled with the consumption of certain phytochemicals can play a protective role against tumor development and progression. According to this vision, it has been introduced the concept of "chemoprevention". This term refers to natural agents with the capability to interfere with the tumorigenesis and metastasis, or at least, attenuate the cancer-related symptoms. Piperine (1-Piperoylpiperidine), a main extract of Piper longum and Piper nigrum, is an alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use. In fact, it exhibits a variety of biochemical and pharmaceutical properties, including chemopreventive activities without significant cytotoxic effects on normal cells, at least at doses < of 250 µg/ml. The aim of this review is to discuss the relevant molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive action of this natural alkaloid.

Piperine ameliorated lupus nephritis by targeting AMPK-mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome

BACKGROUND

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a leading cause of mortality. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome contributed to LN development and thus became a therapeutic target. Here we assessed the therapeutic potential of piperine, a bioactive compound known to target NLRP3 inflammasome, on LN development both in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

LN was induced in BALB/c mice via intraperitoneal injection of pristane. Upon treatment with increasing doses of piperine, we assessed renal lesions, measured serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and examined expressions of key components of NLRP3 inflammasome in kidney. To explore the molecular mechanisms, we treated the proximal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP, and examined the effects of piperine on pyroptosis and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, we assessed the significance of AMPK signaling in piperine functions in HK-2 cells.

RESULTS

In pristane-injected mice, piperine significantly ameliorated LN development in a dose-dependent manner, which was associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and the reduction of serum IL-1β, but not of IL-18 level. In HK-2 cells, piperine potently inhibited pyroptosis and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in response to LPS + ATP. The effects of piperine were mediated by blocking AMPK activation, and the AMPK agonist metformin bypassed the activities of piperine, and resumed pyroptosis as well as the activation on NLRP3 inflammasome.

CONCLUSIONS

By targeting AMPK, piperine significantly suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, blocked the pyroptosis of tubular epithelial cells, and thus suppressed the development of LN.

Selective killing of proinflammatory synovial fibroblasts via activation of transient receptor potential ankyrin (TRPA1)

BACKGROUND

Studies in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF) demonstrated the expression of several transient receptor potential channels (TRP) such as TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPA1 and TRPM8. Upon ligation, these receptors increase intracellular calcium but they have also been linked to modulation of inflammation in several cell types. TNF was shown to increase the expression of TRPA1, the receptor for mustard oil and environmental poisons in SF, but the functional consequences have not been investigated yet.

METHODS

TRPA1 was detected by immunocytochemistry, western blot and cell-based ELISA. Calcium measurements were conducted in a multimode reader. Cell viability was assessed by quantification of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in culture supernatants and "RealTime-Glo" luminescent assays. IL-6 and IL-8 production by SF was quantified by ELISA. Proliferation was determined by cell titer blue incorporation.

RESULTS

After 72 h, mimicking proinflammatory conditions by the innate cytokine TNF up-regulated TRPA1 protein levels in RASF which was accompanied by increased sensitivity to TRPA1 agonists AITC and polygodial. Under unstimulated conditions, polygodial elicited calcium flux only in the highest concentrations used (50 µM and 25 µM). TNF preincubation substantially lowered the activation threshold for polygodial (from 25 µM to 1 µM). In the absence of TNF pre-stimulation, only polygodial in high concentrations was able to reduce viability of synovial fibroblasts as determined by a real-time viability assay. However, following TNF preincubation, stimulation of TRPA1 led to a fast (<30 min) viability loss by necrosis of synovial fibroblasts. TRPA1 activation was also associated with decreased proliferation of RASFs, an effect that was also substantially enhanced by TNF preincubation. On the functional level, IL-6 and IL-8 production was attenuated by the TRPA1 antagonist A967079 but also polygodial, although the latter mediated this effect by reducing cell viability.

CONCLUSION

Simulating inflamed conditions by preincubation of synovial fibroblasts with TNF up-regulates and sensitizes TRPA1. Subsequent activation of TRPA1 increases calcium flux and substantially reduces cell viability by inducing necrosis. Since TRPA1 agonists in the lower concentration range only show effects in TNF-stimulated RASF, this cation channel might be an attractive therapeutic target in chronic inflammation to selectively reduce the activity of proinflammatory SF in the joint.

Cancer Chemoprevention and Piperine: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities

Cancer is a genetic disease characterized by unregulated growth and dissemination of malignantly transformed neoplastic cells. The process of cancer development goes through several stages of biochemical and genetic alterations in a target cell. Several dietary alkaloids have been found to inhibit the molecular events and signaling pathways associated with various stages of cancer development and therefore are useful in cancer chemoprevention. Cancer chemoprevention has long been recognized as an important prophylactic strategy to reduce the burden of cancer on health care system. Cancer chemoprevention assumes the use of one or more pharmacologically active agents to block, suppress, prevent, or reverse the development of invasive cancer. Piperine is an active alkaloid with an excellent spectrum of therapeutic activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-asthmatic, anti-convulsant, anti-mutagenic, antimycobacterial, anti-amoebic, and anti-cancer activities. In this article, we made an attempt to sum up the current knowledge on piperine that supports the chemopreventive potential of this dietary phytochemical. Many mechanisms have been purported to understand the chemopreventive action of piperine. Piperine has been reported to inhibit the proliferation and survival of many types of cancer cells through its influence on activation of apoptotic signaling and inhibition of cell cycle progression. Piperine is known to affect cancer cells in variety of other ways such as influencing the redox homeostasis, inhibiting cancer stem cell (CSC) self-renewal and modulation of ER stress and autophagy. Piperine can modify activity of many enzymes and transcription factors to inhibit invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Piperine is a potent inhibitor of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) and has a significant effect on the drug metabolizing enzyme (DME) system. Because of its inhibitory influence on P-gp activity, piperine can reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells and acts as bioavailability enhancer for many chemotherapeutic agents. In this article, we emphasize the potential of piperine as a promising cancer chemopreventive agent and the knowledge we collected in this review can be applied in the strategic design of future researches particularly human intervention trials with piperine.