A rapid method for isolation of piperine from the fruits of Piper nigrum Linn

Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Action of Piperine against Candida albicans and Targeting Its Virulence Factors

Plant-derived compounds have proven to be a source of inspiration for new drugs. In this study, piperine isolated from the fruits of Piper nigrum showed anti-Candida activity. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of piperine and its impact on virulence factors in Candida albicans, which have not been comprehensively understood, were also assessed. Initially, piperine suppressed the hyphal transition in both liquid and solid media, hindered biofilm formation, and resulted in observable cell distortions in scanning electron microscope (SEM) samples, for both fluconazole-sensitive and fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strains. Additionally, the morphogenetic switches triggered by piperine were found to rely on the activity of mutant C. albicans strains. Secondly, piperine treatment increased cell membrane permeability and disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, as evidenced by propidium iodine and Rhodamine 123 staining, respectively. Moreover, it induced the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in C. albicans. Synergy was obtained between the piperine and the fluconazole against the fluconazole-sensitive strain. Interestingly, there were no hemolytic effects of piperine, and it resulted in reduced cytotoxicity on fibroblast cells at low concentrations. The results suggest that piperine could have a dual mode of action inhibiting virulence factors and modulating cellular processes, leading to cell death in C. albicans.

Evaluation of Anti-Candida Potential of Piper nigrum Extract in Inhibiting Growth, Yeast-Hyphal Transition, Virulent Enzymes, and Biofilm Formation

Due to the increased incidence of fungal infections and the emergence of antifungal resistance mainly by Candida species, the need for safe and effective novel therapies is imperative. Consequently, plants and herbs are a powerful source to combat infections. Here, we evaluated the anti-Candida potential of an ethanolic extract from Piper nigrum. The phytochemical analysis of P. nigrum revealed bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and tannis. Our results showed that P. nigrum extract suppressed the virulence factors of C. albicans strains, including hyphae formation in both liquid and solid media, reduced secretion of phospholipases/proteinases, and affected biofilm formation. Furthermore, the P. nigrum extract showed no hemolytic effect in vitro and exhibited reduced cytotoxicity on Vero cells and G. mellonella larvae at concentrations that inhibited hyphae and biofilm in C. albicans. Moreover, the extract demonstrated antifungal activity against C. auris strains. In conclusion, the P. nigrum extract affected the growth and morphogenesis of Candida (even in resistant strains), demonstrating that this plant has an anti-candida activity and represents a promising resource for discovering novel antifungal compounds.

Isolation, characterization and in vitro antioxidant activity screening of pure compound from black pepper (Piper nigrum)

The present study's aims of isolation, characterization and in vitro antioxidant activity screening of pure compound from Black pepper (Piper nigrum) were investigated. Nowadays, scientific exploration of medicinal plants from natural sources has become the prime concern globally. All the crude drugs that have been isolated from natural plant origin (herbs, root, stem, bark, fruit and flower) have great significance in drug discovery as well as a lead compound to demonstrate great synergistic effect on pharmacology. For this research work, methanol was selected as a mother solvent, and the crude methanolic extract of black pepper was partitioned in between the solvent chloroform and di-ethyl-ether. A crystal fraction has been eradicated from the chloroform extract of black pepper (Piper nigrum). The crystal compound (C1) was isolated and purified by using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and recrystallization technique. The purified crystal compound (C1) isolated from black pepper possesses a strong in vitro antioxidant activity. The IC50 value of crystal compound (C1) was 4.1 µg/ml where the standard one had 3.2 µg/ml. Physical, phytochemical and chromatographical characterization of pure crystal compound (C1) has been explored, and from the analysis of all characteristics, it was found that, crystal compound (C1) might have resembling features of the standard Piperine of black pepper. The overall research work was really remarkable and introduced a convenient way of isolating pure compound from the natural source which will be a great referential resource in isolating crude drugs for future analysis.

Piperine: A review of its biological effects

Medicinal plants have been used for years as a source of food, spices, and, in traditional medicine, as a remedy to numerous diseases. Piper nigrum, belonging to the family Piperaceae is one of the most widely used spices all over the world. It has a distinct sharp flavor attributed to the presence of the phytochemical, piperine. Apart from its use as a spice, P. nigrum is frequently used for medicinal, preservation, and perfumery purposes. Black pepper contains 2-7.4% of piperine, varying in content is associated with the pepper plant. Piperine displays numerous pharmacological effects such as antiproliferative, antitumor, antiangiogenesis, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, antiaging, and immunomodulatory effects in various in vitro and in vivo experimental trials. Furthermore, piperine has also been documented for its hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This review highlights and discusses the medicinal and health-promoting effects of piperine, along with possible mechanisms of its action in health promotion and disease prevention. In addition, the present review summarizes the recent literature related to piperine as a therapeutic agent against several diseases.

Piperine suppresses the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and has anti-cancer effects on colorectal cancer cells

More than 94% of colorectal cancer cases have mutations in one or more Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway components. Inactivating mutations in APC or activating mutations in β-catenin (CTNNB1) lead to signaling overactivation and subsequent intestinal hyperplasia. Numerous classes of medicines derived from synthetic or natural small molecules, including alkaloids, have benefited the treatment of different diseases, including cancer, Piperine is a true alkaloid, derived from lysine, responsible for the spicy taste of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum). Studies have shown that piperine has a wide range of pharmacological properties; however, piperine molecular mechanisms of action are still not fully understood. By using Wnt/β-catenin pathway epistasis experiment we show that piperine inhibits the canonical Wnt pathway induced by overexpression of β-catenin, β-catenin S33A or dnTCF4 VP16, while also suppressing β-catenin nuclear localization in HCT116 cell line. Additionally, piperine impairs cell proliferation and migration in HCT116, SW480 and DLD-1 colorectal tumor cell lines, while not affecting the non-tumoral cell line IEC-6. In summary, piperine inhibits the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and displays anti-cancer effects on colorectal cancer cell lines.

A piperic acid CoA ligase produces a putative precursor of piperine, the pungent principle from black pepper fruits

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is known for its high content of piperine, a cinnamoyl amide derivative regarded as largely responsible for the pungent taste of this widely used spice. Despite its long history and worldwide use, the biosynthesis of piperine and related amides has been enigmatic up to now. In this report we describe a specific piperic acid CoA ligase from immature green fruits of P. nigrum. The corresponding enzyme was cloned and functionally expressed in E. coli. The recombinant enzyme displays a high specificity for piperic acid and does not accept the structurally related feruperic acid characterized by a similar C-2 extension of the general C6-C3 phenylpropanoid structure. The enzyme is also inactive with the standard set of hydroxycinnamic acids tested including caffeic acid, 4-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid. Substrate specificity is corroborated by in silico modelling that suggests a perfect fit for the substrate piperic acid to the active site of the piperic acid CoA ligase. The CoA ligase gene shows its highest expression levels in immature green fruits, is also expressed in leaves and flowers, but not in roots. Virus-induced gene silencing provided some preliminary indications that the production of piperoyl-CoA is required for the biosynthesis of piperine in black pepper fruits.

Cytotoxicity, antiprotozoal, and anti-inflammatory activities of eight curry powders and comparison of their UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS chemical profiles

BACKGROUND

Curry powder is a blend of spices that is extensively consumed worldwide and mainly in Central Asia. Its preparation is strictly related to each locality and, because of the health benefits of its constituents, eight commercial forms of this condiment were biologically and chemically investigated. This study aimed to compare their chemical profile as well as their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antiparasitic activities.

RESULTS

Curry samples 1 and 7 inhibited leukocyte influx and myeloperoxidase activity, while only 7 was active on protein exudate and NO_x species. 2, 6, and 8 displayed trypanocidal effect against Trypanosoma cruzi amastigote, whereas 6 showed antileishmanial activity on Leishmania amazonensis amastigote. 2, 6, and 8 also inhibited the growth of THP-1 cells used as the parasite's host. Among the cytotoxic samples (4 and 6), curry sample 6 induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Nevertheless, 4 and 6 were unselectively cytotoxic to non-tumoral and tumoral cells. The anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, and antiparasitic assays were respectively performed by carrageenan-induced pleurisy test, Alamar blue assay, and intracellular parasite-host cell model. Ultra-performance liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization mass spectrometric data from the spices revealed both similar and different metabolites in their composition.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained indicate that different formulations can contribute different health benefits as a result of their chemical composition. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Data of antihyperlipidaemic activity for methanolic extract of Tagetes patula Linn. flower head along with piperine, as bioavailability enhancer

The data present in this article is associated with influence of piperine (secondary metabolite) on the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Tagetes patula (METP). METP was evaluated for antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential. Phytoconstituents of METP were identified using gas chromatography linked with a mass spectrometer. in vivo antihyperlipidemic activity of METP at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt. and 200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt. along with piperine (20 mg/kg b. wt.) were evaluated by Propylthiouracil induced and Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Propylthiouracil significantly increased the serum TC (p<0.01), TG (p<0.01), LDL (p<0.01) and VLDL (p<0.01) levels and induction of HDL (p<0.01) at a dose of 400 mg/kg b. wt. along with piperine. Triton X-100 at a single dose of i.p increased lipid levels within 48 h. Increased lipid levels were significantly reduced TC (p<0.01), TG (p<0.01), LDL (p<0.05) and VLDL (p<0.05) by METP at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt. along with piperine. Current data were also supported by histological study of livers, Cord pattern of hepatocytes, few periportal lymphocytes in focal area observed in hyperlipidemic rats and hepatocyte, periportal and centrilobular region of liver appear normal in treated group. METP along with piperine (capability to enhance bioavailability and has a property of increasing oral absorption of drugs) showed promising antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity which suggests the further use of Tagetes patula extract for the management of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Curcuminoid Content and Safety-Related Markers of Quality of Turmeric Dietary Supplements Sold in an Urban Retail Marketplace in the United States

SCOPE

Turmeric is a top selling dietary supplement (DS) in the United States with rapidly expanding usage. Therefore, turmeric DS formulations available for sale in an urban US retail marketplace are analyzed, and point of sale information is related to measures of quality relevant to safety.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eighty-seven unique turmeric DS are identified; a majority (94%) contained turmeric-derived curcuminoid extracts (TD-CE), which are combined with other bioactives in 47% of products, including piperine (24%), an additive that could alter the metabolism of concurrent medications. While curcuminoid content is within 80% of anticipated for a majority of products analyzed (n = 35), curcuminoid composition (% curcumin) did not meet US Pharmacopeia (USP) criteria for TD-CE in 59% and is suggestive of possible unlabeled use of synthetic curcumin in some. Lead content is associated with the inclusion of turmeric root and exceeded USP limits in one product. Residues of toxic class 1 or 2 solvents, which are not needed for TD-CE isolation, are present in 71% of products, although quantified levels were within USP-specified limits.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of turmeric DS quality at point of sale is difficult for consumers and may best be managed in partnership with knowledgeable healthcare professionals.

In vivo cough suppressive activity of pectic polysaccharide with arabinogalactan type II side chains of Piper nigrum fruits and its synergistic effect with piperine

Piper nigrum L. fruits are not only a prized spice, but also highly valued therapeutic agent that heals many ailments including asthma, cold and respiratory problems. Herein, we have investigated structural features and in vivo antitussive activity of three fractions isolated from Piper nigrum fruits. The water extract (PN-WE) upon fractionation with EtOH yielded two fractions: a soluble fraction (PN-eSf) and a precipitated (PN-ePf) one. The existence of a pectic polysaccharide with arabinogalactan type II side chains (147kDa) in PN-ePf and piperine in PN-eSf were revealed. Moreover, oligosaccharides providing fine structural details of side chains were generated from PN-ePf and then characterized. The parental water extract (PN-WE) that contained both pectic polysaccharide and piperine, after oral administration (50mgkg^-1 body weight) to guinea pigs, showed antitussive activity comparable to codeine phosphate (10mgkg^-1 body weight). The EtOH precipitated fraction (PN-ePf) containing pectic polysaccharide showed comparatively higher antitussive activity than EtOH soluble fraction (PN-eSf) that contained piperine, but their potencies are lower than the parental water extract. Significantly, the specific airway smooth muscle reactivity of all three fractions remained unchanged. Finally, pectic polysaccharide-piperine combination in parental extract synergistically enhances antitussive effect in guinea pigs.

Engineering a Piperine Eluting Nanofibrous Patch for Cancer Treatment

The objective of this study was to engineer a biodegradable polymeric system for sustained release of piperine for cancer treatment. We prepared nanofibrous patches of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and gelatin (GEL) blends of different ratios by electrospinning. The PCL/GEL nanofibers were loaded with up to 30 wt % piperine, a phytochemical derived from black pepper, which is believed to exhibit anticancer, antiarthritis, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the fiber diameter was in the range of 300-400 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the drug was successfully loaded into the nanofiber mats. In vitro release kinetics revealed the sustained release of the drug with 50% release in 3 days from the PCL/GEL (50:50 by weight) blend fibers. The reduced viability and growth of HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cells on the piperine eluting nanofibers demonstrated anticancer activity in vitro. The proliferation of noncancerous cells such as NIH3T3 cells and human mesenchymal stem cells was affected to a markedly lesser extent. Flow cytometry revealed that the released piperine induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, leading to cell death of cancer cells. The findings of this study suggest that piperine-loaded nanofiber mats could be developed into implantable biodegradable patches for use in postsurgical cancer treatment.

Occurrence of piperidine alkaloids in Piper species collected in different areas

A simple and convenient method was established for simultaneous quantitative determination of piperine and piperlonguminine in dried fruits of Piper longum and allied plants. The average content of piperine in P. longum (18.26 mg/g, range 12.05-33.23 mg/g) was about one half that of P. nigrum (40.09 mg/g, range 29.57-54.23 mg/g), but the content of piperlonguminine in P. longum was in the range of 0.42-1.82 mg/g, and the average content of piperlonguminne (0.91 mg/g) was about seven times higher than that in P. nigrum (0.13 mg/g). A sample of P. longum from Vietnam and a sample of P. retrofractum collected in Ishigaki, Japan, showed high contents of piperine and piperlonguminine. On the other hand, a sample of P. betle collected in Taiwan showed low content of piperine, and piperlonguminine was not detected.

Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of black pepper and piperine in gastrointestinal disorders

Dried fruits of Piper nigrum (black pepper) are commonly used in gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to rationalize the medicinal use of pepper and its principal alkaloid, piperine, in constipation and diarrhea using in vitro and in vivo assays. When tested in isolated guinea pig ileum, the crude extract of pepper (Pn.Cr) (1–10 mg/mL) and piperine (3–300 μM) caused a concentration-dependent and atropine-sensitive stimulant effect. In rabbit jejunum, Pn.Cr (0.01–3.0 mg/mL) and piperine (30–1,000 μM) relaxed spontaneous contractions, similar to loperamide and nifedipine. The relaxant effect of Pn.Cr and piperine was partially inhibited in the presence of naloxone (1 μM) similar to that of loperamide, suggesting the naloxone-sensitive effect in addition to the Ca(2+) channel blocking (CCB)-like activity, which was evident by its relaxant effect on K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions. The CCB activity was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Pn.Cr (0.03–0.3 mg/mL) or piperine (10–100 μM) caused a rightward shift in the concentration–response curves of Ca(2+), similar to loperamide and nifedipine. In mice, Pn.Cr and piperine exhibited a partially atropine-sensitive laxative effect at lower doses, whereas at higher doses it caused antisecretory and antidiarrheal activities that were partially inhibited in mice pretreated with naloxone (1.5 mg/kg), similar to loperamide. This study illustrates the presence of spasmodic (cholinergic) and antispasmodic (opioid agonist and Ca(2+) antagonist) effects, thus providing the possible explanation for the medicinal use of pepper and piperine in gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Novel pepper extract for enhanced P-glycoprotein inhibition

Objectives

Piperine is one of the most promising bioenhancers to date. Methods used for its extraction suffer from drawbacks such as use of organic solvents, poor extraction efficiency, tedious and expensive methodology. These methods are not encouraged with a view to reducing global warming. The objective was therefore to develop an alternative solvent-free extraction method.

Methods

An aqueous extract of long pepper fruits was prepared using hydrophilic lipid Gelucire 44/14 as the extracting aid and this was compared with an alcoholic extract. Extracts were characterized using high-performance thin layer chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitory activity of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts and pure piperine was compared using an in-vitro everted rat intestinal model using ornidazole as the model drug. The study was performed using two oral pretreatment dose levels (10 and 20 mg/kg) and durations (1 and 3 days). Exsorption of ornidazole from serosal to mucosal surface was monitored.

Key findings

P-gp inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract was comparable with that of pure piperine (P &gt; 0.05) and was significantly higher than the alcoholic extract (P &lt; 0.05). Pure piperine and the aqueous extract exhibited significant P-gp inhibitory activity compared with control, which was irrespective of oral pretreatment dose and duration levels. No significant effect of oral pretreatment duration of the aqueous extract was observed. The observed enhancement in P-gp inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract may have been attributed to the P-gp inhibitory potential of Gelucire 44/14 and its efficient extraction and solubility enhancement ability.

Conclusions

In the field of phytopharmaceuticals efficient and eco-friendly extraction processes are still a goal to be achieved. Extraction with Gelucire 44/14 could be a potential method of extraction for phytopharmaceuticals. Compared with conventional methods of extraction it is more efficient, easier to prepare, eco-friendly and scalable.