September 22, 2023
Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae), known by the common name black pepper, is one of the most common spices in daily use around the world. The aroma and irritation effects of black pepper mainly derive from piperine and the essential oil obtained from its berries. Black pepper essential oil is useful for the treatment of rheumatism, muscular pain, and infections and has demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial properti. In addition, black pepper essential oil has anti-inflammatory effects in models of acute and chronic inflammation.
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the mucosal lining of the colon. Incidences of the condition are rapidly increasing, with increases of about 125% observed from 2007 to 2016. A preclinical model of colitis found that oral administration of black pepper essential oil improved colitis by reducing leaky gut and inflammation and improving the gut microbiome.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37597364/