IUPAC name:1-[5-(1,3-benzodioxol- 5-yl)-1-oxo-2,4-pentadienyl]piperidine
Other names:5-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoyl-2-piperidine piperoylpiperidine
Molecular formula: C17H19NO3
Molecular weight: 285.34
CAS No: 94-62-2
Molar mass :285.34 g mol−1
Density: 1.193 g/cm3
Melting point :130 °C, 403 K, 266 °F

Piperine is commercially available. If desired, it may be extracted from black pepper using dichloromethane. The amount of piperine varies from 1-2% in long pepper, to 5-9% in the white and the black peppers of commerce. Further, it may be prepared by treating the solvent-free residue from an alcoholic extract of black pepper, with a solution of sodium hydroxide to remove resin (said to contain chavicine, an isomer of piperine) and solution of the washed, insoluble residue in warm alcohol, from which the alkaloid crystallises on cooling.

Biological activity
The pungency caused by capsaicin and piperine is caused by activation of the heat and acidity sensing TRPV ion channel TRPV1 on nociceptors (pain sensing nerve cells).
Piperine has also been found to inhibit human CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, enzymes important for the metabolism and transport of xenobiotics and metabolites. In animal studies, piperine also inhibited other enzymes important in drug metabolism. By inhibiting drug metabolism, piperine may increase the bioavailability of various compounds. Notably, piperine may enhance bioavailability of curcumin by 2000% in humans.

Functions
1. With the function of treatment for arthritis, rheumatism and skin disease or wound healing;
2. With the function of losing weight, its ability to increase in the metabolic rate of the body;
3. With the function of clearing heat and diuretic, expectorant, sedative and analgestic;
4. With the function of treating acute conjunctivitis, bronchitis, gastritis, enteritis and urinary stones;
5. With the function of enhancing immunity and supporting the intestinal absorption of nutrients.

Application
1. As pharmaceutical raw materials for arthritis, rheumatism, anti-inflammation, detumescence and so on, it is mainly used in pharmaceutical field;
2. As products effective ingredients for improving blood circulation and soothing the nerves, it is mainly used in health product industry;
3. As active ingredients of skin care products, it is mainly used in cosmetic industry.

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