Black pepper extract
Black pepper extract is made from the dried unripe fruit (peppercorns) of Piper nigrum, a vine grown mainly in Vietnam, India, Indonesia and Brazil. Ground pepper is extracted with solvents such as ethanol, acetone or supercritical CO2 to give an oleoresin, and piperine is then crystallized and purified from it. Supplement brands mostly buy extract standardized to 95 percent or more piperine by HPLC, used at milligram levels in capsules.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Purified, crystallized piperine with a declared minimum of 95 percent or more by HPLC. The usual form for supplement capsules.
Solvent-extracted, solvent-stripped oleoresin carrying pungency and aroma, used mainly in flavors.
Steam-distilled oil carrying aroma but little piperine.
The spice itself, cleaned, ground and often steam sterilized.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep piperine sealed in light-proof containers at room temperature or cooler; piperine isomerizes under light, which lowers the assay. Oleoresin and oil are kept sealed and cool to limit loss of volatiles. Suppliers set shelf life or a retest date and repeat the piperine assay at retest.
Purity, residual solvent profile and particle size can shift between lots and producers. Record supplier lot, assay method and solvent, and keep lots traceable where a branded extract is named on the label.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.10 lists black pepper (Piper nigrum) among spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings generally recognized as safe for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 182.20 also lists black pepper among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives generally recognized as safe for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists piperine with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 172.515 (synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants).
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 474, for piperine from Piper nigrum or P. longum notified by Sabinsa Corporation as a flavoring agent, ended with FDA ceasing to evaluate the notice at the notifier's request.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Hyderabad, India
Sells it as BioPepper95
Botanic Healthcare is a Hyderabad, India, maker of standardized and organic herbal extracts, branded botanical ingredients and liposomal ingredient grades for supplement and food companies.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include piperine 95%+ extract, oleoresin, essential oil and ground black pepper. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect piperine assay (HPLC), identity, residual solvents, heavy metals, microbiology and physical tests, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep piperine sealed in light-proof containers at room temperature or cooler; piperine isomerizes under light, which lowers the assay. Oleoresin and oil are kept sealed and cool to limit loss of volatiles. Suppliers set shelf life or a retest date and repeat the piperine assay at retest.
21 CFR 182.10 lists black pepper (Piper nigrum) among spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings generally recognized as safe for their intended use. 21 CFR 182.20 also lists black pepper among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives generally recognized as safe for their intended use. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists piperine with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 172.515 (synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants). GRN 474, for piperine from Piper nigrum or P. longum notified by Sabinsa Corporation as a flavoring agent, ended with FDA ceasing to evaluate the notice at the notifier's request.
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