Have anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation may be a contributing factor in a variety of diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Many laboratory studies indicate that piperine, the major active ingredient in black pepper, may be useful in fighting inflammation.

In trials on arthritis rats, for example, piperine administration resulted in less joint swelling and lower levels of inflammatory blood markers. Piperine decreased inflammation in the airways caused by asthma and seasonal allergies in rat experiments. However, the anti-inflammatory benefits of black pepper and piperine in humans have not been thoroughly explored.