piperin
Definition
Noun: A crystalline alkaloid compound (C₁₇H₁₉NO₃) that is the primary active component responsible for the pungent taste of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and white pepper. It is derived from pepper plants.
Usage
Piperin is used to refer specifically to the chemical compound that gives pepper its characteristic heat. * The spiciness of black pepper is primarily due to the presence of piperin. * Piperin is studied for its potential effects on nutrient absorption.
Advanced Usage
- In pharmacology and nutrition science, piperin is often discussed in the context of a "bioavailability enhancer," as it may increase the absorption of certain other compounds.
- The supplement includes piperin to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin.
Variants and Related Words
- Piperine: This is the more common modern spelling and the standard International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) name for the compound. The words and are often used interchangeably.
- Alkaloid: The class of naturally occurring organic compounds to which piperin belongs.
Synonyms
- Piperine (the preferred synonym in scientific contexts)
- Pungent principle of pepper (descriptive synonym)
Notes on Different Meanings
The word piperin has a single, specific meaning as a chemical compound. It is not to be confused with the unrelated word "piperidine," which is a different chemical structure.
Noun
-
derived from pepper (especially black pepper); source of the hotness of black and white pepper
