r/anhedonia
Personal Wiki
Black Pepper
Nutrition
- One tablespoon (6 grams) of ground black pepper contains moderate amounts of vitamin K (13% of the daily value or DV), iron (10% DV), and manganese (18% DV), with trace amounts of other essential nutrients, protein, and dietary fibre.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
- Studies indicate black pepper has strong antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals that can damage cells.
- This can potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It also shows anti-inflammatory effects, which might help with conditions like arthritis, by inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways.
Digestive and Antimicrobial Support
- Black pepper is traditionally used to aid digestion, stimulating gastric acid and possibly easing issues like indigestion or constipation. It also has antimicrobial properties, effective against bacteria and fungi, which could be useful for treating infections.
- Category
- Action
- Details and Mechanisms
- Antioxidant
- Free-radical scavenging
- Protects against oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, potentially preventing chronic diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Reduces inflammation
- Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., NF-κB, TNF-α) and pathways, useful for conditions like arthritis.
- Antimicrobial
- Antibacterial, antifungal
- Active against strains like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger, aiding infection control.
- Gastro-protective
- Aids digestion, enhances nutrient absorption
- Stimulates gastric acid secretion, increases protease and lipase activities, and enhances bioavailability via piperine.
- Analgesic
- Pain relief
- May block pain receptors or modulate pain pathways, supported by traditional uses for toothache and muscle pain.
- Respiratory Benefits
- Treats cough, cold, dyspnea
- Traditionally used for respiratory issues, likely due to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Potential Anticancer
- Anti-tumor effects
- Induces apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibits tumor growth (e.g., prostate, lung), but requires further human trials.
- Bioavailability Enhancement
- Increases absorption of other compounds
- Piperine inhibits P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 enzymes, enhancing the absorption of drugs and nutrients.