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Dietary supplement

BioPerine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by AFI America's Finest

Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

BioPerine is a dietary supplement by AFI America's Finest with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for flavoring and culinary use, digestive complaints like bloating and indigestion, boosting absorption of other supplements.Based on those ingredients, 1,019 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Black Pepper fruit extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of BioPerine by AFI America's Finest

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

BioPerine contains one active ingredient: black pepper fruit extract, which is a concentrated source of piperine. The supplement also includes several inactive ingredients (dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) that serve as fillers and binders to form and stabilize the tablet.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: improves absorption and bioavailability of nutrients.
  • We looked for evidence on: Nutrient absorption, Bioavailability, Nutrient uptake, Digestive absorption.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence we hold on black pepper for its common uses — including hay fever, asthma, athletic performance, headache, depression, and diarrhea — is insufficient to establish how well it works. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the studies we have aren't solid enough yet to make a reliable claim either way.

If you're thinking about taking it for one of these reasons, talk with your pharmacist about what the current evidence suggests.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Pepper

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Black pepper is generally well tolerated when eaten as a food spice or taken as a single dose of medicine. Common side effects are mild — a burning aftertaste, indigestion (dyspepsia), or a temporary change in taste — and cough when inhaled.

A rare serious side effect is allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to black pepper; one case report described hives, red eyes, facial swelling, and severe cough in a young child exposed to it in food. Because concentrated piperine supplements haven't been studied as thoroughly as food-spice amounts, use caution and medical guidance if you're considering a supplement-strength product.

We have no pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data on file for this ingredient.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Pepper

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Black Pepper.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,020 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking BioPerine, check with your pharmacist if you take propranolol or other beta-blockers; seizure medications like phenytoin; anti-tuberculosis or HIV drugs like rifampin or nevirapine; cholesterol drugs like atorvastatin; asthma medications like theophylline; sedatives like pentobarbital; or cyclosporine. Black pepper can increase blood levels of all of these.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

BioPerine is a single-ingredient black pepper extract with moderate interactions across many common medications. If you take any heart, seizure, antibiotic, asthma, or cholesterol medication, check your exact drugs against the interaction tool on this page before starting.

For other uses, talk with your pharmacist about whether the evidence supports it and whether the risks fit your situation.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about BioPerine, straight from the product label.

Brand AFI America's Finest
Barcode (UPC) 767382030352
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2018
DSLD ID 81789
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for BioPerine by AFI America's Finest, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
767382030352
IngredientAmount% DV
Black Pepper fruit extract5 mg--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

BioPerine improves absorption and bioavailability of nutrients.

Patent Numbers: BioPerine US 5,536,506, US 5,744,161, US 6,054,585, EP0810868, JP3953513, CA2247467

BioPerine is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take one tablet twice daily with water and a meal or as directed by a health care professional.

Precautions

Precautions/Warnings: Do not use if bottle seal is missing, torn or damaged.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

AFI

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

BioPerine by AFI America's Finest label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in BioPerine by AFI America's Finest

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Black Pepper fruit extract

Interacts with
1,019 drugs
5 mg per serving

Black pepper is a common kitchen spice that is generally safe in the amounts used in food. Its extract, piperine, is mostly added to supplements to he...

Black Pepper fruit extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

BioPerine by AFI America's Finest Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against BioPerine?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,019Drugs
976 Moderate 43 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in BioPerine with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Black Pepper fruit extract17 drug types · 1,019 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit platelet aggregation. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, can reduce blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of atorvastatin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, 35 mg/kg can increase the maximum serum concentration of atorvastatin three-fold. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research suggests that some constituents of black pepper inhibit CYP2D6. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and pharmacokinetic simulation data suggest that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, as well as the pepper fruit seem to inhibit CYP3A4. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of lithium due to its diuretic effects. The dose of lithium might need to be reduced.
Black pepper is thought to have diuretic properties.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nevirapine (Viramune)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of nevirapine.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the plasma concentration of nevirapine. However, no adverse effects were observed in this study.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit P-glycoprotein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of phenytoin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption, slow elimination, and increase levels of phenytoin. Taking a single dose of black pepper 1 gram along with phenytoin seems to double the serum concentration of phenytoin. Consuming a soup with black pepper providing piperine 44 mg/200 mL of soup along with phenytoin also seems to increase phenytoin levels when compared with consuming the same soup without black pepper.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Propranolol (Inderal)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of propranolol.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of rifampin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and serum levels of rifampin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Theophylline

Black pepper might increase blood levels of theophylline.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of theophylline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, with amoxicillin increases plasma levels of amoxicillin. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of carbamazepine, potentially increasing the effects and side effects of carbamazepine.
One clinical study in patients taking carbamazepine 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily shows that taking a single 20 mg dose of purified piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases carbamazepine levels. Piperine may increase carbamazepine absorption by increasing blood flow to the GI tract, increasing the surface area of the small intestine, or inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in the gut wall. Absorption was significantly increased by 7-10 mcg/mL/hour. The time to eliminate carbamazepine was also increased by 4-8 hours. Although carbamazepine levels were increased, this did not appear to increase side effects. In vitro research also shows that piperine can increase carbamazepine levels by 11% in a time-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might decrease levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research suggests that black pepper induces CYP1A2. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for BioPerine, from the product label.

AFI America's Finest

See all AFI America's Finest products
Name
America's Finest, Inc. (AFI)
City
East Windsor
State
NJ
ZipCode
08520
Phone Number
800-350-3305
Web Address
www.afisupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

BioPerine by AFI America's Finest: Common Questions

Does BioPerine by AFI America's Finest interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, BioPerine has a known interaction with 1,019 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
BioPerine contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is BioPerine made from?
BioPerine is a tablet containing black pepper fruit extract, the source of piperine. The other ingredients are inactive — they're fillers and binders that help form the tablet.
Does BioPerine work for hay fever, asthma, or headaches?
The evidence we hold on black pepper for those uses is insufficient to establish whether it works. You'd want to talk with your pharmacist about what research currently says and whether it makes sense for you.
What are the side effects of black pepper extract?
When taken as a single dose or used in food amounts, black pepper is well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild — a burning aftertaste, indigestion, or a change in taste. Rare allergic reactions have been reported in sensitive people. Concentrated supplements haven't been studied as thoroughly as food spice.
Is BioPerine safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
We don't have safety data on file for black pepper extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you're pregnant or nursing — they can give you personalized advice based on your situation.
Why does BioPerine interact with so many medications?
Piperine, the active compound in black pepper, can slow how your liver breaks down certain drugs and increase how much of them your body absorbs. That means the blood levels of those medications can build up higher than usual, which is why you need to check with your pharmacist before combining BioPerine with any prescription.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if BioPerine is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

BioPerine label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

BioPerine's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 29 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Black Pepper 29 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Bano G, Amla V, Raina RK, et al. The effect of piperine on pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in healthy volunteers. Planta Med 1987;53:568-9. PubMed
  4. Bano G, et al. Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1991;41;615-7. PubMed
  5. Cohle SD, Trestrail JD III, Graham MA, et al. Fatal pepper aspiration. Am J Dis Child 1988;142:633-6. PubMed
  6. Bhardwaj RK, Glaeser H, Becquemont L, et al. Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper, inhibits human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2002;302:645-50. PubMed
  7. Velpandian T, Jasuja R, Bhardwaj RK, et al. Piperine in food: interference in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2001;26:241-7. PubMed
  8. Pattanaik S, Hota D, Prabhakar S, et al. Pharmacokinetic interaction of a single dose of piperine with steady-state carbamazepine in epilepsy patients. Phytother Res 2009;23:1281-6.
  9. Munakata, M., Kobayashi, K., Niisato-Nezu, J., Tanaka, S., Kakisaka, Y., Ebihara, T., Ebihara, S., Haginoya, K., Tsuchiya, S., and Onuma, A. Olfactory stimulation using black pepper oil facilitates oral feeding in pediatric patients receiving long-term en
  10. Myers, B. M., Smith, J. L., and Graham, D. Y. Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. Am J Gastroenterol 1987;82(3):211-214.
  11. Raghavendra, R. H. and Naidu, K. A. Spice active principles as the inhibitors of human platelet aggregation and thromboxane biosynthesis. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 2009;81(1):73-78. PubMed
  12. Subehan, Usia, T., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) by alkamides of Piper nigrum. Planta Med 2006;72(6):527-532.
  13. Kasibhatta, R. and Naidu, M. U. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of nevirapine under fasting conditions: a randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Drugs R.D. 2007;8(6):383-391. PubMed
  14. Usia, T., Iwata, H., Hiratsuka, A., Watabe, T., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitory activities of Indonesian medicinal plants. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(1-2):67-73. PubMed
  15. Mujumdar, A. M., Dhuley, J. N., Deshmukh, V. K., Raman, P. H., Thorat, S. L., and Naik, S. R. Effect of piperine on pentobarbitone induced hypnosis in rats. Indian J Exp.Biol. 1990;28(5):486-487.
  16. Panda, S. and Kar, A. Piperine lowers the serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, glucose and hepatic 5'D activity in adult male mice. Horm.Metab Res. 2003;35(9):523-526. PubMed
  17. Lawless, H. and Stevens, D. A. Effects of oral chemical irritation on taste. Physiol Behav. 1984;32(6):995-998. PubMed
  18. Hiwale, A. R., Dhuley, J. N., and Naik, S. R. Effect of co-administration of piperine on pharmacokinetics of beta-lactam antibiotics in rats. Indian J Exp.Biol. 2002;40(3):277-281.
  19. Han, Y., Chin Tan, T. M., and Lim, L. Y. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the effects of piperine on P-gp function and expression. Toxicol.Appl.Pharmacol. 8-1-2008;230(3):283-289. PubMed
  20. Sharma, P., Varma, M. V., Chawla, H. P., and Panchagnula, R. In situ and in vivo efficacy of peroral absorption enhancers in rats and correlation to in vitro mechanistic studies. Farmaco 2005;60(11-12):874-883. PubMed
  21. Aher, S., Biradar, S., Gopu, C. L., and Paradkar, A. Novel pepper extract for enhanced P-glycoprotein inhibition. J Pharm.Pharmacol. 2009;61(9):1179-1186. PubMed
  22. Zutshi, R. K., Singh, R., Zutshi, U., Johri, R. K., and Atal, C. K. Influence of piperine on rifampicin blood levels in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. J Assoc.Physicians India 1985;33(3):223-224.
  23. Marotta, R. B. and Floch, M. H. Diet and nutrition in ulcer disease. Med Clin North Am 1991;75(4):967-979. PubMed
  24. Subehan, Usia, T., Iwata, H., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 by Indonesian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-24-2006;105(3):449-455. PubMed
  25. Gimenez L, Zacharisen M. Severe pepper allergy in a young child. WMJ. 2011 Jun;110(3):138-9.
  26. Ren T, Yang M, Xiao M, Zhu J, Xie W, Zuo Z. Time-dependent inhibition of carbamazepine metabolism by piperine in anti-epileptic treatment. Life Sci. 2019;218:314-323. PubMed
  27. Thomas AB, Choudhary DC, Raje A, Nagrik SS. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic herb-drug interaction of piperine with atorvastatin in rats. J Chromatogr Sci 2021;59(4):371-80. PubMed
  28. Haron MH, Dale O, Martin K, et al. Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction Potential of Commonly Used Botanicals on the US Market with Regard to PXR- and AhR-Mediated Influences on CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. J Diet Suppl 2022. PubMed
  29. Lin F, Hu Y, Zhang Y, Zhao L, Zhong D, Liu J. Predicting Food-Drug Interactions between Piperine and CYP3A4 Substrate Drugs Using PBPK Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2024;25(20):10955. PubMed

See these in context on the Black Pepper monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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