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Piperine

Piperine is the primary component in black pepper.

Chemical Formula: C₁₇H₁₉N₁O₃

Layman's explanation: Piperine is the molecule which gives pepper its spicy taste, and is a component of the fruit in the Asian vine called Piper Nigrum. Piperine is used to impart pungent taste to brandy. This spicy molecule is naturally a yellowish powder, and is soluble in water, alcohol, chloroform, ether, and benzene. Piperine was highly prized centuries ago for its use as a spice to mask the taste of spoiling meat. Piperine has also been found to stimulate increased absorption of nutrients by the body, thus, its application as a potential therapeutic has been explored in the medical field. Conversely, piperine can be deadly when it is a component in pesticides.

Keywords: black pepper, nutrient

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