Tradition

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)

There is no proven effective dose for black pepper in adults. However, nasal inhalation of volatile black pepper oil for one minute for up to one month has been studied to help with difficulty swallowing during stroke recovery.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven effective dose for black pepper in children.

Safety

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to black pepper.

Side Effects and Warnings

Black pepper is likely safe when consumed in food amounts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved black pepper, black pepper oil, black pepper oleoresin, piperidine, and piperine as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in foods in the United States.

Patients taking cholinergic agonists, cyclosporine A, digoxin, cytochrome P450 metabolized agents, herbs or drugs by mouth, phenytoin, propranolol, rifamipicin (rifampin), or theophylline should use black pepper cautiously.

Possible side effects of taking black pepper in medicinal amounts by mouth may include stomach upset or other gastrointestinal adverse effects. Use cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

Inhaling black pepper may cause respiratory irritation, edema (swelling), and even respiratory arrest, severe anoxia (lack of oxygen), and death.

There may also be a link between ingestion of black pepper and nasopharyngeal or esophageal cancer, although there is controversy in this area.

Avoid in patients with a known allergyor hypersensitivity to black pepper (Piper nigrum), its constituents, or members of the Piperaceae family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Black pepper is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women in amounts greater than those found in foods due to a lack of available scientific evidence.