Regulating Effect and Mechanisms of Piperine on Glucose Homeostasis

Abstract

Glucose homeostasis is a fundamental physiological process critical for the maintenance of normal cellular functions and overall metabolic health, while disruption of this balance is closely associated with a spectrum of metabolic disorders. Black pepper, one of the world’s most widely consumed spices, has been utilized extensively in both traditional medicine and culinary practices, with its bioactive compound piperine (PIP, 1-piperoyl-piperidine), the major alkaloid responsible for its characteristic pungency, emerging as a promising agent for the modulation of glucose metabolism. This Review aims to summarize the regulatory effects of PIP on glucose homeostasis in cell models, animal studies, and human clinical trials as well as the underlying biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms. This Review highlights PIP as a potentially effective treatment for preventing and managing metabolic disorders associated with disrupted glucose balance, emphasizing its diverse role in influencing various biochemical pathways that control key aspects of glucose metabolism and overall metabolic function.