Piperine inhibits gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit in rats and mice

Piperine (1), an alkaloid of blade and long peppers, inhibited gastric empt ying (GE) of solids/liquids in rats and gastrointestinal transit (GT) in mi ce in a dose and time dependent manner. Compound 1 significantly inhibited GE of solids and GT at the doses extrapolated from humans (1 mg/kg and 1.3 mg/kg p.o. in rats and mice, respectively). However, at the same dose the e ffect was insignificant for GE of liquids, One week oral treatment of 1 mg/ kg and 1.3 mg/kg in rats and mice, respectively, did not produce a signific ant change in activity as compared to single dose administration. GE inhibi tory activity of 1 is independent of gastric acid and pepsin secretion.