Piperine is a known inhibitor of hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation.
We recall that glucuronidation reactions are fundamental for the correct metabolization of various xenobiotics (non-nutritive substances of endogenous origin, including drugs and toxic poisons).
Its ability to increase blood concentrations of some drugs and other substances metabolised via glucuronidation mechanisms depends on this effect of piperine. This is the case, for example, of theophylline (bronchodilator), phenytoin (antiepileptic), propanolol (a beta-blocker) and also curcumin.
Precisely because the increase in bioavailability may also concern any drugs taken at the same time, it is advisable to avoid close intake of medicines and piperine (separate the two intakes by at least 3-4 hours).
