People mainly take Black Pepper for pain & inflammation. Based on 19 first-hand reports and 6 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #287 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 76% are positive.
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: Only ginger and black cumin reported a significant improvement in glycated hemoglobin, and only cinnamon and ginger showed a significant decrease in insulin.
PubMed 38542668 ↗Conclusion: As a conclusive remark, P. nigrum should not only be regarded as "King of spices" but can also be considered as part of the kingdom of medicinal agents, comprising a panoply of bioactive compounds with potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
PubMed 30740986 ↗Conclusion: This review paper is an initial step in a funded research project by SARC to understand the pattern of use of shammah and provide adequate epidemiological data. One goal of this review is to generate further data for public health education.
PubMed 25169473 ↗Conclusion: Most studies had an unclear bias. Further larger and well-designed RCTs are needed to draw robust conclusions.
PubMed 32869155 ↗As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“turmeric is absorbed much better with black pepper.”
“are you taking it with black pepper? It helps your body absorb it and makes the effects more powerful”
“Black pepper - circulation, immune system.”
“Adding black pepper to the coffee may make the results more reliable.”
“Fresh black pepper would help too”
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate