Black pepper
Black pepper is a spice that originates from India and is commonly used in kitchens around the world. Both black and white pepper come from the same plant, with the difference being in their processing methods.
The therapeutic properties of this spice are thought to be due to its piperine content, a chemical that has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Black pepper, when consumed in significant amounts, can be used to alleviate hay fever, asthma, stomach discomfort, and aid in the digestion of certain foods. However, it may cause digestive issues in some individuals.
In the realm of alopecia, black pepper is slowly gaining popularity, and you may encounter products that include it.
Is it effective against hair loss?
Little is known about the potential connection between black pepper and hair loss because no studies have explored this subject. Nonetheless, we will endeavor to understand how this spice might influence our hair.
According to my research, black pepper could potentially affect hair loss in the following manner:
Piperine is a powerful antioxidant.
Another contributing factor to hair loss is oxidative stress. This occurs when free radicals overwhelm the body’s antioxidants, often due to factors like stress, poor dietary habits, or exposure to pollution.
Oxidative stress can lead to significant health problems, including hair loss, inflammation, premature aging, heart disease, and certain types of cancer (source).
Studies suggest that the consumption of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, can help reduce the development of certain diseases and mitigate hair loss (source) (source).
In our case, piperine is a potent antioxidant with potential benefits. This antioxidant property has been confirmed in various studies (source) (source) (source), one of which investigated piperine’s effects on rats fed a high-fat diet. The results showed a noticeable reduction in oxidative stress related to the unhealthy diet in the group of rats treated with piperine.
Piperine is an anti-inflammatory.
Inflammation is the immune system’s defense mechanism that activates when the body experiences various forms of attack, such as infection, irritation, muscle tension, or injury.
Interestingly, almost all types of alopecia are marked by chronic scalp inflammation, and reducing this inflammation has proven effective in mitigating hair loss (source).
In addition to its antioxidant properties, piperine also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, with its effects supported by several scientific studies (source) (source) (source) (source).
For instance, in a study involving rats with induced arthritis through collagen injection, piperine consumption effectively reduced the disease and its symptoms (source).
While these studies were not specifically focused on hair loss or conducted on humans, there is reason to believe that the anti-inflammatory properties of piperine could be beneficial in addressing alopecia.
Black pepper possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties
According to several articles, black pepper is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, primarily due to its composition of piperines (source) (source) (source) (source).
Regarding the scalp, an excessive colonization of bacteria can lead to inflammation and the development of acne, which can worsen and make hair loss more challenging to manage. As for fungi, they are a major cause of dandruff. In addition to exacerbating hair loss in some cases, they can also lead to more severe issues.
When applied topically, black pepper can be useful in preventing these problems.
A study on Alopecia Areata
In 2022, a study involving piperine was conducted in relation to alopecia areata. While the study didn’t focus exclusively on piperine, it found that a combination of capsaicin, curcumin, and piperine was nearly as effective as 5% minoxidil in treating alopecia areata.
For those unfamiliar with it, alopecia areata is a type of hair loss characterized by circular patches of baldness and is caused by an autoimmune disorder.
While this study doesn’t provide a complete understanding of piperine’s specific effects, it represents a promising beginning, and more research in the coming years could shed further light on its potential.
Closing thoughts and verdict
Due to its abundant content of piperines, black pepper shows potential as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Additionally, its antibacterial and antifungal properties could be valuable in addressing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, including dandruff. However, it’s essential to note that there is only one study confirming any potential effectiveness of black pepper in combating hair loss.
As a recommendation, it’s not advisable to rely solely on black pepper for treating alopecia. Nevertheless, if you tolerate this spice well, its regular consumption may help alleviate the contributing factors of hair loss, such as oxidative stress and inflammation.
Precautions & side effects
- Possible allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Black pepper can be fatal if it enters the lungs, and this risk is higher in children.
- May cause burns if it comes into contact with the eyes.
- Consuming black pepper in large quantities can lead to stomach burns.
- Excessive consumption is not recommended during pregnancy, as it may have abortifacient effects.
- Not advised for individuals with digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, or bleeding-related issues.