Black Pepper Contains Anti-Cancer Compound

Angiogenesis is a physiological process enabling the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones.  A vital mechanism for wound healing, angiogenesis is also a key process involved in tumor growth and progression.  Several previous studies suggest that piperine, an alkaloid compound found abundantly in black pepper, has diverse physiological actions including the ability to kill cancer cells.  Carolyn D. Doucette, from Dalhousie University (Canada), and colleagues explored the effect of piperine on angiogenesis, in a lab animal model. The team found that piperine inhibited the conversion of certain regulators of endothelial cell function and angiogenesis, as well as inhibited the pathway that is implicated in the proliferation and transition of tumors from a dormant state to a malignant one. The study authors conclude that: “these data support the further investigation of piperine as an angiogenesis inhibitor for use in cancer treatment.”