Piperine is an alkaloid responsible for the taste and fl avor of pepper.

Piperine is an alkaloid responsible for the taste and fl avor of pepper. In pure form it exists as a yellow to pale-yellow crystal, with a burning taste and pungent order. It is found naturally in plants in the Piperaceae family, particularly Piper nigrum (black pepper) and Piper longum (Indian long pepper). Piper nigrum is a perennial woody vine that grows to approximately 30 feet. It produces spikelike flowers that hold berries called peppercorns.