Chemical Properties
(Black) Pepper oil and (black) pepper oleoresin are obtained from the black
pepper Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae). Pepper oil is produced by steam distillation
of whole or crushed fruits. The oil is an almost colorless to bluish-green liquid
with a characteristic odor, reminiscent of pepper, but without the pungency of the spice.
d2020 0.864–0.880/0.861–0.876/0.861–0.885/0.864–0.884; α20D ?18 ° to ?7 °/?17 ° to ?8 °/?17 ° to ?6 °/?18 ° to +20 ° (oils of India/Sri Lanka/Indonesia/
Madagascar); solubility: 1 vol in max. 3 vol of 95% ethanol (all types).
The oil contains mainly mono- and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as sabinene, α- and β-pinene, limonene, 3-carene and caryophyllene
being the main constituents. The particular composition varies with the origin.
Pepper oleoresin is produced by solvent extraction and, unlike the oil, contains
the principal pungent compound, piperine [94-62-2], along with some essential
oil.
Chemical Properties
Obtained by steam distillation of dried, unripe fruit. The yield ranges between 1 and 2.6%. Pepper essential oil has a
characteristic odor of pepper and a relatively mild taste.
Physical properties
It is an almost colorless to slightly greenish liquid. It is soluble in most fixed oils, mineral oil
and propylene glycol. It is sparingly soluble in glycerin.
Definition
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Piper nigrum, Labiatae.
Essential oil composition
The main constituents of the oil include alpha- and beta-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, l-limonene,
d-hydrocarveol, piperidine and piperine.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Piperine, a major component of black pepper extracts, shown to have potential for inhibiting fat cell formation.
