The Healing Spice: Exploring Black Pepper’s Impact on Traumatic Head Injuries – A Narrative Review

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major cause of morbidity worldwide, affecting approximately 69 million people annually. These injuries result in complex pathological processes, including oxidative stress and inflammation, which exacerbate neuronal damage. Black pepper (Piper nigrum), and its primary bioactive compound piperine, have been recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. TBI systematic literature review aims to explore the potential of black pepper in mitigating the physiological damage caused by TBI. A systematic search was conducted in September 2024 using databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Crossref. Articles from 2014 to 2024 discussing the effects of black pepper on traumatic injuries were included. A total of 295 documents were identified, and 16 relevant studies were selected based on title, abstract screening, and full-text analysis. The review synthesized the data on black pepper’s impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroprotection. The results indicate that piperine exhibits significant antioxidant properties by reducing oxidative stress and scavenging free radicals. Additionally, piperine’s anti-inflammatory effects help modulate cytokine production, reducing neuronal damage. The neuroprotective properties of black pepper have also been shown to enhance cognitive function and memory recovery post-injury. Black pepper, particularly piperine, demonstrates potential as a supplementary therapeutic option for treating TBI by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and promoting neuronal recovery. Further clinical trials are needed to determine optimal dosages and treatment regimens.