Piperine is an alkaloid which occurs in pepper, most notably black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long peper (piper longum).  Piperine is a member of the vanilliod family of compounds and is weakly basic. It is essentially tasteless at first but has a burning aftertaste. The compound is believed to have the ability to enhance activity for some nutrients and drugs and has alleged anti-inflammatory capability. Piperine has been used as an insecticide for usage against houseflies, as it is relatively non-toxic to humans. However it is also being investigated as a possible carcinogen and cytotoxin that could interfere with reproductive processes, having a negative effect on sperm. The effect of piperine on rats has been investigated². It was found that in high doses piperine caused a decrease in the animals’ sperm count and motility. Sialic acid levels in the epididymis were reduced and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were also decreased.