Cosmoperine® or Tetrahydropiperine (THP) is a derivative of the pungent alkaloid, piperine found naturally in Piper nigrum (black pepper). Small amounts of THP (0.7%) have also been identified in natural black pepper oleoresin.
Piperine is reported to enhance the bioavailability of drugs such as rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, propranolol, theophylline, phenytoin and nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, coenzymes, amino acids, and nutraceutical herbal extracts, when co-administered orally with these substances.
In view of these properties, THP is a potential transdermal “bioavailability” enhancer when co-administered with drugs/nutrients.