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Horm Metab Res 2003; 35(9): 523-526
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42652
Original Basic
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Piperine Lowers the Serum Concentrations of Thyroid Hormones, Glucose and Hepatic 5′D Activity in Adult Male Mice

S.  Panda1 , A.  Kar1
  • 1School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, India
Further Information

Publication History

Received 17 February 2003

Accepted after Revision 12 June 2003

Publication Date:
30 September 2003 (online)

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Abstract

Piperine, the main alkaloid of Piper nigrum fruits, was evaluated for its thyroid hormone and glucose regulatory efficacy in adult male Swiss albino mice. Its daily oral administration (2.50 mg/kg) for 15 days lowered the serum levels of both the thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) as well as glucose concentrations with a concomitant decrease in hepatic 5′D enzyme and glucose-6-phospatase (G-6-Pase) activity. However, no significant alterations were observed in animals treated with 0.25 mg/kg of piperine in any of the activities studied except an inhibition in serum T3 concentration. The decrease in T4, T3 concentrations and in G-6-Pase were comparable to that of a standard antithyroid drug, Proylthiouracil (PTU). The hepatic lipid-peroxidation (LPO) and the activity of endogenous antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were not significantly altered in either of the doses. It appears that the action of P. nigrum on thyroid functions is mediated through its active alkaloid, piperine. We also suggest that a higher dose of piperine may inhibit thyroid function and serum glucose concentration in euthyroid individuals.

Key words

Piperine - Triiodothyronine - Thyroxin - Lipid Peroxidation - Serum Glucose - Glucose-6-Phosphatase

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Dr. A. Kar

Thyroid Research Unit · School of Life Sciences · Devi Ahilya University

Vigyan Bhawan · Takshashila campus · Khandwa Road · INDORE 452017 · India

Phone: +91(731)2477166 ·

Fax: +91(731)2460830

Email: karlife@rediffmail.com