User:Relizabeth1/Black pepper

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Sarah M:

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History - China

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Article - 'Black pepper was also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where it was supposed to be a healing herb. According to TCM beliefs, black pepper has a hot property and a pungent flavor.'

Addition - 'It has been used in TCM to help relieve abdominal pain, and practitioners have combined it with other medicinal herbs in order to help treat issues with numerous vital organs. '

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Traditional medicine, phytochemicals, and research

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Article - 'Pepper contains phytochemicals, including amides, piperidines, pyrrolidines, and trace amounts of safrole, which may be carcinogenic in laboratory rodents. Piperine is under study for its potential to increase absorption of selenium, vitamin B12, beta-carotene, and curcumin, as well as other compounds.'

Addition - Recent studies in the past decade suggest that black pepper could possess antibacterial properties and could be useful in assisting with the treatment of pathogenic illnesses.

Addition - Medically, these oils have been shown to display antioxidant & anti-fungal abilities, as well as other immune system stimulating properties.

Source on health affects on lab mice.