Both black and white pepper are derived from the same plant, piper nigrum L, which is native to the Malabar Coast of India. Black pepper is one of the earliest spices known to be widely used by humans. It is derived from the unripened fruit of the plant, dried and ground into the fine black powder we’re familiar with. White pepper, on the other hand is ground from the ripe peppercorn fruit, which also has its outer skin removed. 

Black pepper has long been used in many cultures, not only as a spice, but may help promote digestion. However, black pepper extract is used in dietary supplements because it may enhance the “bioavailability” of certain nutrients, especially antioxidants. During digestion, foods are broken down into their smaller components--chiefly lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. The nutrients provided by these foods are absorbed by the intestine, and piperine may help promote this absorption.* 

Piperine, which is itself a compound in the lipid family, is not the substance that gives black pepper its pungent, spicy flavor. The flavor of black pepper derives from a compound called chavicine, which is a geometric isomer of piperine. This means that the two share the same molecular composition, yet are structured differently. As black pepper is stored, chavicine breaks down into piperine over time, and the flavor loses much of its potency.

Bioperine® is considered the standard commercialized form of black pepper extract. It contains 95% piperine, and it is the only piperine product patented for its ability to increase the bioavailability of nutrients.* 

Black pepper itself is not the ideal form of piperine. The piperine has not been extracted, and therefore may have lower bioavailability. During digestion, much of the nutritive value of piperine may be lost. A more pure form of piperine, say from black pepper extract, may potentially have a higher bioavailability. Bioperine® provides this nutrient in a more efficient form.* 

An important benefit of Bioperine® is its impact on thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is a metabolic process that generates energy on a cellular level in the body, and is integral to the body’s ability to utilize nutrients from food. A normal thermogenic process promotes digestion and the absorption of nutrients, and Bioperine® may promote the body’s normal thermogenic activity.*

Isotonix®, the world’s most advanced nutraceuticals, includes Bioperine® in the Isotonix® Maximum ORAC Formula. This product is an isotonic-capable supplement. ORAC, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity, is a unit of measurement used to determine the antioxidant capacities of different foods, and how many free radicals a substance can absorb.*

Free radicals are unstable atoms with one or more unpaired electrons in their outermost shell. To stabilize themselves, free radicals latch onto the atoms of healthy cells. This, in turn, destabilizes those healthy atoms, creating a chain reaction in a process known as oxidative stress. However, free radicals are not only unavoidable, they also occur naturally. Free radicals are produced as a result of our body’s normal metabolic processes. They may also be caused by stress, exercise, or exposure to harmful substances. Cellular health is dependent, in part, on maintaining a balance of free radicals and antioxidants.* 

Antioxidants are free radical scavengers; they are substances that promote cellular health by seeking out free radicals and neutralizing them. A variety of vitamins and minerals have antioxidant properties, and antioxidants may also be found in many different fruits and vegetables. A good ORAC supplement should contain at least 3,000 ORAC units, and this Isotonix® formula meets that standard through a powerful blend of antioxidant ingredients.*

Isotonix® Maximum ORAC Formula contains vitamins C and E, two ingredients known for their antioxidant abilities. Additionally, the Maximum ORAC Formula contains the extract of various fruits that contain antioxidants.*

You can learn about these fruits in depth by reading our guide on the health benefits of berries, but at a glance, the Maximum ORAC Formula contains:

• Cranberry extract (200 mg)
• Blueberry extract (100 mg)
• Grape extract (93 mg)
• Raspberry extract (90 mg)
• Elderberry extract (40 mg)
• Black Currant extract (40 mg)
• Pomegranate extract (40 mg)
• Plum powder (30 mg) 

Remember that black pepper extract may increase the bioavailability of nutrients in foods. The Maximum ORAC Formula contains 56 micrograms of Bioperine®, as it may enhance the bioavailability of the antioxidants in these other ingredients.*

Isotonix® produces the world’s most advanced nutraceuticals, and Isotonix products are distinguished by our proprietary isotonic delivery system.* 

The word isotonic means “same pressure”, and it refers to a substance that bears a chemical resemblance to the body’s natural fluids. Blood, plasma, and tears all share the same chemical concentration, or common osmotic pressure. This promotes consistent maintenance of all bodily tissues.* 

Any substance we ingest must be converted into an isotonic form to be absorbed by our bodies. This process requires an expenditure of energy, and it also takes time. As an isotonic-capable solution, Isotonix® Maximum ORAC formula is delivered via a powder that becomes isotonic when you mix it with water. This eliminates much of the effort that goes into absorbing the solution, and promotes more efficient absorption while delivering maximum results.*