Rapid UV Spectrophotometric Method for Piperine Quantification: Evaluating Genotypic and Developmental Stage Effects in Blackpepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Abstract

This study presents the development and validation of a rapid, cost-effective UV spectrophotometric method for the quantitative determination of piperine in Piper nigrum L. Three genotypes Panniyur 1, Panniyur 2, and Uthirankotta were studied at two critical stages of development (immature and mature green berries) to understand the genotypic and developmental effects on piperine accumulation. The method was highly specific and accurate and thus can be used as an effective substitute for high cost and time-consuming extraction methods for large-scale screenings.  Results showed significant genotypic variation, where Panniyur 2 had the highest piperine content of 6.562 percent w/w at maturity, followed by Panniyur 1 and Uthirankotta, respectively. Piperine rises significantly from immature to mature stage in all three genotypes, which ascertains the importance of a correct harvest period to get a good yield of alkaloids. These results therefore establish that Panniyur 2 is a better genotype with regard to piperine production, and the mature green stage is the ideal period for harvest to obtain maximum bioactive principal contents. A validated UV spectrophotometric method described here will be an effective tool in quality control and breeding programs to improve the piperine yield in black pepper cultivation.