Piperine, an alkaloid found in black pepper (Piper nigrum), has been studied for its potential neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects. Preclinical research, primarily in animal models, suggests that piperine may improve memory and brain function through several mechanisms. These include antioxidant activity, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory), and modulation of neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine and serotonin. Some studies have shown that piperine administration can ameliorate memory deficits in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and chemically induced cognitive impairment.

However, the evidence in humans is very limited. Most of the current data comes from laboratory and animal studies, with only a handful of small-scale human trials examining piperine in combination with other compounds (such as curcumin) rather than as a standalone intervention. While these studies are promising, they do not provide robust clinical validation for the use of piperine to support memory or brain function in humans at this time. Therefore, the evidence is rated as 2 out of 5, indicating preliminary but insufficient scientific support.

In summary, there is some scientific basis—mainly from preclinical research—for the use of piperine to support memory and brain function, but clear clinical efficacy in humans has yet to be established.