The insecticidal properties of black pepper extracts were discovered as early as 1924.  Piperine is the major constituent found in Piper nigrum and it was found to be toxic to domestic fly.  The potential of this class of compounds as a model for the development of pesticides has been investigated by several researchers.

         Several new amides were described from piperic acid (obtained by hydrolysis of piperine).   [ Synthesis and insecticidal activity of new amide derivatives of piperine.   Vanderlu’cia F de paula et al, Pest Manag. Sci., 56, 768-174,2000].

         synthesis of a number of amide with piperic acid using heterocyclic amines.  Such as amino derivatives of   flavones, coumarins and several other nitrogen heterocyclics will be rewarding.These heterocyclics are known to  elaborate insecticidal activity. These compounds may exhibit wide range of other pharmacological activities also.
    Piperine was also isolated from Piper longum .

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Papers of related interest :

1.    SUHCF et al, Isolation, identification and insecticidal properties of Piper nigrum amides, J. Agric Food Chem., 29, 115-118 (1981).

2.    Miyakado M. et al,   The Piperaceae amides 6.  Chemisty and insecticidal activity of Piperaceae amides and their synthetic analogues. J. Pest. Sci.,10, 11-17, 1985.
3.     Miyakado M. et al,  Insecticidal unsaturated isobutyl amides, in “Insecticides of Plant Origin” ed. By Arnason J.T. et al, ACS symposium series 387, Maple Press, New York, pp173-187,1989.