A new amide, N-isobutyl amide of octadeca-trans-2-cis-4-dienoic acid has been isolated from the dried and crushed fruits of Piper nigrum, along with the known alkaloid, piperine. Complete assignments of the protons and carbons of the new amide and piperine have been made based on 2D NMR studies. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.