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Overview
CapsicumĀ annuumĀ is an annual or biennial plant producing the spicy fruit commonly known as Cayenne Pepper orĀ Chili. In-factĀ ChiliĀ is the Aztec name for cayenne pepper. It has been used by Native Americans as food and medicine for at least nine thousand years. Based on archeological evidence, its cultivation in Mexico is believed to have begun around seven thousand years ago. (4)
Native to tropical America andĀ now cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical zones (1). The degree of pungency, calculated in heat units, of driedĀ CapsicumĀ or the extract, determines its value (2). Traded materialĀ mainly comes fromĀ Africa, China, and India (3).
(1) Leung, A.Y. and S. Foster. 1996.Ā Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics,Ā 2ndĀ ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
(2) Wood, A.B. 1987. Determination of the pungent principles of chilies and ginger by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with use of a single standard substance.Ā FlavourĀ Fragrance JĀ 2:112.
(3) British Herbal PharmacopoeiaĀ (BHP). 1996. Exeter, U.K.: British Herbal Medicine Association. 55-56.
(4)Ā Lembeck, F. 1987. Columbus,Ā Capsicum, andĀ capsaicin: past, present, and future.Ā ActaĀ PhysiolĀ Hung69(34):265-273.
(5)Ā Shih-Chen, L., F.P. Smith, G.A. Stuart. 1973.Ā ChineseĀ Medicinal Herbs. San Francisco, CA: Georgetown Press.
(6)Ā But, P.P.H. et al. (eds.). 1997.Ā International Collation of Traditional and Folk Medicine.Ā Singapore: World Scientific. 138-139.
(7) Deutsches ArzneibuchĀ (DAB 1997). 1997. Stuttgart: Deutscher Apotheker Verlag.
(8)Ā Palevitch, D. and L.E.Ā Craker. 1995. Nutritional and medical importance of red pepper (CapsicumĀ spp.).Ā J Herbs Spices Med PlantsĀ 3(2):55-83.
(9)Ā Bernstein J.E., D.R. Bickers, M.V. Dahl, J.Y.Ā Roshal. 1987. Treatment of chronicĀ postherpeticĀ neuralgia with topicalĀ capsaicin. A preliminary study.Ā J AmĀ AcadĀ DermatolĀ 17(1):93-96.Ā Bernstein J.E., N.J.Ā Korman, D.R. Bickers, M.V. Dahl, L.E.Ā Millikan. 1989. TopicalĀ capsaicinĀ treatment of chronicĀ postherpeticĀ neuralgia.Ā J AmĀ AcadĀ DermatolĀ 21(2 Pt 1):265-270.
(10) Garrett, N.E., S.C. Cruwys, B.L. Kidd, D.R. Tomlinson. 1997. Effect of capsaicin on substance P and nerve growth factor in adjuvant arthritic rats.Ā Neurosci LettĀ 230(1):58.
(11)Ā Budavari, S. (ed.). 1996.Ā The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, andĀ Biologicals,Ā 12thĀ ed. Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck & Co, Inc. 287-289.
(12) Newall, C.A., L.A. Anderson, J.D. Phillipson. 1996.Ā Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals.London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
(13)Ā Biological Activities of RedĀ PepperĀ (CapsicumĀ annuum) and Its Pungent Principle Capsaicin: A Review.Ā http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25675368
(14)Ā Capsaicinoids and capsinoids. A potential role forĀ weightĀ management? A systematic review of the evidence.Ā http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22634197
(15)Ā Could capsaicinoids help to supportĀ weightĀ management? A systematic review and meta-analysis of energy intake data.Ā http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24246368
(16)Ā CapsaicinĀ may have important potential for promoting vascular andĀ metabolicĀ health.Ā http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26113985
(17)Ā Capsaicin-containing chili improved postprandial hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and fasting lipid disorders in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and lowered the incidence of large-for-gestational-age newborns.Ā http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25771490
(18)Ā CapsaicinĀ as an anti-obesity drug.Ā http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24941669
(19)Ā Cough reduction usingĀ capsaicin.Ā http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25468411
(20)Ā TopicalĀ capsaicinĀ (high concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults.Ā http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23450576
(21) Dietary Capsaicin Protects Cardiometabolic Organs from Dysfunction. Pubmed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882656/
Traditional Uses
Cayenne was introduced into traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as well as traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicines, respectively. In traditionalĀ Chinese medicine, cayenne is considered to have digestive stimulant action and is sometimes used to cause diaphoresis (5). In China andĀ Japan, the tincture is used as anĀ ointment externallyĀ to treat muscle painĀ and frostbite (6).
Active constituents
Cayenne pepper contains up to 1.5% capsaicinoids (pungent principles) including 0.11% capsaicin, 6,7-dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, and homocapsaicin; fixed oils ; carotenoid pigments including capsanthin, capsorubin, alpha- and beta-carotene,Ā steroid glycosides, including capsicosides,Ā vitamins A and C; trace of volatile oil (1,11, 12).
Modern Uses
- Pain and Muscle spasms –Ā In the officialĀ German PharmacopeiaĀ cayenne isĀ approvedĀ as a topical ointment for the relief of painful muscle spasmsĀ (7).Ā In the United States, PharmacopeiaĀ CayenneĀ was used as a carminative, stimulant, andĀ rubefacientĀ (1).Ā Capsaicin,Ā takenĀ fromĀ Capsicum, is recognized by the U.S. FDA as a counterirritant for use in OTC topical analgesic drug products (8).Ā ForĀ arthritis relief,Ā capsaicinĀ interferes with the pain of inflammatory joint disease when applied topically. It may block pain fibers by destroying substance P, which normally would mediate pain signals to the brain (10). Cayenne has beenĀ used to treat arthritis, rheumatism,Ā neuralgia, lumbago, and chilblains.
- HerpesĀ ZosterĀ and Shingles –Ā CapsicumĀ ointmentsĀ containing 0.025% or 0.075%Ā capsaicin, are used topically to treat shingles (herpesĀ zoster). ManyĀ studies on topical preparations containingĀ capsaicinĀ have been documented. Human trials have investigated its use as a treatment for chronicĀ post-herpeticĀ neuralgia (9).
- Gastric UlcerĀ –Ā Capsaicin inhibits acid secretion, stimulates alkali and mucus secretion and particularly gastric mucosal blood flow which helps in prevention and healing of gastric ulcers. (13)
- Weight lossĀ –Ā Cayenne has been shown to encourage weight loss.Ā Three main areas of potential benefit forĀ weightĀ managementĀ were found:Ā increased energy expenditure increased lipid oxidation andĀ reduced appetite. (14)Ā Findings suggest that daily consumption ofĀ capsaicinoidsĀ may contribute toĀ weightĀ management through reductions in energy intake. Subsequently, there may be potential forĀ capsaicinoidsĀ to be used as long-term, naturalĀ weight-lossĀ aids. (15)Ā CapsaicinĀ consumption 1 hour before low-intensity exercise is a valuable supplement for the treatment of individuals withĀ hyperlipidemiaĀ and/or obesity because it improves fat burning.Ā CapsinoidĀ ingestion increases energy expenditure through the activation of brown adipose tissue in humans. (18)
Clinical studies
Cardiovascular benefits
The receptor for capsaicin is called the transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is ubiquitously distributed in the brain, sensory nerves, dorsal root ganglia, bladder, gut, and blood vessels. Activation of TRPV1 leads to increased intracellular calcium signaling and, subsequently, various physiological effects. TRPV1 is well known for its prominent roles in inflammation, oxidation stress, and pain sensation. Recently, TRPV1 was found to play critical roles in cardiovascular function and metabolic homeostasis. (21)
Metabolic boosting
Capsaicin, the phytochemical responsible for the spiciness of peppers, has the potential to modulate metabolism via activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors, which are found not only on nociceptive sensory neurons but also in a range of other tissues. Clinically, ingestion of capsaicin-or its less stable non-pungent analog capsiate-has been shown to boost metabolic rate modestly. (16)
Blood sugar balancing
Capsaicin-containing chili supplementation regularly improved postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia as well as fasting lipid metabolic disorders in women. (17)
Cough suppression
Capsaicin powder taken orally decreased cough sensitivity and cough symptoms. (19)
Pain Relief
Topical creams with capsaicin are used to treat peripheral neuropathic pain. Following application to the skin, capsaicin causes enhanced sensitivity, followed by a period with reduced sensitivity and, after repeated applications, persistent desensitization. (20)
Side Effects
In rare cases, hypersensitivity reaction may occur (urticaria).
Dosage
Ointment or cream: Containing <0.05% capsaicinoids in an emulsion base, applied to affected area.
Capsules containing cayenne pepper: Not more than 5gmĀ daily
Tincture 1:10 (g/ml), 90% ethanol: applied locally or 1% in herbal formulation.
Warning: Cayenne preparations mayĀ irritate the mucous membranes even in very low doses potentiallyĀ causingĀ painful burning sensations. Avoid directĀ contact withĀ the eyes.
Products:
Cayenne can be found in the following UltimateĀ Herbal HealthĀ products:
- The ultimate Herbal DETOX program
- Ultimate Herbal SLIM Program
- BodiTuneĀ Detox ‘n Slim Protein Drink
- Thermogenik Metabolic booster
- Digezaid digestive support
Brett ElliottĀ Ā Ā®