Capsaicin Side Effects, Dangers & Health Risks [Safety Review]

Capsaicin side effects are not common with appropriate use, but can occur in some individuals.

Capsaicin (Capsicum) is rated as Likely Safe by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database when used orally in dosage amounts found typically in foods.

This ingredient has been approved by the FDA for use in over-the-counter topical creams and ointments. The Capsicum pepper also has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA in the United States.

In some cases, mild side effects such as upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea and acid reflux can occur when using this supplement.

At high dosages, there is concern that more serious side effects can occur, including increased strain on the liver and kidneys.

NMCD warns against using this supplement orally for long periods of time or in high doses to reduce the risk of dangerous capsaicin side effect such as hypertensive crisis or hepatic and renal damage.

Capsaicin

Pepper Extract

Joints

Appetite Control

Vitality

How It Works:

• Supports healthy digestion & blood flow
• Promotes joint function & pain relief
• Promotes appetite control & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 1000 - 2000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Oral Capsaicin Side Effects

When used orally, capsaicin can cause fullness, gas, bloating and/or abdominal discomfort. Epigastric pain and burning, belching, nausea and diarrhea are also possible. [2]

Other possible side effects of oral capsaicin include: [2] [3]

• Sweating/flushing of the neck and head;
• Excessive tearing (lacrimation);
• Runny nose (rhinorrhea);
• Headache;
• Faintness;

Ingesting too much capsaicin can cause inflammation of the intestines and stomach (gastroenteritis). Hepatic necrosis (liver damage) may also result from excessive or otherwise inappropriate use of capsaicin supplements. [3]

In some cases, infants being breast fed by mothers who consumed high amounts of capsaicin peppers developed dermatitis. [4] Another study reported that capsaicin can decrease the coagulation of blood cells. [5]

Topical Capsaicin Side Effects

Topical capsaicin creams are used popularly to alleviate pain. NMCD states that about 10% of users experience adverse effects that cause them to discontinue usage. The most common side effects of topical capsaicin are burning and stinging on the skin.

Erythema is also common. It is marked by superficial skin reddening caused by dilation of capillaries. The side effects of capsaicin are said to diminish with continued use. [6]

NMCD also states that capsaicin can exacerbate coughing associated with using ACE-inhibitor drugs. The University of California Medical Center states that skin contact with chili peppers may cause irritation and/or contact dermatitis. [7]

Capsaicin is known to be an irritant, especially to mucous membrane tissues in the eyes, nose, lips, tongue and throat. An oil-based extract of capsaicin called Capsicum oleoresin is used to formulate pepper sprays for police use and personal self defense.

According to NMCD, when capsaicin contacts mucous membrane tissues, it can cause:

• Forced closing of the eyelids (blepharospasm);
• Shortness of breath;
• Intense eye pain;
• Blurred vision;

Be careful when handling or preparing chili peppers. It is best to wear latex gloves to keep capsaicin from getting on your skin.

Intranasal Capsaicin Side Effects

Capsaicin extract is used in inhalers, nasal sprays, swabs and suspensions to treat migraine headache, cluster headache, rhinitis and other head/nasal conditions. When used intranasally, capsaicin can cause side effects including sneezing, runny nose and tearing.

According to NMCD, no serious side effects are associated with intranasal application of capsaicin. However, it can be quite painful for sensitive individuals.

Capsaicin supplements and peppers can interact with various prescription medications, health conditions and herbal supplements.

If you are considering using a chili pepper extract supplement, or increasing your consumption of chili peppers, then it is best to seek the advice of a health professional first. Ask about any capsaicin side effects you should be particularly concerned about.

What is Capsaicin?

Capsaicin is a bioactive alkaloid found in chili peppers. There are many varieties of chilli peppers; in various different sizes, shapes, colors and levels of hotness.

It is capsaicin in chilis that gives them their hotness or spicy taste. Very hot chilis, like habaneros contain high concentrations of capsaicin. Mild chilis, like Mexican bells have little capsaicin.

Capsaicin is extracted from chili peppers and used to make dietary supplements. Capsaicin based supplements are available as extract liquids, dried and ground powders, tablets, capsules – and whole chili peppers, fresh and dried.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that there are currently more than 1700 capsaicin supplements available.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), chili peppers have been used as traditional medicine and food for more than 9000 years. Some of the health conditions that capsaicin is used for include:

• Pain stemming from shingles, osteoarthritis, diabetic neuropathy and postsurgical neuralgia;
• Gastrointestinal disorders like flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps and colic;
• Cardiovascular conditions like poor circulation and excessive blood clotting;
• Migraine and cluster headache;

Capsaicin is also used for seasickness, alcoholism, rhinitis, muscle spasms and sinusitis. There are also various other uses for chili peppers and capsaicin extract supplements.

Note that the uses of a natural medicine do not indicate proven benefits. Most of the uses for capsaicin have not been established in clinical studies. However, preliminary evidence does seem promising in various areas of health.

Capsaicin Health Benefits

Capsaicin activates a type of receptor found throughout the human body called the TRPV1 receptor.

This receptor is involved in regulating and detecting body temperature; it responds to hot temperatures in the ambient environment, spicy foods (including chilis and mustards), as well as acidic conditions.

When this receptor is activated, it induces a wide range of physiological effects in humans. The mechanisms are not yet well understood, but TRPV1 receptors seem to have pain relieving and metabolism boosting effects.

A 2016 review [1] of the biological activities of capsaicin states the following:

1. Capsaicin has been extensively studied for “…cardio protective influence, antilithogenic effect, antiinflammatory, and analgesia, thermogenic influence, and beneficial effects on gastrointestinal system.“
2. Capsaicinoids like capsaicin “may have the potential clinical value for pain relief, cancer prevention and weight loss.“
3. Capsaicin has demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in multiple studies.
4. Topical application of a cream containing this ingredient has been shown to alleviate pain;

Other data from this review suggest beneficial effects of capsaicin dietary supplements for gastrointestinal permeability to micronutrients, prevention of gastric ulcers, prevention of cholesterol gallstones and protection of red blood cells.

While there are a number of potential benefits, it is important to consider the capsaicin side effects before deciding whether this supplement is appropriate for you.

If you do start taking this supplement, monitor yourself for potential adverse effects and stop using it should the negative effects become difficult to tolerate.

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