Capsicum Oleoresin Extract Uses, Safety and Benefits

Capsicum Oleoresin a common ingredient in topical capsaicin creams, dietary supplements and hot sauces. An oleoresin is a fatty extract of an essential oil.

Capsicum is the botanical genus of chili peppers that is composed of many species of plants that contain an alkaloid chemical called capsaicin.

Capsicum oleoresins are manufactured in a process that extracts and concentrates capsaicin from chili peppers, resulting in a higher potency formulation.

Oleoresins made from essential oils of Casiaucm peppers are used in various products designed to help manage chronic pain. They are also used widely in the food industry.

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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Capsicum Oleoresin Therapeutic Uses

Capsicum oleoresins are semi-solid extracts that are waxy/oily/fatty.

They are lipophilic substances, meaning they tend to combine well with or form solutions in fats (lipid soluble).

These resinous extracts are used as ingredients in creams and ointments – as well as in patches, plasters, poultices and swabs used in topical application for pain management.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, (NMCD) state that Capsicum oleoresins are used topically for pain caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle soreness and back ache.

Topical capsicum cream is also used for diabetic neuropathy, HIV-associated neuropathy, post-surgical neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, post-herpetic neuralgia and fibromyalgia.

Products containing Capsicum oleoresins are used for muscle spasms, shingles – and a severely itchy skin disease called prurigo nodularis. There may be other uses for Capsicum topical products as well.

NMCD states that there are more than 1800 products available that contain capsaicin. Not all of these are oleoresins. Capsaicin supplements also are available in pills, capsules, powders, nasal sprays, sauces and whole peppers. [1]

Capsicum Oleoresin in Creams and Plasters

Capsicum oleoresin is a concentrated source of capsaicin extract.

Capsaicin is a chemical in chili peppers that makes them have a hot, pungent taste. The more capsaicin a chili pepper has, the hotter it is perceived as when consumed.

In medicine, a plaster is a cloth or bandage that has an ointment or poultice spread on it. Self-adhesive Capsicum plasters are affixed on body areas where bone/joint/muscle pain is stemming from.

Capsicum oleoresin creams and plasters cause the sensation of heat when applied to the skin. They also activate and excite nerve cells.

Hyperexcitation of nerves can cause them to become desensitized. In part, that is how capsaicin is believed to affect pain.

According to Oxford University, capsaicin is also believed to reduce Substance P, a chemical that relays pain messages to the brain. By interrupting pain messages, and by desensitizing localized neurons, capsaicin helps to manage chronic pain. [3]

Capsicum oleoresin is used in various products for pain management. Some of the more popular brand names of these include:

• Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin
• Salonpas Pain Patch with Capsaicin
• Zostrix Diabetic Foot Pain
• Capzasin Back and Body
• Icy Hot with Capsaicin
• Castiva Warming
• Sloan’s Liniment

Always follow the manufacturer’s usage instructions carefully for any Capsicum oleoresin products you may purchase.

Capsicum Oleoresin in Food

According to Plant Lipids, a multinational export company from India, spice oleoresins are popular in the food industry because they are:

• Cleaner than ground spices, with more consistent quality;
• More heat-stable and light-stable than ground spices;
• Available in oil-soluble and water-soluble forms;
• More cost-effective to use than ground spices;

Capsicum oleoresins are used in beverages, candies, confectioneries, jellies, dairy products, meats, seafoods and numerous processed foods. Spice oleoresins add flavor, color, scent, taste and nutrition to the foods they are included in. [5]

Capsicum Oleoresin Extraction Method

According to Food & Beverage Magazine, most spice oleoresins are manufactured using a 2-step process called SCFE (supercritical fluid extraction). In SCFE, carbon dioxide (CO2) “is used as a solvent above its critical pressure and temperature for extraction of various natural materials”. [2]

SCFE produces a more lipophilic mixture from spice plants than does steam distillation used to manufacture some other essential oil products. This results in more fat-dense compounds which are also less volatile.

Some of the other spices commonly used to manufacture oleoresin products include basil, oregano, lemon, fenugreek, vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, rosemary and black pepper. There are various others as well.

Capsicum Oleoresin Pepper Spray

Capsicum oleoresin is used in pepper sprays to cause temporary blindness, pain, lacrimation (tearing), rhinorrhea (runny nose) and irritation to mucous membranes.

Pepper sprays are used in policing, riot control and for personal protection in many countries worldwide. Although they are considered nonlethal, there have been deaths reported from excessive exposure.

Capsicum Oleoresin Side Effects

You should not use Capsicum oleoresin products if you have an allergy to any plants from the Capsicum genus. This includes Nightshade plants like tomatoes and potatoes.

NMCD states: “Capsicum-containing nasal sprays, suspensions, and swabs seem to be safe when applied daily or every other day for up to 14 days. No serious side effects have been reported in clinical trials.”

Topical capsaicin creams and patches can cause burning, stinging, redness and irritation at application sites.

Do not apply capsaicin-containing products to mucosal tissues of the eyes, nose, lips, mouth and/or throat. Do not apply Casicum oleoresin products to your genitalia. Do not apply capsaicin to open wounds or irritated skin.

According to Drugs. com, you should consult with a doctor before giving any capsaicin medication to any person under 18 years of age. [6]

It you experience burning or stinging after coming into contact with a capsaicin product, then liberally wash the area with cool, soapy water. Do not shower or bathe for at least an hour after applying a Capsicum topical product. [6]

Capsicum oleoresin products may also cause interactions with certain health conditions and medications. Talk to your doctor before beginning use.

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