Capsicum Pepper Uses, Benefits, Safety and Interactions

Capsicum peppers, also known as cayenne or chili peppers, have long been used for their purported health benefits.

These hot peppers come in many shapes, sizes and levels of spiciness. The presence of the naturally occurring alkamides capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin is what gives these peppers their pungent taste.

Chili peppers have been used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine by American Indians as well as by healers from China, India, Korea and Japan.

Some popular traditional uses for chilis include improving digestion, stimulating circulation and alleviating pain. Current research suggests additional benefits for cardiovascular health, metabolism, nerve health and immune function.

In addition to using capsicum peppers in the diet, you can also increase your intake of capsaicin with dietary supplements. This pepper is also used topically for skin conditions and localized pain relief.

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 Peppers

There are several species of capsicum peppers grown around the world. Some of the most common species include:

• Capsicum frutescens
• Capsicum annuum
• Capsicum chinense
• Capsicum baccatum
• Capsicum pubescens
• Capsicum minimum

This plant was originally cultivated in North and South America, but it has since been exported internationally. It has a long history of use both as an ingredient in foods and in herbal medicine practices.

All Capsicum peppers contain a bioactive chemical called capsaicin. This compound gives these peppers their pungent heat. All chili peppers contain at least some capsaicin, but sertain species have much higher levels than others.

For instance, a green bell pepper contains almost no capsaicin and has a low spice rating. Habanero peppers contain significalty more capsaicin and are so pungent that it is recommended that gloves be worn to handle them.

The heat of chili peppers is measured on the Scoville Scale. Each pepper tested is given a rating in terms of Scoville Heat Units (SHU) which corresponds to its capsaicin concentration.

A green bell pepper rates between 0 and 500 on the Scoville scale. A Red Savina habanero rates between 350,000 and 577,000 SHU. Pure capsaicin rates about 16,000,000 SHU.

When looking for capsicum pepper supplements online, most products provide 40,000 Heat Units per serving. Some products do contain higher amounts, such as 70,000 to 100,000 Heat Units per dose.

It is not clear whether higher dose products are more effective for certain uses. Manufacturers typically recommend starting at a low potency to gauge tolerance and only increasing if necessary to achieve desired effects.

Capsicum Pepper Uses

The University of Maryland (UMM) states that capsicum peppers have been used as food and medicine for “at least 9000 years”. Note that traditional use of medicinal plants does not necessarily indicate therapeutic efficacy.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), chili peppers and their extracts are used orally for gastrointestinal conditions like flatulence, heartburn, diarrhea, colic and cramps.

Other oral uses for capsicum peppers include increasing circulation, improving detoxification and preventing heart disease. Capsaicin is also used for malaria, fever, seasickness and swallowing dysfunction.

Recently, the supplement has been investigated for its potential metabolism-boosting effects and weight loss results. It has been shown to enhance thermogenic activity and suppress the appetite.

Capsicum pepper extract applied in topical creams is used for alleviating pain associated with:

• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve dysfunction);
• Neuropathy associated with HIV/AIDS;
• Postherpetic neuralgia;
• Trigeminal neuralgia;
• Postoperative pain;
• Prurigo nodularis;
• Muscle spasms;
• Fibromyalgia;
• Back injury;
• Toothache;
• Shingles;

The use of this plant extracts in pain-relieving topical creams is FDA-approved, which means there is significant evidence of safety and efficacy.

Other topical uses for this pepper include deterring thumb-sucking and nail-biting. It is also used in gargle solutions for treating symptoms of laryngitis.

Capsaicin is used intranasally for treating perennial and allergic rhinitis (nasal inflammation). It is also taken through the nose for migraine headache, cluster headache and sinusitis (inflamed sinus passages).

Capsicum Pepper Health Benefits

According to a 2016 research review published in Molecules, there are implications for the use of this pepper extract in the “neuronal modulation of pain and… in diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, cancer, airway diseases, itch, gastric, and urological disorders.” [1]

This pepper is reported to have a wide range of effects on the body. According to another 2016 journal article from Molecules, there are many potential therapeutic roles for this compound. Capsaicin and its analogues have been the subject over other 1,000 scientific patents.

The researchers note pharmacological effects ranging from “analgesic, antiobesity, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anticancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective functions.” [2]

Researchers continue to investigate capsaicin’s mechanisms of action. Most of the pharmacological effects attributed capsicum peppers are believed to be due to the activation of the TRPV1 cation channel.

TRPV1 denotes Transient Receptor Potential cation channel subfamily V member 1. Capsaicin is able to activate TRPV1 receptors throughout the body. This is believed to cause numerous biological effects.

Current research is exploring the effects of this fruit extract for improving metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal health and vascular-related health conditions.

In one research study from China, it was concluded that capsicum pepper extract could help to decrease the prevalence of heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Researchers wrote that, “These results suggest that capsaicin and TRPV1 may be potential targets for the management of cardiometabolic vascular diseases and their related target organs dysfunction.” [3]

More human research is needed to determine how and to what degree capsicum peppers may help improve human health.

Currently, according to NMCD, capsaicin is rated as Likely Effective for treating pain. The NMCD has also rated Capsaicin as Possibly Effective for back pain, cluster headache, fibromyalgia, perennial rhinitis and prurigo nodularis.

Other users require more evidence to substantiate. The FDA has only approved use of topical capsicum as a drug for relief from pain symptoms.

Capsicum Pepper Spray

Use of this chili pepper in the form of a nasal spray is sometimes recommended to relieve symptoms of the common cold, improve breathing and reduce mucous build-up.

However, sprays made from high-potency Capsicum are also used for non-medicinal applications. Pressurized sprays made from capsicum peppers are used for controlling crowds by police and for personal protection from both people and animals.

Capsaicin irritates mucous membrane tissues. It causes the eyes to burn and swell shut, making vision difficult. Although casicum pepper spray is purported to be non-lethal there have been instances of death resulting from its application.

Capsicum Pepper Side Effects

This pepper is rated as Likely Safe when used as a food ingredient. While some people are less able to tolerate spicy foods, it does not usually cause serious adverse reactions other than mouth and stomach discomfort.

NMCD states that oral use of capsicum pepper extracts in dietary supplements can cause nausea, gas, bloating, diarrhea and belching. Flushing, perspiring, headache and faintness have also been reported. Capsaicin may also decrease coagulation of blood platelets.

Excessive usage of this product can cause hepatic (liver) necrosis and/or inflammation of the intestines and/or stomach (gastroenteritis). Do not take it for high dosages for long periods of time, unless instructed to do so by your physician.

In mice with induced tumors, chronic topical application of capsaicin has caused skin carcinogenesis to increase.

Topical use of capsaicin has caused stinging and burning at applications sites. It may also cause patchy redness on the skin (erythema). Side effects associated with capsaicin normally subside on their own with continued use. [4]

Capsicum pepper and capsaicin-based supplements may also interact with certain medications and herbal supplements. Discuss use with your doctor before beginning.

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