Capsicum Pepper Side Effects, Dangers and Drug Interactions

Should you be worried about capsicum side effects? According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), probably not – if you are a healthy adult.

Capsicum annuum is the botanical name for chili peppers. Cayennes, jalapenos and various other chilis have been used as both medicine and food for at least 9000 years according to UMM.

Some of the main traditional uses for capsicum peppers as medicine include alleviating stomach problems, stimulating appetite and improving poor circulation.

Capsicum supplements, creams, sprays and patches containing the active ingredient capsaicin are commonly used to promote weight loss, pain relief and general health and well-being.

The negative side effects that can be caused when taking capsicum extract are usually attributed to excessively high dosages, taking this supplement for long periods of time or using it with interacting medications.

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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Is Capsicum Good or Bad for You?

All plants in the Capsicum annuum species contain a bioactive chemical called capsaicin.

Capsaicin activates TRPV1 cation channel receptors (also called capsaicin receptors) in many cell types in the body.

Researchers are trying to better understand the effects of TRPV1 activation on biological and neurological functions. The precise mechanisms of action are not yet well defined.

However, it appears that these receptors are involved in regulating and detecting the body’s temperature as well as responding to spicy or acidic foods

UMM also states that in addition to their use in cooking, capsicum peppers are taken today to manage pain, ease digestion and stimulate detoxification.

Capsaicinoids like capsaicin in chili peppers may have other beneficial effects on human health that are currently being researched.

A 2016 review [1] of the biological activities of Capsicum annuum states that it has cardioprotective, antilithogenic, analgesic and thermogenic (heat producing) effects.

This review also cites positive effects of capsaicin for the gastrointestinal system. It concludes that Capsicum annuum peppers may “have potential clinical value for pain relief, cancer prevention and weight loss”. [1]

Multiple studies have shown that capsaicin possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Capsicum extract also is also believed to improve cellular permeability to micronutrients, protect red blood cells, inhibit the formation of gallstones and prevent peptic ulcers. [1]

Research on Capsicum peppers, capsaicin and other capsaicinoids continues in many areas. More large-scale, randomized human studies are needed to develop understanding of how chili peppers might improve health.

Oral Capsicum Uses

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that capsicum extract supplements are used orally for poor circulation, hyperlipidemia, excessive blood clotting and preventing heart disease.

Capsaicin is also used orally for digestive problems like heartburn, colic, cramps, diarrhea and flatulence. Further, it is used for swallowing dysfunction, malaria, seasickness and alcoholism.

This ingredient has been approved by the FDA for use in over-the-counter topical treatments to alleviate joint pain as an external analgesic.

This is currently the only FDA-approved use for capsaicin in human medicine.

Oral Capsicum Side Effects

Most people do not experience adverse effects when taking a dietary supplement containing capsicum.

If you increase consumption of Capsicum peppers above the healthy dosage, or begin using an oral capsaicin supplement at high doses, then you might experience any of the following gastrointestinal side effects:

• Epigastric pain;
• Belching;
• Diarrhea;
• Fullness;
• Bloating;
• Nausea;

Other possible side effects of Capsicum peppers and their extracts include: rhinorrhea (runny nose), lacrimation (tearing), sweating, flushing, faintness and headache. [2]

NMCD states that in cases where oral capsaicin is used inappropriately, gastroenteritis (inflamed intestines/stomach) and/or liver damage may occur.

Pregnant and nursing women are advised to use Capsicum peppers and capsaicin extracts carefully. In rare cases, newborns have developed dermatitis after drinking breast milk when the mothers had high capsaicin levels in their diets. [3]

Other research has shown that oral capsaicin can decrease coagulation in red blood cells. [4] If you have a bleeding disorder or use antiplatelet/anticoagulant prescription medications, then you should seek medical advice before increasing your intake of capsaicin.

Topical Capsicum Uses

In a systematic review of capsaicin, it was shown to temporarily alleviate chronic pain associated with “rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, and neuralgias including shingles and diabetic neuropathy”. [5]

NMCD states that creams containing between 0.25% and 0.75% capsaicin have been FDA-approved for topical use for these and similar conditions.

Topical Capsicum Side Effects

According to the University of Oxford, about one in ten people who use Capsicum peppers or extracts topically experience side effects that make them discontinue usage. The most common side effects reported for topical capsaicin is burning/stinging of the skin at application sites.

Another common side effects of topical cream use is reddening of the skin where it is applied. This condition is caused by dilation of capillaries and causes the skin to redden. Erythema goes away naturally within an hour or so in most people. [5]

Capsaicin is a potent irritant to mucous membrane tissues in eyes, nasal passages, mouth, lips, etc. In severe cases, capsaicin contact with these tissues has caused shortness of breath, blurry vision and/or intense eye pains.

Capsaicin can also cause blepharospasm; a condition where the eyes forcibly close and “refuse” to open. This effect is brought on by pepper sprays which are used by police, and for personal protection.

You should exercise caution when handling or preparing Capsicum peppers. Wearing gloves and washing hands often is advised.

Intranasal Capsicum Uses and Side Effects

Capsicum pepper extract is used in various swabs, nasal sprays and inhalers. These products are used largely for relieving migraine and cluster headache.

Side effects of intranasal capsaicin use include rhinorrhea (runny nose), sneezing, coughing and excessive tearing (lacrimation).

Is Capsicum Safe?

Most users experience no serious side effects from Capsicum peppers or extracts when used appropriately.

NMCD states that capsaicin is Likely Safe for appropriate oral, topical and/or intranasal use. The FDA has granted capsaicin GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status.

However, high dosages of this ingredient or long-term use can result in negative effects or dangerous reactions.

Capsaicin is rated as Possibly Safe with appropriate oral/topical/intranasal use in medicinal amounts. Sprays and other intranasal capsaicin products should not be used for more 2 weeks consecutively.

Long-term, excessive or otherwise inappropriate use of Capsicum extracts or peppers is rated as Possibly Unsafe. There are some concerns for kidney and/or liver damage in such cases.

Capsaicin can interact negatively with cocaine, antiplatelets/anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors and theophylline. It can also interact with herbal supplements like dashen, clove, garlic, ginseng, fenugreek and angelica, among others.

It is best to seek medical advice about capsicum side effects before beginning to either increase consumption of chili peppers, or take a capsaicin extract supplement. Let your healthcare provider know about your health history, current health state and prescription drug use.

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