Cayenne Pepper Dosage Guidelines – How Much is Safe to Take?

What is the best cayenne pepper dosage to take and are there side effects of using too much?

Red cayenne extract has been used in various traditional medicine systems and as a culinary ingredient for more than 9000 years. Also known as Capsicum peppers, they are a member of the nightshade family.

Cayenne is commonly used for dyspepsia, heart health, pain, nonallergic rhinitis, skin health, digestive function, weight loss and protecting the stomach against ulcers. It is also used in the form of a topical pain-relieving cream.

Chili peppers are a rich source of flavonoids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. They also contain active chemical compounds like capsaicin, which is the chemical that imparts this pepper with its hot, pungent taste.

The recommended dosage of cayenne to take as a dietary supplement depends on the reason it is being used and the form it is being consumed in. Cayenne products can vary in terms of their potency, based on the amount of capsaicin they contain.

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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How to Take Cayenne Pepper Extract

How much red cayenne pepper extract should you take per day and when should this supplement be used?

The recommended dosage and method of administration will vary depending on the intended use of this product.

As an oral supplement, cayenne extract is typically sold in 500 mg capsules, providing 40,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units) of capsaicin (0.25% concentration) per serving.

There are high-potency products available as well, yielding up to 100,000 SHU per dosage. Most users start with the lower concentration product to determine individual sensitivity.

It is also sold in the form of a liquid herbal extract, yielding 590 mg of Capsicum annuum extract at a potency of 90,000 HU per serving.

For dyspepsia (indigestion), it is recommended to take between 500 – 1000 mg, three times daily before meals. One study gave patients 2.5 grams per day of red pepper powder in divided doses before meals for 5 weeks.

If taking capsaicin to support weight loss and appetite control, it is recommended to consume this supplement 30 minutes before a meal. This has been shown in research studies to reduce caloric intake and to alter the macronutrient profile of meals consumed.

There are more than 1800 products commercially available in the United States that contain cayenne pepper extract. These include pills, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, creams, ointments, powders, sauces and whole peppers.

Be sure to follow the dosing recommendations on any cayenne pepper supplement you may purchase. Different products may contain different concentrations of active ingredients and may require different dosing protocols.

Cayenne Pepper Dosage Guide

There is no research available to determine the optimal dose of cayenne as a dietary supplement or food ingredient. However, we can analyze the dosages used in different research studies to provide suggestions for individual use.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), “Doses may range from 30-400mg, 1-4 capsules, or 10-15 drops (0.5mL) in water four times throughout the day, daily.”

NMCD reports that the following dosages have been used in research studies:

• Weight Loss:: between 0.3-10 grams (53,800-80,000 SHU) before a meal
• Duodenal Ulcer:: 3 grams red chili powder in divided daily doses
• Dyspepsia:: 2.5 grams cayenne powder in divided doses before meals
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):: 2-4 pills daily containing 150 mg red pepper powder per capsule

To determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs, it is important to consult with a doctor. Cayenne may interact with other supplements or drugs and dosages may need to be modified for people with certain health conditions.

Cayenne Extract and Capsaicin Content

In most research trials, the dosage is standardized to specific capsaicinoid levels. Different varieties of chili peppers contain between 30-13,000 parts per million of capsaicinoids.

According to NMCD, one gram of red pepper contains 1,250-2,500 mcg capsaicin. They report the existence of one 150mg enteric coated tablets product standardized to contain 0.5mg capsaicin per tablet.

When looking for cayenne supplements to buy online, you will find that most provide the dosage of active capsaicin content in terms of the Scoville Heat Unit scale. This scale is used to measure the spiciness or heat of different peppers and hot sauces.

On the Scoville scale, peppers that contain more capsaicin have higher Heat Unit scores. Cayenne supplements are in the mid-range level for pungency, providing between 40,000 to 100,000 SHU per serving size.

Cayenne has long been used in traditional medicine practices as a natural remedy for colds and fevers, to promote circulatory and digestive health and as an invigorating agent.

Traditionally, it was viewed as promoting health and longevity. Population studies show that people who consume higher amounts of hot peppers in their diet also have better health outcomes on certain measures.

According to the 19-year National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the University of Vermont, there was a “significant decrease in mortality associated with hot red chili pepper consumption.”

While there are many active compounds that have been isolated from red hot chili peppers, it the capsaicin content that is believed to be responsible for most of the beneficial health properties.

Capsaicin is able to activate a class of TRPV1 receptors in many tissues and organs. TRPV1 activation is associated with numerous physiological effects and has been studied for:

• Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia;
• Heart disease
• Swallowing dysfunction and throat irritation
• Heartburn, flatulence, abdominal cramps and diarrhea;
• Alleviating pain from shingles, surgery and diabetic neuropathy;
• Promoting insulin sensitivity and blood glucose regulation;
• Skin health and conditions including acne, dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema;

According to NMCD, Capsicum peppers have also been used for toothache, headache, seasickness, fever, and weight loss in overweight/obese people.

Cayenne for Circulation

In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, cayenne is used to improve blow flow throughout the body. One common dosage recommendation for stimulating circulation is 1/4 teaspoon of organic cayenne pepper powder taken at least twice daily.

Some herbalists use chili powder in poultices, which are applied topically to the skin. This is purported to increase localized circulation in targeted areas.

Eating hot peppers or spicy foods is also believed to increase circulation. Many people experience sweating and perspiration immediately after eating these peppers.

According to NMCD, cayenne is also used to support healthy blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may promote cardiovascular health. Research in humans shows that it has a lipid lowering effect and can reduce the atherogenic index in animals.

It may reduce the formation of arterial plaque which is known to contribute to coronary artery disease. [1]

Research has also shown that capsaicin inhibits the formation of blood clots by increasing fibrinolytic activity. This may reduce risk factors for stroke, atherosclerosis and heart attack. [1]

Some herbalists recommend routine use of cayenne powder to prevent and treat circulatory conditions like hemorrhoids, chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins and peripheral vascular disease.

However, the FDA has not approved capsaicin as a drug for the prevention or treatment of heart disease or circulatory dysfunction. More research is needed to determine therapeutic efficacy.

High Blood Pressure

Preliminary data supports using cayenne and other chili peppers to promote normal blood pressure levels. However, there have been instances in which high dosages of this pepper have contributed to hypertension.

TRPV1 activation via capsaicin improves the performance of VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). This is believed to have a protective effect against high blood pressure and related conditions. [2]

According to research from Michigan State University, “Future study of TRPV1 may enhance our understanding of several cardiovascular diseases and may unveil novel pharmacological strategies for treating hypertension.” [3]

According to some herbalists, the recommended cayenne pepper dosage for high blood pressure is 1/4 teaspoons taken 3 times each day. It is also recommended to consume fresh chili peppers daily with other foods to protect against cardiovascular injury.

The FDA has not evaluated these claims and has not approved the use of capsaicin for the prevention or treatment of high blood pressure. More research is needed to determine therapeutic efficacy.

Weight Loss and Diabetes

Both type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity have become worldwide health concerns. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), in the United States more than 35.7% of the adult population is now considered overweight and/or obese.

Research from epidemiological (population) studies suggests that increased consumption of hot peppers is correlated with better cardiometabolic health and body weight. This had led many researchers to examine the weight loss effects of capsaicin.

Taking a dosage of cayenne pepper before a meal has been shown to suppress the appetite and increase metabolism. One study found a decrease in waist and hip circumference by 2.4% after 6 weeks of use. [6]

By activating TRPV1, cayenne pepper may influence factors related to diabetes and obesity, including:

• Blood sugar regulation;
• Energy expenditure;
• Pancreatic function;
• Hormone release;
• Hunger signalling in the brain;
• Thermogenesis and brown adipose tissue;

According to 2016 research from Tulane University’s School of Medicine, “dietary supplementation of natural ligands of TRP channels has been shown to have potential beneficial effects in obese and diabetic conditions.” [4]

Anti-Cancer Research Review

One of the most interesting areas of research for capsaicin is its potential anti-cancer effects. While it is too early to determine whether it will work in humans, there are some promising findings.

In animal studies, cayenne pepper extract has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate, breast, lung, stomach, colorectal, liver and pancreas cancer. It has been shown to prevent the spread (metastasis) of cancer cells and to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis). [5]

According to a 2016 research review from China, “The main mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion of tumors, and sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. [5]

Cayenne may also work by supporting the function of the immune system. Certain spices including cayenne pepper, turmeric, ginger, garlic and saffron have demonstrated antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. [5]

Side Effects of Too Much Cayenne Extract

Chili peppers are generally considered safe for consumption by healthy adults, when taken in quantities typically used in foods. They have GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status from the US FDA.

However, cayenne supplements are rated Possibly Unsafe by the NMCD if used orally in high dosages or for long durations of time.

There is concern that taking too much could cause liver (hepatic) or kidney (renal) damage. This is very rare and is only described by secondary sources.

Some people experience temporary side effects when they consume hot chili peppers. These negative reactions can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, flatulence, ulcer aggravation and reduced sensitivity to taste.

If you are sensitive to eating spicy foods, you may want to use an enterically-coated cayenne pepper capsule that is formulated to protect your stomach from this ingredient.

Cayenne extracts can also burn your eyes, mouth, throat, tongue and other mucosal tissues. They may cause skin irritation or lead to allergic reactions in some individuals.

Capsaicin may interact with certain medicines, especially blood thinners and ACE inhibitors. This supplement is not appropriate for everyone and may need to be avoided by individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions.

It is recommended to ask your doctor about the best cayenne pepper dosage for you. Your doctor can help you determine whether this product is appropriate for you and which dosage will work for your specific health goals.

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