Can Cayenne Pepper Pills Really Promote a Longer Lifespan?

Cayenne pepper pills are used to increase circulation, promote healthy blood vessels, ease digestive ailments and stimulate metabolism.

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, an alkaloid that gives all chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) their hot taste. Capsaicin is also associated with health benefits for pain management, blood lipid levels, body weight regulation and detoxification.

Research suggests that higher consumption of cayenne peppers is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and better heart health. Studies have found correlations between chili pepper intake and reduced risk of certain cancers.

According to a study of more than 16,000 Americans, people who consumed spicy red chili peppers had longer lifespans and lower risk of heart attack and stroke compared to people who did not eat these peppers.

These results are promising, but because they only show correlation and not causation, further study is required to investigate the effects of cayenne pepper supplementation on health and well-being.

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

Top Capsaicin Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Cayenne Pepper Pills Benefits

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cayenne peppers have been used in cooking and traditional medicine for at least nine thousand years.

Cayennes are thin, red peppers that are rated as medium hot chilis with a 30,000 – 50,000 Scoville heat unit score.

Cayenne extract has been used in Chinese medicine and in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to stimulate healthy digestive function and to treat circulatory dysfunction.

Research shows that capsaicinoids in cayenne pepper influence many different physiological functions, including pain signalling, energy metabolism, appetite regulation, mucous secretions and anti-inflammatory pathways.

There is also research demonstrating positive effects on cardiometabolic health, including insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, fibrinolytic activity and blood vessel dilation.

According to one research review, capsaicinoids, “appear to alter molecular metabolic signaling, regulate hunger and satiety, blood metabolites, and catecholamine release.” [1]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that cayenne pepper pills have been studied for their effects on:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Cluster headaches
• Perennial rhinitis (runny nose)
• Prurigo nodularis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Swallowing dysfunction
• Peptic ulcers
• Hayfever (allergic rhinitis)

Currently, the FDA has not approved oral cayenne pepper pills as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions. Topical skin treatments containing capsaicin are FDA-approved for temporary relief of chronic pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, and neuralgias.

Physiological Effects

The main mechanism of action for capsaicin in cayenne peppers is TRPV1 channel activation. TRPV1 stands for Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 1.

This is a type of receptor found on pain-sensing neurons throughout the peripheral nervous system and in certain other tissues and parts of the central nervous system.

According to researchers from Temple University and Rutgers University, TRPV1 “is a non-selective, Ca(2+) permeable cation channel activated by noxious heat, and chemical ligands, such as capsaicin and resiniferatoxin (RTX).” [2]

This receptor typically becomes activated at high temperatures greater than 46 degrees Celsius. Research also shows that consuming small amounts of capsaicin can activate TRPV1 receptors throughout the body.

Activation of TRPV1 channels appears to have a broad range of influences in the body, some of which may be therapeutically relevant for hypertension, epilepsy, depression, cancer, weight loss and more.

One of the effects of turning on TRPV1 receptors could be to improve “chronic inflammatory conditions”. [3] This mechanism may also inhibit pain signalling by depleting levels of a nociceptive chemical messenger called Substance P.

Research from the University of Ferrara in Italy state that via this mechanism, capsaicin may influence health conditions, “from asthma to chronic bronchitis; from cystitis, inflammatory bowel disease to migraine; emesis, depression, pain and seizures.” [3]

Cayenne Pepper Pills Uses

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that cayenne pepper pills have been used in traditional medicine for the following:

• Hyperlipidemia (high blood lipids);
• Colic (intestinal obstruction);
• Heart disease and healthy blood vessels;
• Preventing excessive blood clotting;
• Promoting normal blood pressure levels;
• Dyspepsia/indigestion and heartburn;
• Stomach cramps;
• Poor circulation;
• Toothache;
• Flatulence and stomach upset;
• Diarrhea;
• Fever;
• Malaria
• Alcoholism
• Seasickness and nausea

Many of the uses for cayenne pepper extracts are based only on traditional use. While some have been studied in clinical research trials, other users lack scientific evidence. More research is needed to determine whether cayenne extract supplements are effective for all of their purported uses.

Does Cayenne Pepper Burn Fat?

Many consumers report taking cayenne tablets and capsules to help them lose weight and reduce hunger cravings.

Online reviews, testimonials and before and after pictures do provide some evidence of efficacy, but they are not as reliable as data from double-blind placebo-controlled research studies.

Currently, there has been some research into the anti-obesity effects of cayenne pepper extracts, but no studies investigating long-term weight loss results.

Research shows that eating red hot chilis or using a dietary supplement can decrease hunger cravings and increase resting metabolic rate. Together, these metabolic changes could contribute to weight loss results as part of a healthy diet plan.

According to a research review on the effects of capsaicin as an antiobesity agent, this phytochemical can:

• Improve lipolysis (breakdown of lipids or stored fats into fatty acids);
• Increase energy (calorie) expenditure and boost metabolism by 6%;
• Increase satiety (fullness) after meals;
• Reduce food intake if taken before a meal and decrease the amount of fat consumed;
• Affect adipose (fat) tissue distribution between subcutaneous and visceral sites;
• Alter thermogenesis (heat production) proteins in white adipose tissue (WAT);
• Increase brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity;
• Prevent the maturation of fat storage cells (adipogenesis);

Ingestion of cayenne pepper pills is also associated with a slight increase in fat oxidation relative to carbohydrate oxidation. This means that it causes your body to burn more fat for energy compared to sugar (glucose). [4]

A 2016 study from the University of Wyoming described another mechanism by which capsaicin may promote weight loss. According to the researchers, “Our results show for the first time that activation of TRPV1 channels by dietary capsaicin triggers browning of WAT to counteract obesity.” [5]

More research is needed to understand how capsaicin extract supports weight loss and healthy weight management. Long-term weight loss results require adopting an active lifestyle and changing eating behaviors.

Supplements Reviews

NMCD states that there are almost 1800 natural health products for sale that contain extracts of Capsicum annuum.

Cayenne extracts are available in dietary supplement pills, capsules, tablets, creams, ointments, swabs, suspensions, inhalers and nasal sprays.

Some of the most popular brands of cayenne extract pills and liquid tinctures sold on Amazon include:

• GNC Herbal Plus Cayenne Pepper 500mg
• NOW Foods Cayenne 500 mg
• Nature’s Way Cayenne Pepper 40,000 Hu Potency
• Herb Pharm Certified Organic Cayenne Extract for Cardiovascular and Circulatory Support – 1 Ounce
• Dr Christopher’s Formula Cayenne Heat Massage Oil, 4 Fluid Ounce
• Nature’s Way Cayenne Extra Hot Capsules
• Spring Valley – Cayenne Fruit 40,000 STU Whole Herb
• Solaray Cool Cayenne 600 mg VCapsules
• Solaray Cool Cayenne with Butcher’s Broom 40000 HU Capsules
• Blue Lily Organics Cayenne Pepper Powder (Ground Chilli Peppers) 35000 SHU
• Pure Mountain Botanicals – 500mg Organic Cayenne Pepper Fruit Powder

Most products are formulated to provide 300 – 500 mg of cayenne extract per pill, with a recommended serving size of 1 – 2 pills taken before a meal.

Different products are manufactured to different concentrations of active capsaicin alkaloids. Dosage guidelines may vary depending on the potency of extract used. Follow dosing recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the specific product you are using.

Nootriment provides a guide on how to not get ripped off when buying supplements online. Reading this guide can help you identify high-quality products and avoid brands that do not follow appropriate manufacturing standards.

User reviews of cayenne products on Amazon are generally positive with purported benefits for circulation, blood pressure, body weight, energy and mood.

Cayenne pepper pills are also relatively affordable at between $0.04 – $0.20 price per pill.

While purchasing bulk cayenne powder may still cost less than using oral supplements, many people prefer the capsules because they avoid potential irritation of the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.

Products like Solaray Cool Cayenne are also specially formulated with an enteric coating that prevents the burning sensation some people experience when ingesting raw hot chili peppers.

Negative Side Effects

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates medicinal use of red cayenne pepper as Possibly Safe. This means some research shows that it is generally well tolerated, but more studies are needed to determine whether it is appropriate for everyone.

NMCD states that oral use of capsaicin supplements can cause “fullness, gas, bloating, nausea, epigastric pain and burning, diarrhea, and belching.” Some users also experience increased sweating, skin flushing, faintness, headache and lacrimation (tearing).

Improper or excessive use of cayenne pills may cause inflammation in the stomach and/or intestines (gastroenteritis). According to the Yale University School of Medicine, taking too much may also cause damage to the kidneys and/or liver in severe cases. [6]

Although cayenne chili peppers are considered a GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) food by the Food and Drug Administration, they can cause interactions with certain diseases and pharmaceutical drugs.

Talk to your doctor about the benefits and safety of using cayenne pepper pills to better understand how they may affect you.

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