Bottom Line: No human trials have shown extracts of the capsicum pepper to be effective against cancer. Oral and topical treatments may help in alleviating some of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy such as mucositis pain and neuropathy.
The capsicum pepper contains a chemical called capsaicin that is a powerful irritant. It is thought that this chemical can sensitize nerves that report painful stimuli to the brain. Laboratory tests of capsaicin show that it may be able to kill cancer cells, however, a comparable effect in humans has not been shown. The capsicum pepper has also been shown to display powerful antioxidant activities.
To relieve colic and stomach/intestinal gas No scientific evidence supports this use. The capsicum pepper is known to be a gastrointestinal stimulant and irritant.
To treat diarrhea No scientific evidence supports this use. The capsicum pepper is known to be a gastrointestinal stimulant and irritant.
To treat headaches Laboratory data show that capsaicin blocks pain fibers. One trial shows limited effect in treating cluster headaches.
To lower high cholesterol No scientific evidence supports this use.
To prevent and treat motion sickness No scientific evidence supports this use.
To improve circulation in the hands and feet Laboratory studies have found that capsaicin inhibits dilation of blood vessels in the skin, which would not help improve circulation to the extremities. There is no proof from clinical trials that capsaicin improves circulation.
To relieve nerve pain associated with diseases such as diabetes and herpes zoster (shingles) Clinical trials show conflicting results regarding the use of capsaicin for neuropathies; cancer patients with post-surgical neuropathies benefited from capsaicin cream, while patients with HIV-related distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy did not.
To relieve muscle pain and muscle spasms Laboratory data show that capsaicin blocks pain fibers, but there is no proof from clinical trials that capsaicin can be used to treat muscle pain or spasms.
To treat joint pain Several clinical trials support this use, with the results more positive for osteoarthritis than rheumatoid arthritis.
To treat toothaches No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat chronic skin diseases One clinical trial supports its use for psoriasis.
To treat burning mouth syndrome One pilot study showed benefit, however, significant side effects were also noted.
Oral mucositis: Oral capsaicin was administered via capsaicin-laced taffy to eleven patients with oral mucositis pain from cancer therapy. Limited, temporary relief was provided by the therapy. Further study is warranted.
Use of gloves is recommended when applying topically.
This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Derived from the fruit of Capsicum. Cayenne is among the most widely consumed culinary spice. Traditionally, it is used topically as a rubefacient, as a gargle for laryngitis and orally as a gastrointestinal stimulant. The active component is an irritant capsaicin which has been used in scientific studies to evaluate pain sensation. Adverse effect of topical administration is burning following contact with moist mucous membranes (1)(2). Phytochemical extracts of capsicum have been shown to exhibit more antioxidant activity than broccoli, carrot or spinach (3). Limited studies have evaluated oral supplementation with capsicum for burning mouth syndrome, however, significant side effects were found (17). In vitro studies have shown that capsaicin may have cytotoxic action against multidrug resistant lymphoma (4) and oral tumor cell lines (5) and may inhibit leukemia cell growth (6). Topical capsaicin may alleviate oral mucositis pain associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy (7). Capsaicin cream has been shown to be effective in reducing post-surgical pain in cancer patients (8) as well as for treating psoriasis (9) and pruritus (10). A systematic review of clinical trials suggests that capsicum may be effective in treating low back pain (18). Use of gloves is recommended when applying topically. Toxicities following overdoses from oral include gastroenteritis and renal damage (11). There are reports of erythematous dermatitis formed in infants subsequent to breast-feeding from mothers who had ingested food flavored with red pepper (12). Administration of even a single dose of capsicum may interfere with theophylline metabolism (13).
The phenolic compound capsaicin is responsible for the powerful irritant effects of capsicum (1). Capsicum pepper has powerful antioxidant activity. 100g of the pepper was shown to have the equivalent antioxidant activity of 826 mg of vitamin C (3). The active components in capsicum may have anticarcinogenesis activities (15). The pain relief of capsaicin is thought to come from its ability to desensitize neurons when applied to the skin surface (7).
Absorption: The active component capsaicin is absorbed through the skin, mucus membrane and in the G.I. tract. Capsaicin produces motor effects on gut motility that may affect the absorption of itself or other drugs. Capsaicin may affect the ability to absorb drugs via an alternate pathway than Cytochrome P450 (13).
