Traditional oral use of cayenne has been for flatulent
dyspepsia and for colic(1), for reducing the risk for atherogenesis by
lowering blood cholesterol and triglycerides(2), for improving peripheral
circulation(1), and for reducing the risk for inappropriate blood clotting
by increasing fibrinolytic activity and reducing platelet
aggregation.(2,3,4)
Cayenne pepper is the fruit of Capsicum annum, and
derives its hot spicy nature from the up to 1.5% capsaicinoid content,
which are the main constituents accounting for its biological activity.
Other names for cayenne peppers are chili peppers and red hot peppers.(2)
Paprika is a milder and sweet-tasting fruit produced from a different
variety of Capsicum species.(2)
Cayenne has been found to induce increased fibrinolytic activity and
simultaneously cause hypocoagulability of blood when ingested or when
retained in the mouth for a short time. The effect of capsicum, on
fibrinolysis and blood coagulation, can be reproduced in the same subjects
within a short time after the first stimulation. One of its main uses is
as a treatment for and preventive of thromboembolism, as demonstrated in a
study with Thailand subjects.(2,3)
In this study, participated 88
Thai subjects for which the fibrinolytic activity was measured by
euglobulin lysis time (mean +/- SD = 167 +/- 66.84 min). The result of the
study showed that the fibrinolytic activity was significantly lower (mean
+/- SD = 254 +/- 126.70 min) in the others participants, 55 American
whites that lived in Thailand for a period of time (p less than 0.001).
The Thai people usually consume capsicum with their meals. Thereforem,
their fibrinolytic activity is activated several times during the day, at
least each time they eat, and this activation could be an important factor
in causing the resulted high fibrinolytic activity.(3) This custom
dietary ingestion of capsicum is considered to be one of the major factors
that contribute to the racial difference in fibrinolysis. Furthermore, the
Thais also have lower plasma fibrinogen, though this might be due to other
dietary factors. As well, Thais also tend to have higher amounts of
antithrombin III compared to Americans. These could certainly be
additional factors in the rarity of thromboembolism among Thai people.(3)
By modulating the propensity for spontaneous platelet aggregation, cayenne
can be added to other natural substances like garlic that lower the risk
for heart attack.(2)
Cayenne also contributes antioxidant activity to reduce the risk for LDL
oxidation, a known contributing factor in atherogenesis.(2)
Cayenne may adversely potentiate other herbs or
medications that affect platelet aggregation or increase fibinolytic
activity.(1)
Cayenne may interfere with MAOI and antihypertensive medications by an
increased secretion of catecholamines.(1)
The hepatic metabolism of drugs may be increased by cayennes, through
elevated activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and adipose
lipoprotein lipase.(1)
Oral capsicum from cayenne can cause gastrointestinal
(GI) irritation, although capsicum does not appear to adversely affect the
healing of duodenal ulcers and does not need to be avoided by patients
with duodenal ulcers.(1) Excessive ingestion may cause gastroenteritis, as
well as hepatic or renal damage.(1)
Capsicum has Generally
Recognized as Safe status (GRAS) in the United States. Daily amounts
comparable to those consumed in cultures using cayenne peppers, paprika,
and other similar foods are not expected to have toxic
effects.(1)
Excessive use during breast-feeding may adversely
affect the infant, and has been reported to cause infant dermatitis.(5)
There are no known problems associated with capsicum ingestion during
pregnancy when the amount consumed does not exceed a normal dietary amount
per day.(1)
Inhalation of cayenne powder can cause coughing,
dyspnea, nasal congestion, and allergic alveolitis.(1) Cayenne powder
contacting the eyes can cause extreme irritation of the eye mucous
membranes.(1)
1. Newall, Carol A., et al, Herbal Medicines A Guide For
Health-Care Professionals, The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1996
2. Murray, Michel T., The Healing Power of Herbs, Prima Publishing,
Rocklin, CA, 1992
3. Visudhiphan S, et al, The relationship between high fibrinolytic
activity and daily capsicum ingestion in Thais, American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition, 35:1452-1458, 1982
4. Wang, J.P., et al, Antiplatelet effect of capsaicin, Thrombosis Res,
36:497-507, 1984
5. Cooper RL, Cooper MM, Red pepper-induced dermatitis in breast-fed
infants, Dermatology, 93(1):61-62, 1996
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
