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Capsicum

Overview

Capsicum, also known as red pepper or chili pepper, is an herb. The fruit of the capsicum plant is used to make medicine.

Capsicum is most commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, and other painful conditions. It is also used for digestion problems, conditions of the heart and blood vessels, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence for many of these uses.

A particular form of capsicum causes intense eye pain and other unpleasant effects when it comes in contact with the face. This form is used in self-defense pepper sprays.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Herb

Primary Functions:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Also Known As:

African Bird Pepper, African Chillies, African Pepper

How Does It Work?

The fruit of the capsicum plant contains a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin seems to reduce pain sensations when applied to the skin.

Uses

  • Nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). Some research shows that applying a cream or using a skin patch containing capsaicin, the active chemical found in capsicum, reduces pain in people with diabetic neuropathy. A specific cream containing 0.075% capsaicin (Zostrix-HP, Link Medical Products Pty Ltd.) used 4 times daily is approved for treating this condition. Another patch containing 8% capsaicin (Qutenza, NeurogesX, Inc.), which is available by prescription only, has also been studied. But this patch is not approved for treating this type of nerve pain. Creams or gels that contain less capsaicin than 0.075% don't seem to work. Lotion used less frequently than 4 times daily also might not work.
  • Pain. Applying creams and lotions containing capsaicin, the active chemical in capsicum, can temporarily relieve chronic pain from several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, jaw pain, psoriasis, and other conditions.
  • Nerve damage caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Applying a patch containing 8% capsaicin (Qutenza, NeurogesX Inc.), the active chemical in capsicum reduces pain over 24 hours by 27% to 37% in people with nerve damage caused by shingles. This capsaicin patch is available by prescription only and must be applied by a health care provider.
  • Back pain. Some research shows that applying a plaster that contains capsicum to the back can reduce low back pain.
  • Cluster headache. Some research shows that applying capsaicin, the active chemical in capsicum, inside the nose reduces the number and severity of cluster headaches. It's best to apply capsicum to the nostril that is on the same side of the head as the headache.
  • Osteoarthritis. Some research shows that applying capsaicin 0.025%, the active chemical in capsicum, to the skin can improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
  • Runny nose not caused by allergies or infection (perennial rhinitis). Research shows that applying capsaicin, the active chemical in capsicum, inside the nose can reduce runny nose in people without allergies or an infection. The benefits might last for 6-9 months.
  • Nausea and vomiting after surgery. Research shows that applying a plaster containing capsicum to specific points on the hand and forearm 30 minutes before anesthesia and leaving it in place for 6-8 hour daily for up to 3 days after surgery reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery.
  • Pain after surgery. Research shows that applying a plaster containing capsicum to specific points on the hand and forearm 30 minutes before anesthesia and leaving it in place for 6-8 hour daily for up to 3 days after surgery reduces the need for painkillers within the first 24 hours after surgery. Other research shows that applying a specific patch containing 8% capsaicin (Qutenza, NeurogesX, Inc.) one time can reduce pain for up to 12 weeks. However, it is not clear if this is due to a placebo effect. This product is available by prescription only.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

  • For nerve damage in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy): A specific cream (Zostrix-HP, Link Medical Products Pty Ltd.) containing 0.075% capsaicin, the active chemical in capsicum, has been used 4 times daily for 8 weeks. Also, a specific patch (Qutenza, NeurogesX Inc.) containing 8% capsaicin has been applied once for 60-90 minutes.
  • For nerve damage caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia): A specific patch (Qutenza, NeurogesX Inc.) containing 8% capsaicin, the active chemical in capsicum, has been applied once for 60-90 minutes.
  • For back pain: Capsicum-containing plasters providing 11 mg of capsaicin per plaster or 22 mcg of capsaicin per square centimeter of plaster have been used. The plaster is applied once daily in the morning and left in place for 4-8 hours.
  • For nausea and vomiting after surgery: Capsicum-containing plasters have been used on acupoints on the hand and forearm for 30 minutes before anesthesia and left in place for 6-8 hours daily for up to 3 days.
  • For pain after surgery: Capsicum-containing plasters have been used on acupoints on the hand and forearm for 30 minutes before anesthesia and left in place for 6-8 hours daily for up to 3 days. A specific patch (Qutenza, NeurogesX Inc.) containing 8% capsaicin, the active chemical in capsicum, has been applied once for 30-60 minutes.

Be sure to wash your hands after applying capsaicin cream. A diluted vinegar solution works well. You won't be able to get the capsaicin off with just water. Don't use capsicum preparations near the eyes or on sensitive skin. It could cause burning.

INSIDE THE NOSE:

  • For cluster headache: 0.1 mL of a 10 mM capsaicin suspension, providing 300 mcg/day of capsaicin, applied to the nostril on the painful side of the head. Apply the suspension once daily until the burning sensation disappears. A capsaicin 0.025% cream (Zostrix, Rodlen Laboratories) applied daily for 7 days has been used to treat acute cluster headache attacks.
  • For runny nose not caused by allergies or infection (perennial rhinitis): Solutions containing capsaicin, the active chemical in capsicum, have been applied inside the nose 3 times per day for 3 days, every other day for 2 weeks, or once weekly for 5 weeks.

Putting capsaicin in the nose can be very painful, so a local painkilling medicine such as lidocaine is often put into the nose first.

Capsicum Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of Capsicum?

Why capsicum is good to eat

  • Capsicumsare an excellent source of vitamin A and C (red contain more than green capsicums).
  • They are also a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin E, B6 and folate.
  • The sweetness of capsicumsis due to their natural sugars (green capsicums have less sugar than red capsicums).

Is capsicum good for weight loss?

If you are looking to lose weight, capsicum can be a great food to incorporate into your daily diet. Because the vegetable contains a high amount of fibre and water, it can aid weight loss and help boost metabolism. capsicum can easily be incorporated into daily meals.

Is capsicum good for hair growth?

Eating capsicum helps in keeping the skin clear, prevents rashes and pimples. It contains vitamin A, which is good for eyes and helps prevent eye diseases. Capsicum extract is one of the best hair growth boosting product. It prevents hairfall and helps you maintain thicker and fuller hair.

Can we eat capsicum daily?

Forget an apple a day; a red capsicum will give you a massive Vitamin C boost for minimal calories. A rich source of carotenoids, the group of antioxidants known to play a powerful role in helping to down regulate a number of inflammatory pathways in the body.

What are the side effects of capsicum?

Side effects of capsicum include:

  • local burning sensation.
  • skin irritation.
  • stomach flu.
  • abdominal irritation.
  • liver damage.

Is capsicum good for stomach?

When taken by mouth: Capsicum is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in amounts typically found in food. Capsicum is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as medicine, short-term, Side effects can include stomach irritation and upset, sweating, flushing, and runny nose.

Is capsicum good for liver?

New research shows that the daily consumption of capsaicin, the active compound of chilli peppers, was found to have beneficial effects on liver damage. HSCs are the major cell type involved in liver fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue in response to liver damage.

Is capsicum a diuretic?

They have a very high potassium content and are very low in sodium: this gives them natural diuretic properties.

Is capsicum bad for arthritis?

Eggplants, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes are all members of the nightshade family. These vegetables contain the chemical solanine, which some people claim aggravates arthritis pain and inflammation. If you find that adding nightshades trigger arthritis pain, don't eat them, Larson suggests.

Does capsicum give you gas?

Another sneaky culprit that can also cause gas? Vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, radishes, celery, and carrots can cause excess gas.

Is eating too much capsicum bad for you?

Eating too much capsicum could cause stomach pain and kidney and liver damage. Do not take capsicum by mouth in large doses or for a long time. If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist that you are taking this remedy. It may cause you to bleed more.

Is capsicum good for heart?

Capsicum is most commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, and other painful conditions. It is also used for digestion problems, conditions of the heart and blood vessels, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence for many of these uses.

What happens if you get capsicum extract in your eyes?

The source of this flavor in peppers is known as capsaicin. During meal preparation, if capsaicin-containing oils get on the skin, it can lead to pain and redness with irritation. And if the pepper juices happen to inadvertently squirt into the eye, intense pain, tearing and redness can result.

Is capsicum good for kidney?

Capsicums help to break down waste that is in the blood, hence a prefect veggie for those suffering with kidney disease. But make sure it is red capsicum for kidney patients. If you have kidney problems, you need protein with less phosphorus. Keep in mind that people with kidney problems should avoid egg yolks.

Is capsicum good for blood pressure?

Capsicum might also decrease blood sugar. Some research shows that capsicum might increase blood pressure. In theory, taking capsicum along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.

What are the benefits of yellow capsicum?

Red, Orange, and Yellow Bell Peppers are full of great health benefits—they're packed with vitamins and low in calories! They are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Bell Peppers also contain a healthy dose of fiber, folate, and iron.

What is Capsicum annuum used for?

Capsicum annuum. Capsicum (Capsicum annuum), also known as cayenne pepper, has been used orally for upset stomach, toothache, poor circulation, fever, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease prevention.

Clinical Studies

 

 

 

 

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