When you think of capsaicin, chances are good that you imagine fiery, spicy foods. However, if you suffer from arthritis or muscle pain, you might think of creams and ointments, or even patches, that use capsaicin as the active ingredient. However, this phytochemical can also be taken orally in a capsaicin capsule. What are the benefits offered by taking it orally?
Appetite Moderation
While this aspect is only beginning to see serious scrutiny by the medical community, there is potential for capsaicin capsule use to moderate the appetite. In turn, this could help to foster weight loss for individuals battling obesity, as well as have an effect on other weight-related health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A study published by the National Institutes of Health says, “Capsaicin, the phytochemical responsible for the spiciness of peppers, has the potential to modulate metabolism via activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors, which are found not only on nociceptive sensory neurons, but also in a range of other tissues.” The study found that ingesting capsaicin offered a modest boost to metabolism.
Help for Chemotherapy Patients
Another potential benefit of oral capsaicin capsule use is the treatment of oral mucositis in chemotherapy patients. Up to 70% of patients receiving chemotherapy develop this condition. Essentially, the mucus lining in the mouth breaks down and then atrophies. The result is the development of painful lesions or ulcers in the mouth. A study published through the NIH found that taking capsaicin orally allowed patients suffering from oral mucositis to experience less pain in the mouth from those ulcers. However, the results were not 100%, and further study is required.
Prevention of Prostate Cancer
One of the most promising potential uses for oral capsaicin capsule use is in the prevention, and possibly treatment, of prostate cancer, as well as other forms of cancer. A study published through the National Institutes of Health states, “Capsaicin, the pungent ingredient of red hot chili peppers, has been shown to have anti-cancer activities in several cancer cells, including prostate cancer.” Essentially, capsaicin is capable of inducing cellular death (stopping growth), but also resulted in tumor size reduction.
Currently, capsaicin capsules are available on the market from many different manufacturers in a number of different concentrations. However, like any other natural supplement, it’s important to ensure that you’re buying a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. There is little in the way of regulation in this industry, and several manufacturers have been found to “pad” the amount of extracts, oils and ingredients in their formulations.
It is also important to note that consuming too much capsaicin can be problematic. In significant concentrations, it can lead to kidney and liver problems, and some patients may actually be allergic to it. If you intend to begin supplementing with capsaicin in capsule form, speak with your medical provider first. It is also not recommended that nursing mothers take capsaicin supplements.