Capsicum frutescens
(Cayenne, Red pepper)
Therapeutic Actions:
- Anodyne
- Antiseptic
- Aphrodisiac
- Capillary dilator
- Decrease bronchospasm and pulmonary airflow obstruction induced by aerosol histamine
- Diaphoretic
- Expectorant
- External liniment in arthritis
- GI stimulant
- Inhibits the growth of gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori
- Inhibits platelet aggregation
- Mildly diuretic
- Neural stimulant
- Promotes adrenocortical activity and corticosteroid
production
- Reduce vascular permeability and edema caused by histamine, bradykinin and cigarette smoke
- Rubefacient
- Stabilize lung membrane lipids, protecting against edema and lipid peroxidation caused by gaseous lung irritants
- Stimulates appetite, in small doses
- Synergist
- Topical vasodilator
- Vasomotor stimulant
- Vessicant
Clinical Indications:
Effective for dialysis-induced itching
GI problems
Increases body heat by stimulating circulation
Stimulate appetite
Stimulate digestion
Stimulate peristalsis
Used with other herbs, it can promote circulation in the
stomach and enhance the absorption of the other herbs
Contraindications:
- Avoid in acute inflammation
Drug/Nutrient Interaction:
- ACE inhibitors may cause coughing when capsaicin cream is used topically
- Aspirin damage to the gastric mucosa is decreased if chili powder is ingested 30 minutes before taking aspirin
- Hexobarbital sleeping time and plasma concentration are increased with acute use of cayenne but decreased with chronic use in animal studies
- Theophylline absorption is increased if taken before or concurrently with capsicum fruit in animal studies
Chemical Constituents:
- Capsaicin, a phenolic resin that depletes the amount of
substance P in sensory nerves and inhibits platelet
aggregation
- Capsicin, a rubefacient volatile oil
- Fixed oil
- Resin
- Vitamin C
Toxicity:
- In large doses - GI irritation with vomiting, purging, and
pain in the stomach and bowel
Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).