Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin)

AIMS: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality. Capsaicinoids, the active compounds in red pepper, act as agonists of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and may offer cardioprotective benefits by modulating lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and vascular function. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of red pepper/capsaicin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors. DATA SYNTHESIS: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus was conducted from inception until May 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. The conducted systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the pre-specified protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251119445). In order to avoid missing an article, a manual search was finally conducted in Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults supplementing with capsaicin, red pepper, or related compounds versus a placebo were included. Outcomes of interest included lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL]), blood pressure (systolic [SBP] and diastolic [DBP]), and glycemic indices (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c). Data were pooled using a random-effects model and expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Thirteen RCTs (n = 821 participants) were included. However, the findings were marked by substantial heterogeneity and a limited total sample size, which necessitate cautious interpretation. Red pepper/capsaicin supplementation was associated with small, statistically unstable reductions in total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure; however, these effects were not robust to sensitivity analyses and should be interpreted as low-confidence estimates. However, no significant effects were observed on TG, LDL, HDL, SBP, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, or HbA1c. Significant heterogeneity was observed for most outcomes (I2 > 50%). Subgroup analyses suggested that longer intervention durations (≥8 weeks) might be more effective for improving TC and HDL. The overall certainty of evidence, assessed by Grading of Recommendations Assessment,

Several studies have assessed the effect of red pepper on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) and reported controversial results. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials that evaluated the effect of red pepper/capsaicin consumption on BP and HR. Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched, from database inception to August 2020, to ascertain clinical trials that evaluated the effects of red pepper or capsaicin on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), or HR. Pooled effect size was calculated using a random-effects method. We performed subgroup analyses to discern probable sources of between-study heterogeneity. Meta-analysis showed no significant effect of red pepper/capsaicin on SBP (0.43 mmHg, 95% CI: -1.15 to 2.01), DBP (-0.45 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.14 to 1.24), and HR (-0.60 bpm, 95% CI: -1.97 to 0.78). Although between-study heterogeneity was high for SBP and DBP, we could not discern the potential sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, red pepper/capsaicin had no effect on BP and HR. The findings should be interpreted with caution because between-study heterogeneity was high. Further well-designed and high-quality studies are required to investigate the efficacy and safety of red pepper/capsaicin supplement on BP and HR. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

INTRODUCTION: Many children expect a visit from Santa Claus, preferably on Christmas Eve and the teasing goblins are active teasing throughout the month of December. Therefore, Santa Claus and goblins must be in good shape for the activities of December. Rice pudding, Christmas pancakes, and other goodies are consumed in large quantities to help both the size of Santa Claus as well as the activity level of the Christmas teasing. Chili peppers and spicy foods contain the compound capsaicin, responsible for their heat and spiciness. Some research suggests that capsaicin may have potential benefits for physical function, although the evidence is not conclusive, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of chili supplementation on strength performance. METHODS: The study used a randomized, double-blind design. The subjects completed three plank tests measuring the maximum time before and after having pancakes including capsaicin or placebo. Pancake recipe for four persons was 500 g all-purpose flour, 10 dl milk, six eggs, half a teaspoon salt, 50 g melted butter, one teaspoon vanilla, one teaspoon cinnamon, one teaspoon ginger. For the intervention group one teaspoon chili was added. Vanilla, cinnamon and ginger blinded the taste of chili and the adding red tint blinded the visual of chili. When eating the pancakes, sugar and strawberry or blackcurrant jam were added. RESULTS: In august 2023, four Santa Claus-sized Santas and four smaller teasing goblins met the inclusion criteria. There was an overall effect of chili Christmas pancakes compared to control in improving plank time from 111.7 (± 14.6) sec. to 156.3 (± 26.17) sec. (p = 0.043, paired t-test), compared to the change in the control group from 88.8 (± 14.7) sec. to 97.3 (± 19.7) sec. (p = 0.34, paired t-test). In the pooled sample of all eight participants there was evidence that the Christmas pancake meal by itself influenced a change in plank time from 100.2 (± 10.4) sec. to 126.8 (± 17.2) sec. (p = 0.025, paired t-test). However, all the goblins improved in plank time from 133.6 (± 12.5) sec. to 181.22 (± 22.7) sec. (

Capsiate (CAP) is a nonpungent capsaicin analog (Capsicum annuum L. extract) that has been studied as a potential antiobesity agent. However, the interaction between chronic CAP supplementation and resistance training is not clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in adipose tissue-derived hormones, body composition, appetite, and muscle strength after 10 weeks of resistance training, combined with chronic CAP supplementation in healthy untrained men. We hypothesized that CAP could induce higher benefits when combined with resistance training after 10 weeks of intervention compared to resistance training alone. Twenty-four young men (age, 22.0 ± 2.9) were randomized to either capsiate supplementation (CAP = 12 mg/day) or placebo (PL), and both groups were assigned to resistance training. Body composition, leptin and adiponectin concentrations, subjective ratings of appetite, energy intake, and exercise performance were assessed at before and after 10 weeks of progressive resistance training. There was a significant increase in body mass (P < .001), fat-free mass (CAP: 58.0 ± 7.1 vs. post, 59.7 ± 7.1 kg; PL: pre, 58.4 ± 7.3 vs. post, 59.8 ± 7.1 kg; P < .001), resting metabolic rate (CAP: pre, 1782.9 ± 160.6 vs. post, 1796.3 ± 162.0 kcal; PL: pre, 1733.0 ± 148.9 vs. post, 1750.5 ± 149.8 kcal; P < .001), maximal strength at 45 leg press (P < .001) and bench press (P < .001) in both groups, but no significant (P > .05) supplementation by training period interaction nor fat mass was observed. For subjective ratings of appetite, energy intake, leptin, and adiponectin, no significant effect of supplementation by training period interaction was observed (P > .05). In conclusion, 10 weeks of resistance training increased total body weight, muscle mass, and maximum strength in healthy untrained men; however, CAP supplementation (12 mg, 7 days per week) failed to change adipose tissue-derived hormones, appetite, body composition and muscle strength in this population. Registered under Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8cz9kfq).

Capsaicin (CAP) is the main pungent component in capsicum fruits. Eating too much CAP leads to gastrointestinal injury. Previously, Qingke β-glucan combined with β-glucan-utilizing Lactobacillus plantarum S58 (LP.S58) ameliorated high fat-diet-induced obesity, but their effects on CAP-induced gastrointestinal injury have not been investigated. Our results showed that Qingke β-glucan reduced the CAP-induced gastrointestinal injury in Kunming mice. The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and gastrointestinal hormones, and the localized inflammation and the expression of EGF, EGFR, VEGF, and ZO-1 in the gastrointestinal tissues in CAP-treated mice were partly restored by Qingke β-glucan. The CAP-induced increase in the abundances of proinflammatory intestinal bacteria was also reduced by Qingke β-glucan. More importantly, we found that these beneficial effects of Qingke β-glucan were markedly enhanced by β-glucan-utilizing LP.S58 supplementation. Our study indicated that Qingke β-glucan coupled with β-glucan-utilizing LP.S58 relieved CAP-induced gastrointestinal injury.

The primary choice of drugs to treat Leishmaniasis are the pentavalent antimony-based compounds, nevertheless these drugs presented undesirable side effects. However, safe natural compounds could be used in combination with these drugs to enhance their activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sinergism of capsaicin and piperine, isolated from Capsicum frutescens and Piper nigrum, respectively, in combination with meglumine antimoniate against Leishmania infantum promastigote and amastigote forms. Each compound was mixed with the standard drug in several percentage mixtures and tested at various concentrations. Capsaicin and piperine in combination with meglumine antimoniate (25% + 75%) showed better anti-leishmanial activity with EC50 = 4.31 ± 0.44 e 7.25 ± 4.84 μg/mL against promastigote and amastigote forms, respectively. The results point that these spice alkaloids are suitable compounds to be administered in combinations with antileishmanial drugs to improve their action.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug resistance (MDR) can develop in cancer cells after treatment with anticancer drugs, mainly due to the overexpression of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. We analyzed the ability of two pungent-tasting alkaloids-capsaicin and piperine from Capsicum frutescens and Piper nigrum, respectively-to reverse multidrug resistance in the cancer cell lines Caco-2 and CEM/ADR 5000, which overexpress P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and other ABC transporters. METHODS: The MTT assay was first used to determine the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin, the alkaloids, and digitonin alone, and then their combinations. Furthermore, rhodamine (Rho) 123 and calcein-AM were used to detect the effects of alkaloids on the activity of P-gp. RESULTS: Capsaicin and piperine synergistically enhanced the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in Caco-2 and CEM/ADR 5000 cells. Furthermore, capsaicin and piperine increased the intracellular accumulation of the fluorescent P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates rhodamine and calcein and inhibited their efflux from the MDR cell lines. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that capsaicin and piperine are P-gp substrates and have potential chemosensitizing activity, which might be interesting for the development of novel modulators of multidrug resistance.

Sorafenib, a small inhibitor of tyrosine protein kinases, is currently the standard chemotherapy drug for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although sorafenib improves the survival of HCC patients, its efficacy is not optimal and requires further improvement. Capsaicin, the major active component of chili peppers from the genus Capsicum, is not only the agonist of TRPV1 channel, but also displays antitumor activity and enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effects of combined sorafenib and capsaicin on HCC cells in vitro and xenograft tumors. Treatment with capsaicin alone dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of the HCC cell lines PLC/PRF/7, HuH7 and HepG2 with IC50 values of 137, 108 and 140.7 μmol/L, respectively. No obvious expression of TRPV1 channel was detected in the 3 HCC cell lines and TRPV1 channel blockers did not alleviate the cytotoxicity of capsaicin. By contrast, combining capsaicin and sorafenib significantly enhanced the suppression on cell proliferation, achieving a high-level synergistic effect (inhibition rates over 50%) and promoting HCC cell apoptosis. In nude mice with PLC/PRF/5 xenografts, combined administration of capsaicin and sorafenib significantly enhanced the suppression on tumor growth without apparent gross toxicity compared to either agent alone. Mechanistically, capsaicin (10-200 μmol/L) dose-dependently increased the levels of phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) in PLC/PRF/5 cells, thus leading to enhanced sorafenib sensitivity and a synergistic suppression on the tumor cells. Taken together, our results suggest that capsaicin-increased phosphorylation of ERK contributes to the enhanced antitumor activity of sorafenib, and capsaicin may be useful in improving the efficacy of sorafenib for the treatment of HCC.

Antimicrobial activity of pepper polyphenols and capsaicinoids (Coumarin, caffeic acid, narangin, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, capsaicin, and dihydrocapsaicin) against 13 pathogen bacteria and three beneficial strains was studied using the disk diffusion and microdilution methods. In general, phenolic compounds had the most important activity with the highest inhibition zones obtained with caffeic acid (3.5-20.5 mm), quercetin (4.75-3.5 mm), and kaempferol (7-14 mm). In the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentrations, the effects of both quercetin and kaempferol were more important than caffeic acid. The clinical strains Staphylococcus aureus (319, 14, 8, 32, and 550) were more sensitive to quercetin (0.00195-0.0078 mg L-1) whereas kaempferol was more active against the strains S. aureus (ATCC 6538, 26), S. typhimurium ATCC 13311, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (0.0156-0.125 mg L-1). The interaction between these three polyphenols was studied against S. aureus ATCC 6538 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Different modes of interaction were observed (synergism, additive, and indifferent), but no antagonism was obtained. The best combination was quercetin and caffeic acid for S. aureus with fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.37, and kaempferol with quercetin for P. aeruginosa (FICI = 0.31).

There is persuasive epidemiological and experimental evidence that dietary phytochemicals have anticancer activity. Capsaicin is a bioactive phytochemical abundant in red and chili peppers. While the preponderance of the data strongly indicates significant anticancer benefits of capsaicin, more information to highlight molecular mechanisms of its action is required to improve our knowledge to be able to propose a potential therapeutic strategy for use of capsaicin against cancer. Capsaicin has been shown to alter the expression of several genes involved in cancer cell survival, growth arrest, angiogenesis and metastasis. Recently, many research groups, including ours, found that capsaicin targets multiple signaling pathways, oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes in various types of cancer models. In this review article, we highlight multiple molecular targets responsible for the anticancer mechanism of capsaicin. In addition, we deal with the benefits of combinational use of capsaicin with other dietary or chemotherapeutic compounds, focusing on synergistic anticancer activities.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most used drugs in musculoskeletal disorders, but their systemic adverse effects limit their therapeutic benefit in local inflammation. On the other hand, topical preparations of capsaicinoids are widely used for musculoskeletal disorders as a complementary therapy. In this study, the effects of both topical capsaicinoids-containing patch and local subcutaneous capsaicin application on the anti-inflammatory action of NSAID were examined. Carrageenan-induced paw oedema of rats was used as the inflammation model. The volume and weight of the paw oedema and plasma extravasation in the paw were determined after carrageenan injection. The systemic application of diclofenac (3 mg/kg), which is an NSAID, significantly decreased the volume and weight of the paw oedema. Topical capsaicinoids-containing patch application or local capsaicin injection (2, 10, 20 μg/paw) alone did not cause any effect on oedema volume and weight. However, the combination of diclofenac with topical capsaicinoids-containing patch significantly increased the effectiveness of diclofenac on inflammation. Evans blue content of the paws that represents plasma extravasation was decreased by capsaicinoids-containing patch with and without diclofenac and diclofenac combination with the lowest dose of capsaicin injection. The results of this study indicate that topical application of capsaicinoids-containing patch enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac and its beneficial effect may not purely relate to its capsaicin content. In the treatment of local inflammatory disorders, the combination of NSAID with topical capsaicinoids-containing patch could increase the anti-inflammatory efficiency of drug without systemic side effects.

Capsaicin (trans-8-methy-N-vanilly-6-nonenamide, CAP), the main ingredient responsible for the hot pungent taste of chilli peppers. However, little is known about the metabolic interactions between CAP and clinically used drugs. This study attempted to investigate the effect of CAP on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin (SV), a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A substrate and an important cholesterol-lowering agent. CAP (3, 8 or 25 mg/kg), ketoconazole, dexamethasone or 5% CMC-Na was given to rats for seven consecutive days and on the seventh day SV (80 mg/kg) was administered orally. The results showed that when a single dose of SV was administered to rats fed with CAP over one week, AUC(0→∞), C(max) of SV and its acid metabolite was significantly decreased in comparison to the control treatment. Pretreatment of rats with CAP resulted in an decrease in the AUC(0-∞) of SV of about 67.06% (CAP 3 mg/kg, P<0.05), 73.21% (CAP 8 mg/kg, P<0.01) and 77.49% (CAP 25 mg/kg, P<0.01) compared with the control group. The results demonstrate that chronic ingestion of high doses of CAP will decrease the bioavailability of SV to a significant extent in rats.

Capsaicin and 6-gingerol, pungent components of chilli pepper and ginger, are known as dietary agonists of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1. Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 nerve fibers are recognized to play a role in gastric mucosal integrity in rats. In the present studies, we examined the acute effects of peroral administration of capsaicin and 6-gingerol on gastric acid secretion in conscious mice. These agents were given p. o. 30 min before the pylorus was ligated. Oral administration of capsaicin (1.0-100 mg/kg) or 6-gingerol (1.5-50 mg/kg) significantly and dose-dependently inhibited basal acid secretion. Pretreatment with BCTC, a transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 antagonist, significantly reversed the reduced basal acid secretion by capsaicin or 6-gingerol. The combination of the lowest doses of capsaicin and 6-gingerol markedly inhibited basal acid secretion in conscious mice and this was also significantly reversed by BCTC. Moreover, the combination of the maximal dose of capsaicin and 6-gingerol inhibited basal acid secretion only to the level of a single administration of the maximal dose of capsaicin. These results suggest that the combination of capsaicin and 6-gingerol has an additive effect on the inhibition of gastric acid secretion through activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1. In separate experiments, intraduodenal administration of either capsaicin (30 mg/kg) or 6-gingerol (15 mg/kg), whose doses were observed to have a significant inhibitory effect by oral administration, tended to inhibit basal acid secretion compared with the vehicle. These results suggest that the combination of capsaicin and 6-gingerol has an additive effect on inhibition of gastric acid secretion through activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1, and oral administration of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 agonists directly stimulates transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 in the gastric lumen, resulting in a potent reduction of gastric acid secretion. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide, CAP) is a naturally occurring alkaloid extracted from the fruit of Capsicum plant family. It represents an important ingredient in spicy foods consumed throughout the world. However, little is known about the metabolic interactions between CAP and clinically used drugs. This study attempted to investigate the effect of CAP on the pharmacokinetics of galantamine, a competitive and reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. CAP, dexamethasone or sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) was given to rats for seven consecutive days and on the seventh day galantamine (10 mg/kg) was administered orally. Dexamethasone was used as a CYP inducer and CMC-Na was used as a vehicle. The results showed that the pretreatment of rats with CAP resulted in a decrease in the AUC(0-∞) of galantamine of about 49.70% (p < 0.01) compared with the control group. After oral administration of galantamine (10 mg/kg), the apparent oral clearance of galantamine was raised by 2.05-fold by pretreatment with CAP (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the chronic ingestion of high doses of CAP will decrease the bioavailability of galantamine to a significant extent in rats.

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the combination effects of capsicum plaster at the Korean hand acupuncture points K-D2 with prophylactic antiemetic on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV). METHODS: An experimental research design (a randomized, a double-blinded, and a placebo-control procedure) was used. The participants were female patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy; the control group (n=34) received intravenous prophylactic ramosetron 0.3mg, while the experimental group (n=34) had Korean Hand Therapy additionally. In the experimental group, capsicum plaster was applied at K-D2 of both 2nd and 4th fingers by means of Korean Hand Therapy for a period of 30 minutes before the induction of anesthesia and removed 8 hours after the laparoscopy. RESULTS: The occurrence of nausea, nausea intensity and need for rescue with antiemetic in the experimental group was significantly less than in the control group 2 hours after surgery. CONCLUSION: Results of the study show capsicum plaster at K-D2 is an effective method for reducing PONV in spite of the low occurrence of PONV because of the prophylactic antiemetic medication.

The lipid-lowering effects of capsaicin, capsinoids, and pepper-derived products have shown inconsistent results in previous research. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess their impact on lipid profiles in overweight or obese individuals. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted up to August 26, 2025, identifying randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated these interventions. Data were pooled using random-effects models, and results were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed significant reductions in triglycerides (WMD: -14.29 mg/dL; 95 % CI: -27.01 to -1.58; p = 0.028) and total cholesterol (WMD: -9.97 mg/dL; 95 % CI: -17.41 to -2.52; p = 0.009). However, no significant effects were observed on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger effects with higher daily doses (≥10 mg), longer intervention periods (≥12 weeks), and among individuals with elevated baseline lipid levels. In conclusion, capsaicin, capsinoids, and pepper-based products significantly reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in overweight or obese individuals, especially when used at higher doses and for extended durations, or in those with initially elevated lipid profiles.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that capsaicin (CAP), a major pungent component in chili peppers, can be used as an anti-obesity ingredient due to effects on energy metabolism, but evidence is not consistent. Genetics may account for differences in CAP tolerance and its impact on adiposity status. The aim of this study was to systematically review current evidence concerning the role of genetic polymorphisms influencing CAP tolerance. METHODS: The present systematic review analyzed and synthesized available evidence concerning associations between genetic polymorphisms and CAP tolerance following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, Google Scholar, SciELO, and LILACS were screened. Out of 228 publications identified, only 6 meet inclusion criteria and were finally included in the final report. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with several CAP tolerance traits including sensitivity to burning/stinging, heat pain, and cough reactions, and detection of bitter taste thresholds. These genetic variants were located within 6 genes involved in key physiological processes such synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin and nitric oxide production (GCH1), CAP uptake and transduction of thermal stimuli (TRPV1), and bitter taste perception (TAS2R38, TAS2R3, TAS2R4, and TAS2R5). CONCLUSION: There is evidence about the influence of genetic polymorphisms on CAP tolerance by affecting nociceptive signaling, CAP binding, and bitter tasting. This knowledge may facilitate the design and implementation of innovative CAP-based nutrigenetic strategies for a more precise clinical management of obesity. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Capsaicinoids and capsinoids are bioactive compounds mostly found in peppers. Although preclinical studies have reported that these compounds can improve exercise performance due to transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1)-mediated thermogenesis, sympathetic modulation, and releasing calcium, it is still unclear how they affect exercise performance in humans as ergogenic supplements. Conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guide 2020, this systematic review examined the ergogenic effect of capsaicinoids and capsinoids on exercise performance in healthy adults. A total of 19 randomized placebo-controlled trials were included in the study. Studies were accessed by searching five databases (PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library). The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. According to the study results, 10 studies examining the effect of capsaicinoid and capsinoid supplements on exercise performance reported positive effects. Also, the effect of capsaicinoids and capsinoids on exercise performance is more pronounced in resistance training. This difference, which varies according to the type of exercise, may be due to the correlation between capsaicin transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 and insulin-like growth factor-1.

Spicy foods and chili peppers contain the primary ingredient capsaicin, which has potential health benefits. However, their efficacy in some health outcomes is also fiercely disputed, and some side effects have been confirmed. To assess the quality and strength of the associations between spicy food and chili pepper consumption and different health outcomes. An umbrella review is performed in humans. Eleven systematic reviews and meta-analyses with a total of 27 findings are identified. The health effect of consuming spicy food and chili peppers is unclear. Furthermore, the characteristics and context of different world regions and populations should be carefully considered. Direct correlations exist in esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and gallbladder cancer. However, negative connections are reported in metabolism, mortality, and cardiovascular disease. Dose-response analysis reveals a significant nonlinear relationship between gastric cancer risk and capsaicin intake. The consumption of spicy foods and chili peppers is typically safe. However, high-quality proof is available to confirm this conclusion. © 2022 The Authors. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.

BACKGROUND: Chili is the most heavily and frequently consumed spice, either as a flavouring or colouring agent, and it is also a major source of pro-vitamin A, vitamin E and C. The main capsinoidcapsaicinoid found in chili peppers is capsaicin. It has been demonstrated that capsaicin acts as a cancer-suppressing agent through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, by blocking several signal transduction pathways. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most prevalent cancer worldwide. It is noteworthy that in countries where populations of diverse ethnic groups co-exist, differences have been observed in terms of incidence of oral cancer. The variances in their diet could explain, at least in part, these differences. The objective of this systematic review is to explore if there is evidence of a possible relationship between capsaicin intake and the incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and discuss such association. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bibliographical search was made in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, and finally 7 experimental studies were included; OHAT risk of bias tool was used to assess their quality. RESULTS: allAll the studies confirm that capsaicin is a chemopreventive agent that prevents the development of oral cancer, through inhibition of malignant cell proliferation and increase of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: More human studies are needed in order to clarify the real link between consumption of chili (capsaicin) and the prevalence of oral cancer.

BACKGROUND: Chemical irritants used in crowd control, such as tear gases and pepper sprays, are generally considered to be safe and to cause only transient pain and lacrimation. However, there are numerous reports that use and misuse of these chemicals may cause serious injuries. We aimed to review documented injuries from chemical irritants to better understand the morbidity and mortality associated with these weapons. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines to identify injuries, permanent disabilities, and deaths from chemical irritants worldwide between January 1, 1990 and March 15, 2015. We reviewed injuries to different body systems, injury severity, and potential risk factors for injury severity. We also assessed region, context and quality of each included article. RESULTS: We identified 31 studies from 11 countries. These reported on 5131 people who suffered injuries, two of whom died and 58 of whom suffered permanent disabilities. Out of 9261 total injuries, 8.7% were severe and required professional medical management, while 17% were moderate and 74.3% were minor. Severe injuries occurred to all body systems, with the majority of injuries impacting the skin and eyes. Projectile munition trauma caused 231 projectile injuries, with 63 (27%) severe injuries, including major head injury and vision loss. Potentiating factors for more severe injury included environmental conditions, prolonged exposure time, and higher quantities of chemical agent in enclosed spaces. CONCLUSIONS: Although chemical weapons may have a limited role in crowd control, our findings demonstrate that they have significant potential for misuse, leading to unnecessary morbidity and mortality. A nuanced understanding of the health impacts of chemical weapons and mitigating factors is imperative to avoiding indiscriminate use of chemical weapons and associated health consequences.

OBJECTIVE: Capsaicinoids are a group of chemicals naturally occurring in chilli peppers with bioactive properties that may help to support weight management. The aim of the present study was to conduct a meta-analysis investigating the potential effects of capsaicinoids on energy intake, to clarify previous observations and form evidence-based conclusions about possible weight management roles. METHODS: Medical databases (Medline, Web of Knowledge and Scopus) were systematically searched for papers. Search terms were: 'capsaicin(*)' or 'red pepper' or 'chilli(*)' or 'chili(*)' with 'satiety' or 'energy intake'. Of the seventy-four clinical trials identified, 10 were included, 8 of which provided results suitable to be combined in analysis (191 participants). From the studies, 19 effect sizes were extracted and analysed using MIX meta-analysis software. RESULTS: Data analysis showed that capsaicinoid ingestion prior to a meal reduced ad libitum energy intake by 309.9kJ (74.0kcal) p<0.001 during the meal. Results, however, should be viewed with some caution as heterogeneity was high (I(2)=75.7%). Study findings suggest a minimum dose of 2mg of capsaicinoids is needed to contribute to reductions in ad libitum energy intake, which appears to be attributed to an altered preference for carbohydrate-rich foods over foods with a higher fat content. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-anlysis findings suggest that daily consumption of capsaicinoids may contribute to weight management through reductions in energy intake. Subsequently, there may be potential for capsaicinoids to be used as long-term, natural weight-loss aids. Further long-term randomised trials are now needed to investigate these effects.

BACKGROUND: Before extraction and synthetic chemistry were invented, musculoskeletal complaints were treated with preparations from medicinal plants. They were either administered orally or topically. In contrast to the oral medicinal plant products, topicals act in part as counterirritants or are toxic when given orally. OBJECTIVES: To update the previous Cochrane review of herbal therapy for osteoarthritis from 2000 by evaluating the evidence on effectiveness for topical medicinal plant products. SEARCH METHODS: Databases for mainstream and complementary medicine were searched using terms to include all forms of arthritis combined with medicinal plant products. We searched electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, World Health Organization Clinical Trials Registry Platform) to February 2013, unrestricted by language. We also searched the reference lists from retrieved trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of herbal interventions used topically, compared with inert (placebo) or active controls, in people with osteoarthritis were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed the risk of bias of included studies and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Seven studies (six different medicinal plant interventions; 785 participants) were included. Single studies (five studies) and non-comparable studies (two studies) precluded pooling of results.Moderate evidence from a single study of 174 people with hand osteoarthritis indicated that treatment with Arnica extract gel probably results in similar benefits as treatment with ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) with a similar number of adverse events. Mean pain in the ibuprofen group was 44.2 points on a 100 point scale; treatment with Arnica gel reduced the pain by 4 points after three weeks: mean difference (MD) -3.8 points (95% confidence intervals (CI) -10.1 to 2.5), absolute reduction 4% (10% reduction to 3% increase). Hand function was 7.5 points on a 30 point scale in the ibuprofen-treated group; treatment with Arnica gel reduced funct

Capsaicinoids are a group of chemicals found in chilli peppers, with bioactive properties. The purpose of this study is to systematically review research investigating the potential benefits capsaicinoid compounds may have in relation to weight management. Medical databases were searched and 90 trials found, 20 of which were selected for inclusion, involving 563 participants. Three main areas of potential benefit for weight management were found: (1) increased energy expenditure; (2) increased lipid oxidation and (3) reduced appetite. Trial duration, dosage and sized varied, though trials were generally of high quality with a low risk of bias. It was observed that consumption of capsaicinoids increases energy expenditure by approximately 50 kcal/day, and that this would produce clinically significant levels of weight loss in 1-2 years. It was also observed that regular consumption significantly reduced abdominal adipose tissue levels and reduced appetite and energy intake. The mechanism of action is not presently fully understood, although it is well accepted much of the effects are caused by stimulation of the TRPV1 receptor. While capsaicinoids are not a magic bullet for weight loss, the evidence is that they could play a beneficial role, as part of a weight management program.