Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper, also known as Capsicum annuum, is among the most popular spices. However, it is also frequently used in folk and traditional medicine. It is particularly good for boosting immunity and reducing inflammation and has other health benefits.¹

Cayenne Pepper is rich in several important bioactive compounds. Among the most significant are capsaicinoids, which include capsaicin, the compound responsible for the pepper’s heat. Capsaicin interacts with receptors in the nervous system, particularly the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor, which plays a role in pain sensation and inflammatory responses.¹

Cayenne Pepper is also rich in carotenoids like lutein, beta-carotene, and Vitamin A. It is also a good source of Vitamin C. Additionally, Cayenne Pepper is rich in quercetin and some other flavonoids, making it a potent antioxidant.¹

Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Helping with Cold, Flu, & Seasonal Infections

One of Cayenne Pepper’s most notable health benefits is its ability to support immune function, especially during the cold and flu season. Some of these benefits are due to its Vitamin C and carotenoid content. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for Cayenne Pepper’s spiciness, also acts as a natural decongestant by thinning mucus, which improves airflow and helps clear nasal congestion. This makes Cayenne Pepper particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from seasonal colds or flu, as it not only strengthens the immune response but also alleviates symptoms associated with respiratory infections.¹
Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Capsaicin, one of the key compounds in Cayenne Pepper, has been shown to reduce the production of substance P, a neuropeptide that signals pain and inflammation in the body. By inhibiting this pro-inflammatory molecule, capsaicin effectively reduces inflammation in both acute and chronic conditions, such as arthritis and muscle pain. Capsicum’s flavonoids, particularly quercetin, also contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects.²
Pain Relief

Capsaicin’s interaction with the TRPV1 receptor also plays a role in its pain-relieving properties. By desensitising nerve receptors over time, capsaicin, found in Cayenne Pepper, reduces pain sensation, making it helpful in managing conditions such as neuralgia, arthritis, and muscle soreness.³
Cardiovascular Health

Capsaicin, found in Cayenne Pepper, induces vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. This effect helps lower the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, by enhancing the body’s ability to maintain proper circulation.⁴
Antioxidant Protection and Metabolic Support

Cayenne Pepper’s rich antioxidant content, including carotenoids and flavonoids, provides significant protection against oxidative stress. Moreover, capsaicin has been shown to increase thermogenesis, the process by which the body generates heat by burning calories. Thus, it may help burn fats and maintain a healthy body weight. However, remember that Cayenne Pepper alone cannot be expected to cause significant weight loss without other lifestyle interventions.⁵

Cayenne Pepper Side Effects

Cayenne Pepper is not likely to cause any severe side effects. It is known to irritate the stomach and cause sweating and runny nose at higher dosages. However, most of these side effects are not long-lasting. When applied locally, it may also cause skin irritation.

Properties

Anti-Inflammatory¹^,³
Antioxidant⁵
Arthritis²
Blood Pressure – Reduces⁴
Cardiovascular Support⁴
Cold Symptom Reduction¹
Decongestant¹
Heart Support / Health⁴
High in / Good Levels of Vitamin A¹
High in / Good Levels of Vitamin C¹
Immune Booster¹
Influenza Symptom Reduction¹
Mucus Reduction¹
Nervine³
Pain Relief¹^,³
Respiratory Support¹
Weight Loss / Management⁵

References:

Batiha GES, Alqahtani A, Ojo OA, Shaheen HM, Wasef L, Elzeiny M, et al. Biological Properties, Bioactive Constituents, and Pharmacokinetics of Some Capsicum spp. and Capsaicinoids. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020 Jul 22;21(15):5179.
Deal CL, Schnitzer TJ, Lipstein E, Seibold JR, Stevens RM, Levy MD, et al. Treatment of arthritis with topical capsaicin: a double-blind trial. Clin Ther. 1991;13(3):383–95.
Anand P, Bley K. Topical capsaicin for pain management: therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of the new high-concentration capsaicin 8% patch. BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2011 Aug 17;107(4):490.
Szallasi A. Dietary Capsaicin: A Spicy Way to Improve Cardio-Metabolic Health? Biomolecules. 2022 Nov 29;12(12):1783.
Szallasi A. Capsaicin for Weight Control: “Exercise in a Pill” (or Just Another Fad)? Pharmaceuticals. 2022 Jul 11;15(7):851.