Background
- Cayenne is a spice derived mainly from two cultivated species of the Capsicum genus, Capsicum annuum L. and Capsicum frutescens L. Capsicum adds color, pungency, and aroma to dishes around the world. Although originally cultivated in the tropical Americas, it is now grown worldwide. Capsicum annuum is cultivated almost exclusively in Europe and the United States, and Capsicum frutescens is cultivated in the tropics and warmer regions of the United States.
- The level of pungency (heat) of the Capsicum species depends mainly on the concentration of capsaicinoids, primarily capsaicin. Chili peppers and red peppers come from plants with capsaicinoid levels 30-600 parts per million and 600-13,000 parts per million, respectively. Paprika is derived from plants with lower levels of capsaicinoids and is used to flavor less spicy foods, such as ketchup, cheese, and salads. Spanish paprika (pimento) is mainly used for coloring. The more spicy chilies and chili pepper from Capsicum annuum L. and Capsicum frutescens L. are used in curry powder, Tabasco® sauce, and chili powder. Cayenne pepper is made by grinding the pungent fruit of Capsicum into a powder.
- Overall, clinical evidence is good for the use of topical Capsicum in a plaster for low back pain and at various acupoints for postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting. Cayenne pepper is approved by the Commission E as a topical ointment for the relief of painful muscle spasms. The mechanism of action for topical pain relief by Capsicum is well studied. It is likely that the pain-relieving effect of pungent Capsicum spp. is due to capsaicin.
- Capsicum is traditionally used for other purposes, including (but not limited to) weight loss, sore throat, tonsillitis, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, muscle pain, and skin conditions. However, clinical support for Capsicum for these uses is lacking. The main constituent of Capsicum, capsaicin, has also been investigated in clinical study.
- Cayenne was proposed as a chemical weapon during the American Civil War. Today, oleoresin of Capsicum has mostly replaced use of earlier riot control agents, such as chloroacetophenone and chlorodihydrophenarsazine.
- Capsicum essential oil and cayenne pepper are listed in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list for use as a spice in foods. When used orally, Capsicum may cause gastrointestinal irritation, mouth and throat irritation, damaged taste buds with reduced ability to taste foods, fullness, flatulence, dyspepsia, diarrhea, ulcer aggravation, and stomach pain. Based on secondary sources, large amounts may cause kidney and liver damage. Topically, Capsicum may cause burning, redness, and irritation. Inhalation of Capsicum may cause dyspnea and cough. It may also irritate mucous membranes.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
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View Abstract - Ciabatti, PG and D'Ascanio, L. Intranasal Capsicum spray in idiopathic rhinitis: a randomized prospective application regimen trial. Acta Otolaryngol 2009;129(4):367-371.
View Abstract - Frerick, H, Keitel, W, Kuhn, U, et al. Topical treatment of chronic low back pain with a capsicum plaster. Pain 2003;106(1-2):59-64.
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View Abstract - Gagnier, JJ, van Tulder, MW, Berman, B, et al. Herbal medicine for low back pain: a Cochrane review. Spine (Phila Pa 1976.) 1-1-2007;32(1):82-92.
View Abstract - Gagnier, JJ, van Tulder, M, Berman, B, et al. Herbal medicine for low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006;(2):CD004504.
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View Abstract - Keitel, W, Frerick, H, Kuhn, U, et al. Capsicum pain plaster in chronic non-specific low back pain. Arzneimittelforschung 2001;51(11):896-903.
View Abstract - Kim, KS, Koo, MS, Jeon, JW, et al. Capsicum plaster at the korean hand acupuncture point reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting after abdominal hysterectomy. Anesth Analg 2002;95(4):1103-7, table.
View Abstract - Kumar, N, Vij, JC, Sarin, SK, et al. Do chillies influence healing of duodenal ulcer? Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 6-16-1984;288(6433):1803-1804.
View Abstract - Meyer-Bahlburg, HF. Pilot studies on stimulant effects of capsicum spices. Nutr Metab 1972;14(4):245-254.
View Abstract - Misra, MN, Pullani, AJ, and Mohamed, ZU. Prevention of PONV by acustimulation with capsicum plaster is comparable to ondansetron after middle ear surgery: [La prevention des NVPO par acustimulation avec un emplatre de Capsicum est comparable a celle de l'ondansetron apres une operation a l'oreille moyenne]. Can J Anaesth 2005;52(5):485-489.
View Abstract - Park, HS, Kim, KS, Min, HK, et al. Prevention of postoperative sore throat using capsicum plaster applied at the Korean hand acupuncture point. Anaesthesia 2004;59(7):647-651.
View Abstract