helps temporarily ease rheumatic pains and
arthritis.
What do the advocates say?*
Topical preparations (containing the active ingredient capsaicin) have been reported to be
mildly to moderately effective in clinical settings. The United States Food and Drug
Administration approved capsaicin for use as a topical pain reliever in 1995. The Commission E
(an expert committee established by the German government to evaluate the safety and efficacy
of herbs and herb combinations sold in Germany) has also approved topical capsaicin use in
adults and children for painful muscle spasms of the shoulder arm and spine.
How much is usually taken by athletes?
Capsaicin ointment, applied four times daily over painful joints in the upper or lower
limbs, reduces pain caused by osteoarthritis,1 and a plaster containing capsaicin
applied to the low back for several hours per day provided relief from chronic low back pain
in one study.2 Other uses of cayenne or capsaicin for sports and fitness have not
been studied.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Besides causing a mild burning during the first few applications (or severe burning if
accidentally placed in sensitive areas, such as the eyes), side effects are few with the use
of capsaicin cream.3 As with anything applied to the skin, some people may have an
allergic reaction to the cream, so the first application should be to a very small area of
skin. Do not attempt to use capsaicin cream intra-nasally for headache treatment without
professional guidance.
When consumed as food—one pepper per day for many years—cayenne may increase
the risk of stomach cancer, according to one study.4 A different human study found
that people who ate the most cayenne actually had lower rates of stomach cancer.5
Overall, the current scientific evidence is contradictory. Thus, the relationship between
cayenne consumption and increased risk of stomach cancer remains unclear.6 Oral
intake of even 1 ml of tincture three times per day can cause burning in the mouth and throat,
and can cause the nose to run and eyes to water. People with ulcers,
heartburn, or gastritis should use any
cayenne-containing product cautiously as it may worsen their condition.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with cayenne. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
Parts used and where grown
Originally from South America, the cayenne plant is now used worldwide as a food and spice.
Cayenne is very closely related to bell peppers, jalapeños, paprika, and other similar
peppers. The fruit is used medicinally.
*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for cayenne based
on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials
that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific
articles on cayenne. For more complete and detailed information, including references and
safety information, see Cayenne as an herbal
remedy.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Fusco BM, Giacovazzo M. Peppers and pain. The promise of capsaicin.
Drugs 1997;53:909–14 [review].
2. Keitel W, Frerick H, Kuhn U, et al. Capsicum plaster in chronic
non-specific low back pain. Arzneimittelforshung 2001;51:896–903.
3. Siften DW (ed). Physicians’ Desk Reference for
Nonprescription Drugs. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 790–1.
4. Lopez-Carrillo L, Avila M, Dubrow R. Chili pepper consumption and
gastric cancer in Mexico: A case-control study. Amer J Epidem
1994;139:263–71.
5. Buiatti E, Palli D, Decarli A, et al. A case-control study of gastric
cancer and diet in Italy. Int J Cancer 1989;44:611–6.
6. Surh YJ, Lee SS. Capsaicin in hot chili pepper: Carcinogen,
co-carcinogen or anticarcinogen? Food Chem Toxic 1996;34:313–6.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.
