Capsicum.Cayenne.Red Pepper.Capsicum Annuum and Capsicum Frutescens.

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Capsicum:Mode of Action.

Capsicum Annuum Extract Capsicum Frutescens Extract INCI Name EINECS ELINCS No 288-920-0.288-920-0CAS 85940-30-3.8023-77-6 Capsicum Extract Cayene Pepper extract Red Pepper Extract Capsaicine Capsaicin photo picture image Despite the widespread use of chili peppers in the diet, little is known about the pharmacological activities of capsaicin in humans. Much of the pharmacological information has been obtained from animals with intravenous or intraperitoneal injections, or direct application of capsaicin to exposed nerves. Intravenous administration of capsaicin has been observed to induce bradycardia, hypotension, and apnea in animals; effects from administration to humans are unclear (Rumsfield and West, 1991).

 Mode of Action:

 Cayenne is first and foremost a powerful stimulant. In the herbal sense, stimulant is a substance that increases circulation. Capsicum has been called the "purest and most certain stimulant in the herbal materia medica".

 The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 23 ed., 1943, states that "Capsicum is a powerful local stimulant, producing, when swallowed, a sense of heat in the stomach, and a general glow over the body without narcotic effect." Capsicum sp. are known to be very strong local stimulants in the circulatory system. In studies performed on female rabbits, capsaicin, the major constituent of cayenne, has been shown to significantly lower both plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, but even more important, lower the LDL-HDL ratio. The mechanism for this is not understood, but the authors felt it was possibly due to decreased intestinal absorption of the lipids.Capsicum and capsaicin both significantly prevent the increase of liver cholesterol levels while enhancing fecal cholesterol excretion via bile in rats. Capsaicin has also been shown to decrease platelet aggregation. Its reduction of thromboxane B2 formation and erythrocyte hemolysis suggests a membrane stabilizing property that interferes with the activation of phospholipase A2. The mechanism for thinning the blood is different than the explanatory models created for aspirin.

 The production of substance P by Cayenne has the known effect of dilating the arteries thereby aiding the reduction of blood pressure. Capsaicin is a very strong pain reliever, especially when applied to herpes zoster. It can regulate nerve response and work as a cardiac tonic. Capsaicin has been studied extensively. The research indicates an effect on bronchiole function, cAMP, and cardiac function. There is even some speculation that capsaicin might have some anti-carcinogenic properties.

 The anti-inflammatory action of capsaicin suggests an antioxandant action that may interfere with oxygen radical tranfer mechanism common to lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways. Used externally as an anti-spasmodic, Cayenne can be used to release muscular pain (especially in shoulder, arm, and spine). It can also be used for rheumatism, arthritis, frostbite and chronic lumbago. Some practitioners feel its use internally is contraindicated ( as well as most of the nightshade family) in conditions of rheumatism and arthritis.

 Cayenne pepper sprays have become a common means of self defense. It was originally developed to protect a person from attacking bears. It has proven to be a relatively safe mechanism of protection, but there have been over 600 deaths associated with its use. People most at risk are large framed men over 250 pounds, under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

 Folklore:

 Besides its action as a local stimulant, Capsicum acts as a powerful stimulant to the digestive tract when taken internally. Capsicum is a gastric,stimulant,stomachic, carminative and an internal tonic.Cayenne is of particular value for atonic gastric dyspepsia for atony of the stomach and intestines and has been widely used to treat flatulence. Capsicum is used externally as local counterirritant for rheumatism, neuralgia, arthritis, chilblains, lumbago, and ``generally where counterirritation is indicated."Cayenne has been used in North America, Europe, China and in India. It was listed in Gerard (1597), Lewis (1769) and Comfort (1853). It can also be found in Aztec herbals (1552).(Crellin, J.K. and Philpott, J.,Herbal Medicine: Past and Present (Vol. II), Duke University Press, London, 1990, p. 142.) Cayenne has been used as an Ayurvedic herb for many centuries. The Cherokee and the Navaho-Ramah, are known to have used this plant traditionally. Its stimulant properties were used by the Cherokee while the Navaho used the powder as a means of weaning children.

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Reference:

citations1.Capsicum.Cayenne.Red Pepper.Capsicum Annuum and Capsicum Frutescens.

last edit date:18th,May.2009.