Muscle or joint pains can be unbearable. This is the time when you need ...
What is Capsaicin (Cayenne)?
Capsaicin Supplements: Benefits, Usage, Pros, Cons
Do you like spicy? No problem, even if you're not keen on spicy food. The useful properties of hot peppers are now encapsulated and waiting for you to reach for them. Capsaicin is a kind of red peppers (Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annuum), similar to bell peppers, which are highly characteristic with a chilly taste.
Capsaicin has an analgesic effect - it blocks the flow of pain in the nerves and relieves most inflammatory processes. As an analgesic agent, capsaicin is used in creams for the prevention of muscle pain, joint and bone injuries.
The history of their cultivation began in Central and South America about seven centuries ago. They were initially used as an ornamental plant and later in cooking and traditional medicine because of the valuable ingredients found in them. The most popular active ingredient in the fruit (pod) is capsaicin. The plant form of vitamin A - beta carotene is also present in Cayenne pepper.
Where to Buy Capsaicin Supplements?
You can buy capsaicin supplements from your local drug store or online from websites such as Amazon and iHerb. Since capsaicin supplements are dietary supplements, you don't need any prescription to buy capsaicin.
Top 5 Best Selling (Cayenne) Capsaicin Supplements
The products I've selected below are some of the best capsaicin supplements for weight loss, which people use. All supplements in this list are produced by brands I trust and use daily. The products are not ranked in any particular order. The research is based on the people who have used capsaicin under the supplements on the internet, including me.
Product | Name | Buy on iHerb | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Now Foods Cayenne | ||
| #2 Solaray Cool Cayenne | ||
| #3 Jarrow Formulas Cayenne Max | ||
| #4 Nature's Way Cayenne Fruit | ||
| #5 Herb Pharm Cayenne | Cell |
What Is Capsaicin (Cayenne)
While you might not be familiar with this name, Capsaicin, there are high chances that you know its taste Capsaicin is a kind of red peppers (Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annuum), similar to bell peppers, which are highly characteristic with a chilly taste.
Capsaicin is the ingredient in chili peppers that "burns" your mouth. However, it also has a medical purpose. It is mostly utilized in pain-relieving ointments and patches.
The history of their cultivation began in Central and South America about seven centuries ago. They were initially used as an ornamental plant and later in cooking and traditional medicine because of the valuable ingredients found in them.
Again, it is present in different types of hot peppers like cayenne pepper. You can consume it in cooked or raw peppers. Also, you can eat it as dried pepper which you can incorporate in your meals and drinks. Besides, capsaicin supplements are available in the market and in topical ointments that you can smear on your skin.
What Is Capsaicin Used for?
As mentioned above, Capsaicin has a wide array of uses, including relieving pain. As a pain reliever, it works like a stimulant. This is then followed by reducing pain intensity inside the body. While at first, the pain may increase, it typically reduces after some time. Capsaicin encourages the release of a chemical, which is known to be associated with transmitting pain from the nerves to other body parts.
Topical Use
Capsaicin is added in ointments and topicals for applying to your skin. Once you apply capsaicin ointment, gel, cream, or lotion, it may come in handy in relieving various pains, including;
- Pain disorders such as pain from surgery
- Headaches
- Nervous system issues including shingles, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and Diabetic Neuropathy
- Mouth sores as a result of radiation or chemotherapy
- Joint issues like Rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Skin diseases like Psoriasis.
You can apply the capsaicin topicals on your skin up to 4 times daily. At first, you might feel an itchy or burning sensation, though this will progressively reduce after some time. After applying, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands to avoid getting it inside your eyes or on any other mucous membranes since it will leave you with a burning sensation.
Note:
Do NOT use Capsaicin on parts with broken skin.
If you require Capsaicin in high doses, the Qutenza is a good prescription option. This patch is only utilized to deal with nerve pain as a result of Postherpetic Neuralgia. It must be applied and washed out by a doctor or nurse. Moreover, it should be left on your skin for 60 minutes or less, though the Capsaicin continues to kill the pain even after the topical is removed.
Supplements Use
When you consume chili peppers or add Capsaicin to your diet as a supplement, it may boost your body's digestion by surging the digestive juices in the stomach and combating bacteria that could otherwise lead to an infection. Additionally, capsaicin supplements might help combat diarrhea triggered by bacterial infection.
Furthermore, Capsaicin features anti-oxidant properties, shielding the body cells from damage by toxic molecules, also known as free radicals. It is also handy in preventing bacterial infections. Again, Capsaicin supplements may thin mucus, thus making it effortless for the respiratory system to expel it from the lungs. It can strengthen the tissues in the lungs and aid in hindering or treating Emphysema.
What Is Capsaicin Mechanism of Action?
Now that we know what Capsaicin is and its use let us delve into how it works. The precise mechanisms of action of Capsaicin in various products like topicals are not quite clear. However, Capsaicin is a Neuropeptide-active substance that impacts the fusion, release, and transport of substance P, which researchers believe to be the main chemical transmitter of pain impulses from the peripheral to the central nervous system.
Likewise, substance P is known to be released inside the tissues in the joints, where it triggers inflammatory liaises concerned with Rheumatoid Arthritis development. Capsaicin makes the joints and skin less sensitive to pain by exhausting and preventing the re-accumulation of this substance in the sensory neurons. Once substance P is exhausted in the nerve endings, the brain cannot communicate the pain instincts.
Capsaicin purposely binds to TRPV1, which is a protein found on heat and pain-sensing neurons’ pain-making membranes. This is a heat-triggered Calcium Avenue, with the ability to open from 370C to 450C, with 370C being the typical body temperature. Once Capsaicin binds to this protein, the calcium channel reduces its opening ability, therefore opening at temperatures of less than 370C. This is also the reason why Capsaicin is associated with a certain heat sensation.
Extended activation of the neurons drains substance P and hinders re-accumulation. Therefore, neurons without the TRPV1 protein are not affected, which results in prolonged numbness after surgery, whereby the patient feels no pain since Capsaicin is applied when under anesthesia. In the case of chronic utilization of Capsaicin, neurons are drained of their neurotransmitters, which decreases pain. However, once the Capsaicin is eliminated, the neurons will recover.
What Is Capsaicin Structure?
Capsaicin's chemical formula is C18H27NO3.
What are Capsaicin Receptors?
The capsaicin receptor is a channel that is anatomically related to the TRP ion channels. The cloned receptor is triggered by high temperatures within a toxic range, meaning it works as a transmitter of painful thermal stimuli. The Capsaicin receptor is known as the TRPV1 receptor, from the TRP ion channels family.
Capsaicin Metabolism: How Is Capsaicin Metabolized?
Studies have established that the liver metabolizes most of the Capsaicin. Several laboratories experimented on humans and how fast they metabolize it and found that humans can entirely metabolize it within 20 minutes. Also, several metabolites were detected, the most prevalent one being the 16-hydroxicapsaicin, 16,17-dihydrocapsaicin, and 17-hydroxycapsaicin.
Capsaicin Solubility: What Does Capsaicin Dissolve in?
Capsaicin is normally soluble in vegetable oils and alcohol. Also, it is soluble in ethanol, dimethylformamide, and DMSO. Its solubility in these liquids is at least 30 mg/ml.
Capsaicin Sensitivity
The lipid molecule referred to as PIP2 typically bonds to the capsaicin receptor, and it is released, developing a painful or burning sensation. The magnitude at which the TRPV1 receptor is bound to the PIP2 determines how sensitive your body will be to the spice. If you happen to eat spicy, read exactly how long does capsaicin burn last.
What Do We Need to Know About the Active Ingredients of the Cayenne Extract
The most popular active ingredient in the fruit (pod) is capsaicin—the plant form of vitamin A - beta-carotene is also present in Cayenne pepper.
Purpose and Health Benefits
- Analgesic effect - capsaicin blocks the flow of pain in the nerves and relieves most inflammatory processes. As an analgesic agent, capsaicin is used in creams for the prevention of muscle pain, joint and bone injuries.
- Antioxidant activity - thanks to beta-carotene, which is highly active for the disposal of free radicals. Typically one dose of the extract provides sufficient Cayenne carotene to synthesize 1/3 of the daily dose of vitamin A.
Capsaicin supplements and ointments offer many health benefits, from pain relief and weight loss to helping with migraines and headaches, among others. Though, here we'll take a closer look at how it helps in different situations.
Capsaicin for weight loss
Chili peppers can accelerate your body's metabolism rate, aiding you to burn fat and reduce your appetite. By adding hot peppers and Capsaicin into your meals, you may manage to control your body weight.
Capsaicin for pain relief
Capsaicin has been extensively studied as a pain reliever thanks to its capacity to trigger a particular pain receptor (substance P), making the brain release a pain-easing neurotransmitter. It has been integrated into patches, ointments, and creams to combat a wide range of pain, including pain associated with Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain.
Capsaicin for inflammation
While Capsaicin can lead to neurogenic inflammation under specific psychologic circumstances, it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic abilities which are incorporated in topical gels and creams to fight neurogenic pain.
Capsaicin for arthritis
When suffering from arthritis, the disfunction of the pain receptors leads to the body experiencing extended pain symptoms. Capsaicin cream is handy in lessening the pain caused by different arthritis types such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Capsaicin for headache
Research reveals that hot peppers can relieve you of the pain that comes from a headache. This is because it prevents a major neuropeptide (substance P), the main transmitter of pain to the brain, from transmitting pain signals to the brain.
Capsaicin for migraines
Capsaicin is as well handy in treating migraines. This is a condition portrayed by neurological symptoms and highly painful headaches. It has been ranked third among the most common conditions in the world by the Migraines Research Foundation.
Capsaicin Side Effects
Are there any contraindications for taking cayenne supplements? Despite Capsaicin being labeled as safe, it does come with a few possible side effects. For instance, when it comes to topical utilization, the side effects usually take place where you've applied it, and they include:
- Burning
- Redness
- Pain
- Itching
- Swelling
Typically, these side effects are short-term and should go away after some time. It is crucial to understand that it may worsen if you use hot or warm water or are exposed to hot weather. Additionally, because of the nature of Capsaicin, more side effects may appear if not used properly, precisely if you inhale the capsaicin, cream, or ointment.
This is because it could result in respiratory issues like troubled breathing and sneezing. Just like other medication and supplements, infrequent but serious effects may happen, and if they don't clear up or they become more severe, visit your nearest doctor. Capsaicin is not recommended to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Capsaicin Adverse Combinations
It is believed that Capsaicin reacts with Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and drugs for high blood pressure.
Capsaicin Allergy
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to Capsaicin. If you're starting to utilize it in powder form or raw and fresh, begin with small amounts. On the other hand, if you're utilizing a topical product with Capsaicin as an ingredient, you should begin by using it on a small portion of your skin to see if there's an allergic reaction.
Capsaicin Addiction
Capsaicin does not seem to feature any addictive attributes whatsoever. Once it binds to the TRPV1 receptor, it produces a sensation similar to heat, which is why it "burns" your mouth. However, it is not addictive at all.
Capsaicin Diarrhea
Some chili species comprise chemical compounds that result in a warm, burning feeling once it gets into contact with the tissues in the body. Also, it has over-the-counter pain-relieving products. Meanwhile, it can irritate your digestive system and cause diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, it accelerates the digestion process. It could lead to food leaving the digestive tract without being properly broken down, resulting in a burning sensation as you defecate.
Are Capsaicin and Cayenne the Same?
If you love spicy foods, you’ve most likely heard of or used cayenne pepper. It is a long, slender, bright red pepper. Even though it is not as hot as ghost pepper, this pepper is still quite the handful. As with other peppers, the cayenne pepper features the ingredient capsaicin. Therefore, Capsaicin and cayenne are not the same. Cayenne is the pepper, while Capsaicin is the ingredient.
Can You Build Tolerance to Capsaicin?
Yes! Here's how to.
Begin by incorporating small amounts of spice into your food. The more you eat foods with Capsaicin, the faster you begin creating a resistance to a few of its effects. Capsaicin operates on a chemical level, mainly be exposing some taste receptors in your mouth to calcium and sodium ions, resulting in them transmitting a "hot" transmission to the brain. And this is how you taste the pepper and find that it's hot.
However, when you continuously expose your tongue and mouth to pepper, the calcium ions start to shut the receptor door, hindering pain transmissions from being sent. Besides, if you consume plenty of spicy foods for a prolonged period, the nerve ending begins degrading. Therefore, even if you start with small amounts of Capsaicin, you'll make progress in building your resistance to its effects. And as a result, you'll be capable of eating spicy foods.
Another thing to do is eat spicy foods slowly. Why? This is to avoid overpowering your taste buds and mouth. Each time you eat foods with Capsaicin, your body's receptors behave accordingly, and the spicy taste will be renewed and more powerful.
This means you're building up to a more intense heat level as you continue eating and incorporating more Capsaicin into the mouth. Also, eat the pepper on the side. This allows you to slowly add the amount of spice you're comfortable with into your foods. Therefore, the next time you'll be more certain of the amount of spice to include in your food.
Lastly, it would help if you had a coolant close by. As seen above, Capsaicin is not soluble in water; thus, water is not an ideal coolant choice. Sure, you'll feel a bit cool when the water is in your mouth, though upon swallowing it, the Capsaicin will not get neutralized since it doesn't bond with the water. Therefore, try going for an acidic drink like orange juice, lemonade, or milk and read how to neutralize capsaicin on skin.
Why Does Capsaicin Burn?
The burning sensation from chili pepper is not an actual taste. This sensation is a result of the body's response system. Once Capsaicin binds to the TRPV1 receptor, it produces a sensation similar to the one produced by heat, which is why its "burns" your mouth. In this article, you can also read how long does capsaicin stay on skin.
Capsaicin Dosage
The recommended capsaicin dosage varies according to the content percentage of capsaicin in the dry extract. Typically for dry extract content of capsaicin within 0.25%, the recommended doses vary between 30 to 130 mg/day.
In Which Sports and Health Supplements Can We Find Capsaicin (Cayenne)
The extract of red hot pepper can be found on the market more often as an active ingredient from complex antioxidants, in the composition of homeopathic medicine for relieving pain, in thermogenic formulas, and more. However, these days, capsaicin is available in many forms. Some of the most common and used capsaicin products are:
- Capsaicin pills (supplements)
- Capsaicin extract
- Capsaicin tea for weight loss
- Capsaicin powder
- Capsaicin oil
- Capsaicin spray
- Capsaicin cream
- Capsaicin roll on
Capsaicin is also known as Chili extract, Hot pepper extract, trans-8-methyl-N-Vanilyl-6-none amid, Capsaicinoids, Cayenne Extract. And if you happen to cut chilies and accidently touch your face, you first need to get the capsaicin off your hands, before the situation get worse.
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