Capsaicin, the Spicy Ingredient of Chili Peppers: Effects on Gastrointestinal Tract
Capsaicin is a chili pepper extract with analgesic properties. Over the decades, it has demonstrated broad biological characteristics, as antioxidant, anti-obesity, pain-alleviating, and anti-inflammation effects. This spicy ingredient is added to formulations of cream, liquid, and patch preparations of various strengths; however, it may also be found in some dietary supplements. But high dose of this neuropeptide can cause damage to gastrointestinal mucosa by inducing gastric inflammation and result in structural changes of the intestinal barrier. A research group from China found that a dose above 60mg/kg caused significant inflammation and histopathological changes in the jejunum, ileum, and colon, but only slight in the stomach. As such, even with all the benefits of this ingredient, caution should be taken for those individuals who have a compromised gastrointestinal system. Details by the link.
