Volume 29, Issue 155, January 2025

Health Implications of Capsaicin: Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Spicy Foods - a review of the literature

Michalina Doligalska^1♦, Daniel Zieliński², Emilia Bachoń³, Wiktoria Wesołowska⁴, Aleksandra Stremel⁵, Anna Weigle⁶, Agnieszka Leszyńska⁴, Aleksandra Jonkisz⁷, Małgorzata Sędek⁸, Weronika Tuszyńska⁹

¹Medical Hospital in Garwolin, Lubelska 50, 08-400 Garwolin, Poland
²Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland
³Clinical Hospital in Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
⁴Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Maius, Fredry 10, 61- 701 Poznan, Poland
⁵Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Orłowski Hospital, Czerniakowska 231, 00-416, Warsaw, Poland
⁶Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Medical University of Wroclaw, 50-425 Wroclaw, Poland
⁷University Hospital in Poznań, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
⁸Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland
⁹University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding Author
Medical Hospital in Garwolin, Lubelska 50, 08-400 Garwolin, Poland

ABSTRACT

Capsaicin is very well known as the principal active constituent in chili peppers, however, despite widespread recognition of this substance as a simple enhancer of spicy flavour, it is also a complicated agent that exerts its effects on human health. This review discusses the bifold potency of capsaicin, signifying its strong therapeutic potential and concomitant risks. By interaction with TRPV1 receptors, capsaicin provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which makes it exceptionally suitable for managing chronic pain, inflammation, or neuropathy. It also has been proven neuroprotective, cognitively improving, and possibly effective in degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. In addition to all of that, Capsaicin has also a noticeable influence on the cardiovascular system and metabolic regulation, by improving lipid profiles, and endothelial function. Its anticancer activity through apoptosis promotion and inhibition of angiogenesis emphasizes its therapeutic versatility. However, some side effects depending on dosage have also been proven, making it mandatory to take it into consider it when choosing the appropriate amount of the dose. Excessive intake can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and further aggravate reflux symptoms, as well as damage to the esophageal endothelial barrier. In addition, in some cases, it has been associated with vasoconstriction due to high intake, which might be concerning for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Studies also link it with increased abdominal obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia.

Keywords: Capsaicin, TRPV1 Receptors, pain relief, cancer prevention, metabolic health, cardiovascular effects

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e16ms3515

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i155.e16ms3515

Published: 23 January 2025