Everything You Need to Know About

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

Botanical family: Solanaceae

Parts used: Fruits, Seeds

Overview and Health Benefits

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum), with its potent active compound capsaicin, is widely used in herbal medicine for its diverse therapeutic applications. It is particularly valued for its ability to stimulate circulation, alleviate pain, support digestive health, and enhance metabolic function. Whether ingested or applied topically, cayenne's warming and stimulating properties make it a versatile and effective tool in the medical herbalist’s toolkit, in various contexts.

Key Benefits:

Pain relief
Circulatory stimulant
Digestive health
Metabolic enhancement
Respiratory support

Cayenne is highly regarded for its analgesic properties, particularly in managing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and neuropathy. The capsaicin in cayenne works by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in transmitting pain signals, thereby reducing pain sensations (Deal et al., 1991). Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in relieving osteoarthritis pain, post-herpetic neuralgia, and diabetic neuropathy (Deal et al., 1991; Bernstein et al., 1987; Tandan et al., 1992).

Cayenne is a powerful circulatory stimulant, promoting increased blood flow and improving cardiovascular function. It helps to lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and has been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing blood clots (McIntyre, 2019; Qin et al., 2017). Regular consumption can contribute to overall heart health and may support the prevention of coronary artery disease (Qin et al., 2017; Pengelly, 2004).

Cayenne is well known for its positive effects on digestion. It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, improves absorption and enhances gut motility, making it useful for alleviating symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and constipation (McIntyre, 2019; Ahuja et al., 2006). Additionally, cayenne has been shown to protect the gastric mucosa, potentially reducing the risk of ulcers (Satyanarayana, 2006).

Cayenne plays a significant role in boosting metabolism and supporting weight management. Capsaicin increases thermogenesis, the process by which the body burns calories to produce heat, leading to increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation (Janssens et al., 2014). It may also help in the management of insulin resistance and in reducing the risk of related metabolic disorders (Ahuja et al., 2006). This makes cayenne a valuable addition to weight loss regimens, helping to control appetite and prevent overeating.

Traditionally, cayenne has been used to relieve congestion and support respiratory health. Its warming properties help to thin mucus and clear the sinuses, making it effective in treating colds, bronchitis, and sinusitis (McIntyre, 2019). By promoting circulation and sweating, cayenne also assists the body in managing fevers and expelling toxins (Mills & Bone, 2013).

Safety Profile

Known for its potent therapeutic effects, cayenne should be used with caution, as can produce heat and irritation – it should be avoided internally with those prone to overheating, heartburn and acidity, and/or externally on the skin for those with hypersensitive skin (McIntyre, 2019). It can cause skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritation, especially when oils from the herb or topical preparations remain on the skin (Archuleta, 1995). It's therefore advisable to avoid applying cayenne preparations near open wounds or the eyes and to test them on a small skin area before broader use (McIntyre, 2019). Inhalation of cayenne powder or handling the fruit can lead to bronchoconstriction, posing risks for individuals with asthma (Fuller et al., 1985).

Although its effects on gastrointestinal health are debated, with some studies suggesting protective effects against stomach ulcers and others cautioning against use in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease, prudence is warranted – although an epidemiological study suggests that populations that consume higher amounts of cayenne are less prone to ulcers (Satyanarayana, 2006; Gupta, 2007). It should be avoided for people with haemorrhoids and/or anal fissure (Kuhn & Winston, 2008; Gupta, 2007).

Moreover, cayenne may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, potentially increasing bleeding risk (Wang et al., 1984; Hogaboam & Wallace, 1991).

Given its potent effects, consultation with a healthcare professional is essential before significantly incorporating cayenne into your regimen, particularly if you have existing health conditions or are taking prescribed medications.

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Key Body Systems Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) relates to

Cardiovascular and Circulatory

Digestive System

Musculoskeletal System

Immune System

Respiratory system

Warming

Drying

Key actions

Rubefacient
Circulatory stimulant
Diaphoretic
Carminative
Analgesic

Key uses

Arthritis
Rheumatism
Neuralgia
Improve circulation
Reduce inflammation

Where to Find Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

Cayenne pepper is a striking plant that can be readily identified by its vibrant, tapering fruits that range in colour from green to yellow, orange, and most notably, a brilliant red when fully mature. Botanically, the plant is a small, bushy shrub that typically grows between 30 to 120 centimetres in height. It features lance-shaped, smooth leaves with a glossy surface, arranged alternately along the stems. The flowers of Capsicum annuum are small, usually white or pale green, with five distinct petals, appearing singly or in pairs at the leaf axils. These flowers eventually give rise to the familiar elongated peppers, which are often slightly curved with a pointed tip.

It belongs to the Solanaceae family, commonly known as the nightshade family. This diverse botanical family also includes other well-known plants such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), and eggplants (Solanum melongena), as well as several other species of peppers. The Solanaceae family is characterised by its members' often vibrant and edible fruits, as well as their alkaloid content, which can have potent effects on the body, ranging from medicinal to toxic.

Cayenne pepper thrives in warm, temperate to tropical climates and is native to Central and South America, though it is now cultivated worldwide. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter and does best in full sunlight, where it can absorb the warmth essential for its fruit development. The plant is highly adaptable and can be found in various settings, from home gardens to wild landscapes, particularly in regions where the summer temperatures are consistently warm.

References

Ahuja, K. D. K., Ball, M. J., & Robertson, I. K. (2006). Acute effects of chili on postprandial insulin and glucose concentrations in healthy subjects. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(1), 63-69. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/84.1.63

Archuleta, M. M. (1995). Oleoresin capsicum: Toxicology evaluation and hazard review (SAND95-2129). Sandia National Laboratories. https://web.archive.org/web/20170809163012id_/http://prod.sandia.gov/techlib/access-control.cgi/1995/952129.pdf

Bernstein, J. E., Bickers, D. R., Dahl, M. V., & Roshal, J. Y. (1987). Treatment of chronic postherpetic neuralgia with topical capsaicin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 17(1), 93-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(87)70178-9

Bhat, S. & Gulati, K. (2013). Pharmacological effects of Capsicum annuum in gastrointestinal disorders. Journal of Medicinal Food, 16(5), 473-484. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2012.0189

Deal, C. L., Schnitzer, T. J., Lipstein, E., et al. (1991). Treatment of arthritis with topical capsaicin: a double-blind trial. Clinical Therapeutics, 13(3), 383-395. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1954640/

Fuller, R. W., Dixon, C. M., & Barnes, P. J. (1985). Bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled capsaicin in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology, 58(4), 1080-1084. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1985.58.4.1080

Gupta, P. J. (2007). Red hot chili consumption is harmful in patients operated for anal fissure: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Digestive Surgery, 24(5), 354-357. https://doi.org/10.1159/000107716

Hogaboam, C. M., & Wallace, J. L. (1991). Inhibition of platelet aggregation by capsaicin: An effect unrelated to actions on sensory afferent neurons. European Journal of Pharmacology, 202(1), 129-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(91)90267-t

Janssens, P. L., Hursel, R., & Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S. (2014). Capsaicin increases sensation of fullness in energy balance, and decreases desire to eat after dinner in negative energy balance. Appetite, 77, 44-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2014.02.018

Kuhn, M. A., & Winston, D. (2008). Herbal therapy & supplements (2nd ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor. Aeon.

Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

Pengelly, A. (2004). The Constituents of Medicinal Plants. CABI Publishing.

Qin, Y., Ran, L., Wang, J., et al. (2017). Capsaicin supplementation improved risk factors of coronary heart disease in individuals with low HDL-C levels. Nutrients, 9(9), 1037. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9091037

Satyanarayana, M. N. (2006). Capsaicin and gastric ulcers. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 46(4), 275-328. https://doi.org/10.1080/1040-830491379236

Srinivasan, K. (2016). Biological activities of red pepper (Capsicum annuum) and its pungent principle capsaicin: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56(9), 1488-1500. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2013.772090

Tandan, R., Lewis, G. A., Krusinski, P. B., Badger, G. B., & Fries, T. J. (1992). Topical capsaicin in painful diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care, 15(1), 8-14. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.15.1.8

Wang, J.-P., Hsu, M.-F., & Teng, C.-M. (1984). Antiplatelet effect of capsaicin. Thrombosis Research, 36(6), 497-507. https://doi.org/10.1016/0049-3848(84)90189-0

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Overview and Health Benefits

Key Benefits:

Safety Profile