Evidence supporting the use of: Capsaicin
For the health condition: Dyspepsia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, has been investigated for its potential role in the management of dyspepsia (indigestion). Several small clinical studies and trials have provided preliminary evidence supporting its use, though the overall quality and quantity of evidence remains limited, justifying a low-to-moderate rating.

The proposed mechanism involves capsaicin’s ability to desensitize visceral afferent nerves in the gastrointestinal tract by acting on the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor. This desensitization may reduce the perception of pain and discomfort associated with functional dyspepsia. A notable randomized controlled trial (Bortolotti & Porta, NEJM 2012) demonstrated that patients with functional dyspepsia who received red pepper powder (containing capsaicin) experienced significantly reduced symptoms compared to placebo after several weeks of daily administration. Other small studies have echoed these findings, suggesting symptom improvement after repeated exposure, despite an initial increase in discomfort.

However, the evidence is not robust. Most studies to date have small sample sizes, short durations, and lack long-term follow-up. Additionally, the use of capsaicin in dyspepsia management is not universally accepted in clinical practice, and some patients experience increased gastrointestinal discomfort upon initial use, which may limit tolerability.

In summary, there is some scientific basis for the use of capsaicin in functional dyspepsia, but the supporting evidence is limited and further high-quality research is necessary before widespread recommendation.

More about Capsaicin
More about Dyspepsia

Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia

cutch
allspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
apple
artichoke
barberry
basil
myrobalan
berry flavor
betel
bilberry
black pepper
blackberry
rice
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
fennel
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
heartwood
Indian tinospora
licorice root
marshmallow
mustard seed
oregon grape
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
plantain
plum fruit
raspberry
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
triphala
gastrodia
cardamom
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
peony
boxthorne
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
chrysanthemum
dioscorea
fern
hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
wood betony
white oak
indigo leaves
enzymes blend (proprietary)
geranium
Avens
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Ananain
Abuta
Aniseed myrtle
Arisaema
Black Seed
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Belleric myrobalan
Bistort
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bael
Boswellia
Banyan
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bitter principals
Black root
banana
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Centaury
Cinnamomum
Combretum quadrangulare
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Capsaicin
Curcumen
Catechu
Campylandra fimbriata
Colombo
Corktree
Curcuma
Chirata
Costus
Colocynth
Celosia
Dianthrone
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Four leaved grass
Goldthread
Genipap
Gnaphalium
Guava
Gentianella amarella
Gallotannin
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Snakeroot (unspecified)

Products containing Capsaicin

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.