Chili Peppers

Uses

Botanical names:
Capsicum annuum var. annuum

Parts Used & Where Grown

Originally from South America, chili peppers are now used worldwide as a food and spice. Chili peppers include cayenne, jalapeños, habanero, and other peppers characterized by their capsaicin content. The fruit is used medicinally.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
3 Stars
Osteoarthritis
Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful joints
When rubbed over painful joints, cayenne extract creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin may reduce the pain and tenderness of osteoarthritis.
Several double-blind trials have shown that topical use of extract creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin reduces pain and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis. These creams are typically applied four times daily for two to four weeks, after which twice daily application may be sufficient. Products containing capsicum oleoresin rather than purified capsaicin may not be as effective.
3 Stars
Pain
Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas
Capsaicin, an extract of cayenne pepper, appears to work by blocking pain signals and may ease many types of chronic pain when applied regularly to the skin.

Capsaicin is an extract of pepper that may ease many types of chronic pain when applied regularly to the skin. In animal studies, capsaicin was consistently effective at reducing pain when given by mouth, by injection, or when applied topically. A controlled trial in humans found that application of a solution of capsaicin (0.075%) decreased sensitivity of skin to all noxious stimuli. One review article deemed the research on capsaicin’s pain-relieving properties “inconclusive.” However, in several uncontrolled and at least five controlled clinical trials, capsaicin has been consistently shown to decrease the pain of many disorders, including trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, and cluster headaches. For treatment of chronic pain, capsaicin ointment or cream (standardized to 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin) is typically applied to the painful area four times per day. It is common to experience stinging and burning at the site of application, especially for the first week of treatment; avoid getting it in the eyes, mouth, or open sores.

3 Stars
Postherpetic Neuralgia and Pain
Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas
A component of cayenne pepper known as capsaicin can be applied as a cream or ointment to soothe the pain of postherpetic neuralgia.

The hot component of pepper, known as capsaicin, is used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. In a double-blind trial, a cream containing 0.075% capsaicin, applied three to four times per day to the painful area, greatly reduced pain. In another study, a preparation containing a lower concentration of capsaicin (0.025%) was also effective. Two or more weeks of treatment may be required to get the full benefit of the cream.

3 Stars
Psoriasis
Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over pain areas with unbroken skin
to relieve itching and help heal sores. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which relieves pain and itching and may help heal sores..

contains a resinous and pungent substance known as capsaicin. This chemical relieves pain and itching by depleting certain neurotransmitters from sensory nerves. In a double-blind trial, application of a capsaicin cream to the skin relieved both the itching and the skin lesions in people with psoriasis. Creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin are generally used. There may be a burning sensation the first several times the cream is applied, but this usually become less pronounced with each use. The hands must be carefully and thoroughly washed after use, or gloves should be worn, to prevent the cream from accidentally reaching the eyes, nose, or mouth and causing a burning sensation. The cream should not be applied to areas of broken skin.

3 Stars
Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy
Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times daily to areas of nerve pain
Topically applied capsaicin (from cayenne) has been shown to relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Double-blind trials have shown that topical application of creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin (from cayenne [Capsicum frutescens]) can relieve symptoms of diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy). Four or more applications per day may be required to relieve severe pain. This should be done only under a doctor’s supervision.
3 Stars
Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy
Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times daily to areas of nerve pain
Topically applied capsaicin (from cayenne) may help relieve nerve pain.
Double-blind trials have shown that topical application of creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin (from cayenne [Capsicum frutescens]) can relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the extremities caused by diabetes). Four or more applications per day may be required to relieve severe pain. This should be done only under a doctor’s supervision.
2 Stars
Anal Itching
An ointment containing 0.006% capsaicin, thinly applied three daily for 4 weeks
In a double-blind trial, topically applying capsaicin relieved chronic anal itching in 70% of patients.
In a double-blind trial, topical application of capsaicin (a component of cayenne) relieved chronic anal itching in 70% of patients. The preparation used was an ointment containing 0.006% capsaicin, which was made by diluting a commercially available capsaicin product with white soft paraffin. The preparation was applied in a very thin layer to the area around the anus three times per day for four weeks. All patients experienced some burning around the anus after each application; this decreased significantly after four weeks of application, but did not disappear completely. Some patients needed to continue applying capsaicin occasionally after the first four weeks to prevent the itching from recurring.
2 Stars
Cluster Headache
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner
Capsaicin, a constituent of cayenne pepper, applied inside the nostrils may ease the pain of cluster headaches and reduce recurrences.

Substance P is a nerve chemical involved in pain transmission that may cause some of the symptoms of cluster headache. Capsaicin, a constituent of pepper, can reduce the levels of substance P in nerves. Preliminary clinical trials investigating the use of intranasal capsaicin for the prevention and treatment of cluster headaches report significant decreases in the number of cluster episodes in some of the participants. The decreases usually lasted no more than 40 days after the end of treatment, although a few patients have experienced relief for up to two years. In a double-blind study, patients who received capsaicin intranasally twice daily for seven days during a cluster episode had a significant reduction in pain for the following 15 days. As capsaicin can cause burning and irritation, this treatment should be utilized only under the supervision of a qualified doctor.

2 Stars
Obesity
6 to 10 mg of capsinoids or 135 mg of capsaicin per day
Compounds from chili pepper have been found to slightly increase energy expenditure, fat-burning, and weight loss.
Research has suggested cayenne chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) and chili extracts may help people lose weight by increasing energy expenditure, modulating metabolism in adipose tissue, interfering with dietary fat absorption, and decreasing appetite. In a placebo-controlled trial that included 80 participants with obesity, taking 6 mg of capsinoids from chili pepper daily for twelve weeks resulted in two pounds of body weight loss compared to one pound of body weight loss in those taking placebo. A four-week placebo-controlled trial in 44 participants with overweight and obesity also noted a non-statistically significant trend toward weight loss and increased energy expenditure and fat-burning in those taking 10 mg per day of capsinoids. In addition, a trial in 91 subjects who had lost 5–10% of their body weight found those receiving 135 mg per day of capsaicin (extracted from chili pepper) for three months had a sustained increase in fat burning and regained less weight compared to those receiving placebo. Other clinical evidence suggests only people with metabolically active brown adipose tissue (a type of fat tissue that produces heat) have increases in fat-burning and energy expenditure in response to taking chili pepper extract.
2 Stars
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas
A cream containing capsaicin, a substance found in cayenne pepper, may help relieve pain when rubbed onto arthritic joints.

A cream containing small amounts of capsaicin, a substance found in pepper, can help relieve pain when rubbed onto arthritic joints, according to the results of a double-blind trial. Capsaicin achieves this effect by depleting nerves of a pain-mediating neurotransmitter called substance P. Although application of capsaicin cream initially causes a burning feeling, the burning lessens with each application and disappears for most people in a few days. Creams containing 0.025–0.075% of capsaicin are available and may be applied to the affected joints three to five times a day. A doctor should supervise this treatment.

1 Star
Athletic Performance
Refer to label instructions
Capsaicin, a constituent of cayenne, has been shown to reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis and provide relief from chronic low back pain.
, applied four times per day over painful joints in the upper or lower limbs, reduces pain caused by osteoarthritis, and a plaster containing capsaicin applied to the low back for several hours per day provided relief from chronic low back pain in one study. Other uses of cayenne or capsaicin for sports and fitness have not been studied.
1 Star
Bursitis
Refer to label instructions
Some doctors recommend using the anti-inflammatory herbs boswellia, turmeric, willow, and topical cayenne ointment for bursitis.

While there have been few studies on herbal therapy for bursitis, most practitioners would consider using anti-inflammatory herbs that have proven useful in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. These would include boswellia, turmeric, willow, and topical ointment.

1 Star
Low Back Pain
Refer to label instructions
Topical cayenne pepper has been used for centuries to reduce pain and to diminish localized pain for a number of conditions.

Topical pepper has been used for centuries to reduce pain, and more recently, to diminish localized pain for a number of conditions, including chronic pain, although low back pain has not been specifically investigated. Cayenne creams typically contain 0.025–0.075% capsaicin. While cayenne cream causes a burning sensation the first few times used, this decreases with each application. Pain relief is also enhanced with use as substance P, the compound that induces pain, is depleted. To avoid contamination of the mouth, nose, or eyes, hands should be thoroughly washed after use or gloves should be worn. Do not apply cayenne cream to broken skin.

1 Star
Migraine Headache
Refer to label instructions
Capsaicin, the active constituent of cayenne, may be applied inside the nose as a treatment for acute migraine under a doctor’s supervision.

There is preliminary evidence that capsaicin, the active constituent of , can be applied inside the nose as a treatment for acute migraine. However, as intranasal application of capsaicin produces a burning sensation, it should be used only under the supervision of a doctor familiar with its use.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

The potent, hot fruit of cayenne has been used as medicine for centuries. It was considered helpful by herbalists for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach aches, cramping pains, and gas. Cayenne was frequently used to treat diseases of the circulatory system. It is still traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic (a substance believed to improve circulation). Rubbed on the skin, cayenne is a traditional, as well as modern, remedy for rheumatic pains and arthritis due to what is termed a counterirritant effect. A counterirritant is something that causes irritation to a tissue to which it is applied, thus distracting from the original irritation (such as joint pain in the case of arthritis).

Information about Chili Peppers

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.