Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens) Products
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Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper (also known as chili or hot pepper) is the fruit of Capsicum frutescens, a shrubby tropical plant. The fruit is technically a berry. Paprika and red or green bell peppers are milder and sweeter-tasting fruit produced from different species in the genus Capsicum. Although cayenne pepper is native to tropical America, it is now cultivated in tropical locations throughout the world and has found its way into the cuisines of many parts of the world, particularly Southeast Asia, China, southern Italy, and Mexico.Capsaicin is the active component of cayenne pepper. It is also the component responsible for the pungent and irritating effects of cayenne pepper. Typically, cayenne pepper contains about 1.5 percent capsaicin and related principals.
The folk use of cayenne pepper is quite extensive. It has been used to treat asthma, fevers, sore throats, and other respiratory tract infections, digestive disturbances, and cancers. The modern medicinal use of cayenne pepper is primarily in the form of topical preparations containing capsaicin. Oral preparations are used primarily to protect against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and to promote weight loss.
The fruit (pepper) is the portion of the plant used for medicinal purposes. Cayenne pepper is available in bulk (ground or flaked), capsules, and tablets as well as in the form of tinctures, fluid extracts, and dry extracts in tablets and capsules).
Interestingly, although many people complain that eating spicy foods irritates their stomach, re-search indicates that consumption of cayenne pepper actually protects against ulcers. Population studies indicate that people who consume the highest level of hot peppers have the lowest rate of peptic ulcer. Capsaicin has been shown to inhibit the growth of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori a suspected causative agent in ulcer formation. Other studies have shown that cayenne pepper can protect the stomach against ulcer formation.
Cayenne Pepper - Heart disease (atherosclerosis) prevention
Cayenne pepper exerts a number of beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. In addition to containing antioxidant compounds, studies have shown that cayenne pepper reduces the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis by reducing blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels; it also reduces the likelihood of blood clot formation, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Cultures consuming large amounts of cayenne pepper have a much lower rate of cardiovascular disease.
Cayenne pepper is usually taken in one of the following forms three times daily:
- Crude powder or flakes: 10 g Tincture (1:5): 2-4 ml (14-1 teaspoon)
- Fluid extract: 1-2 ml (Y>- % teaspoon)
- Dry extract (standardized to contain 0.8-1.1 percent ligustilide): 150-200 mg
Cayenne Pepper - Weight loss
Recent studies have shown that increasing the intake of cayenne pepper may be an effective alternative to stimulant-containing thermogenic formulas (see ephedrine-caffeine combinations) in promoting weight loss. In one study, the addition of 10 g of cayenne pepper to meals significantly increased diet-induced thermogenesis and the burning of fat. In another study, subjects who consumed 10 g of red pepper at breakfast demonstrated significant increases in metabolic markers that represent a thermogenic effect.
Cayenne Pepper Side Effects
Cayenne pepper preparations are extremely irritating to mucous membranes, especially the eyes. Avoid any contact between cayenne and the eyes or other mucous membranes. Wash hands immediately after touching any cayenne pepper preparation to avoid irritation.
In rare cases allergic reactions (hives) have been reported.
Cayenne pepper has been shown to block the ulcer-producing effects of aspirin and may also protect against ulcers caused by other NSAIDs. No other drug interactions are known.
Gastrointestinal irritation, heartburn, nausea, and/or diarrhea are the most common symptoms of over-dosage.
Pregnant/breast-feeding women - Considered safe during pregnancy and lactation.
Children - Suitable for children at one-half the adult dosage.
Seniors - No special precautions are known.
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens) Manufacturers
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