Your blood glucose level can create health problems if it rises too high. Over time, untreated high blood sugar progresses to diabetes, putting you at risk of heart attack and stroke. Natural healers sometimes advise cayenne — a spice used in Asian, Mexican and Creole cuisines — to regulate blood glucose. Researchers are currently evaluating its potential to treat obesity and diabetes. Some clinical and animal studies support cayenne’s ability to lower blood glucose, but more research is needed. Consult your doctor before using cayenne.
Constituents
Cayenne peppers belong to a family known as Capsicum peppers, which contain capsaicin, a pungent alkaloid. Drugs.com reports that capsaicin is present in cayenne in an amount of 0.02 percent. Structurally similar to eugenol, which is found in cloves, capsaicin shares its analgesic and anesthetic properties. Bright-red cayenne peppers also contain beneficial carotenoid plant pigments — including lutein and carotene — as well as vitamin B-1 and the antioxidant vitamins A and C. Proteins and tannins are also present, as are citric, tartaric and malic acids.
Effects
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center credits cayenne’s lignan glycosides with documented antioxidant activity, and reports that capsaicin may increase insulin and decrease blood glucose levels. Insulin facilitates the absorption of glucose by the cells. The University of Maryland Medical Center concurs that capsaicin may help to regulate blood glucose levels by affecting the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Research
In an animal study published in 2007 in "European Journal of Neuroscience," researchers discovered a capsaicin-sensitive inhibitory component in the pancreas, and found that applying capsaicin before the development of high blood sugar could prevent increases in both fasting and non-fasting glucose levels. The capsaicin also prevented decreased tolerance to insulin. The team speculated that capsaicin-sensitive fibers could play a role in managing human Type 2 diabetes. In a clinical study published in 2009 in "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand," researchers measured plasma glucose levels in healthy volunteers 30 and 45 minutes after administration of 5 grams of capsicum. Levels were significantly lower than levels in those who had received a placebo. The team concluded that capsaicin has a potential for use in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Usage and Considerations
Cayenne peppers may be eaten raw or cooked; dried, powdered cayenne can be sprinkled over food. You can also take capsaicin in capsules; according to the UMMC, the usual dosage is 30 to 120 milligrams three times a day. Cayenne is generally recognized as safe when used as a food, but possible side effects include gastrointestinal irritation, sweating, flushing, watery eyes and runny nose. Allergic reactions to cayenne have been reported; an allergy to latex, bananas, kiwi, chestnuts or avocado may make a reaction more likely. Cayenne can also interact with prescription medications. Consult your doctor before using cayenne. If you are pregnant, avoid cayenne in amounts larger than those used in food. The UMMC advises you to avoid cayenne completely if you are breastfeeding.
