Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) Information

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) Information

Source:
The cayenne plant grows to a height between 2-6 feet and produces long red peppers. Cayenne was originally grown in Central and South America in pre-Columbian times. The herb was cultivated in Mexico 7,000 years ago and in Peru 4,000 years ago. Cayenne was brought to Europe in the fifteenth century by Christopher Columbus. Today, Cayenne is common in tropical regions around the world. Cayenne is a member of the genus Capsicum. Other species of this genus include African peppers, Tabasco peppers, Mexican chili peppers, bell peppers, pimentoes, paprikas, and bird peppers.

Traditional uses:
Cayenne pepper has been used as medicine for centuries. The herb was prescribed for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomachaches, gas and cramping. Cayenne pepper was also frequently used to treat diseases of the circulatory system. Applied topically, cayenne pepper was used as a remedy for arthritis and other rheumatic pains.

Physiology:
The most active ingredient is cayenne capsaicin, a molecule found in the white part of the rhine of the pepper. This component of the pepper is what gives a pepper its "heat". The capsaicin component of the pepper was thought to evolve as defense mechanism for the pepper. The capsaicin component is currently being studied for its ant-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. Capsaicin is also thought to increase the metabolic rate thus providing thermogenic weight loss properties via a process that is not exactly understood. Capsaicin also has the ability to deplete and then block the production of "Substance P," which is thought to be the main chemical messenger of pain from the peripheral sensory nerves to the brain.

Clinical Studies:
Research has shown that Cayenne is responsible for a decrease in appetite and in a similar study an increase in metabolism or thermogenic effect in a Japanese women, Yoshioka M, St-Pierre S, Drapeau V, et al. Effects of red pepper on appetite and energy intake. Br J Nutr 1999;82:115–23., Yoshioka M, St-Pierre S, Suzuki M, Tremblay A. Effects of red pepper added to high-fat and high-carbohydrate meals on energy metabolism and substrate utilization in Japanese women. Br J Nutr 1998;80:503–10.

In addition, there have been numerous studies involving the analgesic effect of the capsaicin component of Cayenne pepper. Clinical studies have shown that capsaicin is effective in blocking Substance P, thus, blocking some of the pain associate with fibromylagia, herpatc pain, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, diabetic foot pain,and toothaches. Lynn B. Capsaicin. Actions on nociceptive C-fibers and therapeutic potential. Pain 1990;41:61–9., Capsaicin study group. Treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy with topical capsaicin. A multicenter, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. The capaicin study group. Arch Int Med 1991;151:2225–9.

Modern day uses:
Today, Cayenne pepper is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist for the following conditions:
Stephan, please place bullets in front of the following:

Analgesic – the herb can provide temporary relief of pain. Its analgesic effects acts to distract the sensory nerves from irritation or pain to provide temporary relief. When there is a lack of Substance P, the sensation of pain diminishes because it cannot reach the brain. Non prescription creams such as Heat or Zostrix contain capsaicin and are applied externally to treat fibromylagia, herpatc pain, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, diabetic foot pain, and toothaches.
Digestive aide – Cayenne is used as a digestive aide in India, East Indies, Mexico, Caribbean and Africa. The herb soothes the digestive tract and stimulates the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. The increased secretions increase the motility of the intestines relieving the symptoms of constipation.
Antitussives - acts as an effective remedy for relieving congestion and coughs. It acts to thin mucus, thus allowing the body to alleviate the thick mucus.
Cold feet - ground cayenne mixed with cornstarch or talcum powder can provide a warming feeling when placed in a pair of socks.. The cayenne causes the blood vessels under the skin of the feet to dilate, thus stimulating extra blood flow and providing warmth to the feet.
Circulation – consuming cayenne has shown to have a positive effect on circulation. Cayenne instantly stimulates blood flow. It dilates arterial walls and cuts through mucus in the veins, thus increasing circulation to the extremities and helping to lower the overall blood pressure. It strengthens the heart, arteries, capillaries and the nerves. Cayenne has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels thus ,decreasing the risk for blood cots and heart attacks.
Nail biting, thumb sucking – when strategically placed on the thumb or nail bed .

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or nursing and children should also consult with their physician prior to taking any new supplements.

Special precautions should be taken to not expose Cayenne to sensitive skin or tissues. Do not continue to apply Cayenne powder to an area for prolong periods or nerve damage may result. Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers should refrain from using the herb. Cayenne may irritate the throat, mouth, eyes, and open lesions. In addition, individuals who are taking theophylline should consult a physician before taking cayenne. Cayenne may increase the amount of theophylline absorbed by the patient's system, thus possibly leading to toxicity (return to homepage).