Home > Encyclopedia of Cancer > Capsaicin

Definition

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers, the substance that gives chili and cayenne its heat.

Purpose

Research on the use of capsaicin for cancer patients has focused on several areas:

• its ability to decrease pain
• its potential to be carcinogenic
• any chemoprotective capacity
• any antimicrobial and detoxification properties

Description

Folk accounts of capsaicin's medicinal properties in the form of cayenne have included aiding digestion, promoting the sweating process to create cooling (for reducing a fever), fighting infections, and stimulating the function of the...