Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center cayenne has been used orally and topically for medicinal purposes. Herbalists claim benefits to taking cayenne pepper as a supplement, however it is not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and should be discussed before taking with your family doctor.
Cluster Headaches
A cluster headache is a severe one sided headache that tends to occur in clusters. They can happen repeatedly every day at the same time for several weeks explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Capsaicin in cayenne pepper has very powerful pain relieving properties including the relief of cluster headaches. Using Cayenne Pepper for a cluster headache should only be done under the supervision of a health care professional.
Indigestion Relief
The oral use of cayenne may reduce the pain of minor indigestion, or dyspepsia. According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in a study using 30 individuals, those taking cayenne pepper daily experienced significant improvements in pain, bloating, and nausea with indigestion compared to the placebo. If you suffer from dyspepsia, discuss the use of cayenne with your doctor.
Prostate Cancer
"U.S. Pharmacist" states that capsaicin in cayenne pepper can down regulate prostate specific antigen and androgenic receptors in prostate cancer patients. Capsaicin is able to kill prostate cancer cells by causing them to undergo apoptosis, or to kill the steroid activated proteins that control expression of specific growth related genes. Speak with your care provider regarding the use cayenne pepper and prostate cancer.
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