Cayenne Pepper and Cancer

Best known as an ingredient in hot sauces, cayenne pepper literally has become a hot topic for medical research. Its elongated, reddish-orange fruits account for the plant's rich history of culinary and medicinal use. While the need for further scientific evidence exists, preliminary studies suggest that the herb might help combat certain cancers. As with all herbs, however, consult your physician before use.

Cancer

The term "cancer" encompasses a group of diseases in which normal body cells mutate into malignant cells. The malignant cells pass on faulty genetic information to additional cells and begin to multiply wildly in an abnormal and destructive manner. Though the exact cause of the conversion of normal cells into cancerous ones remains unclear, oncologists recognize that hereditary, environmental and biological factors play roles in the development of cancer.

About Cayenne

Cayenne, otherwise called Capsicum frutescens, is an evergreen shrub that grows to heights of 3 feet and bears egg-shaped leaves and yellowish-white flowers. Native to Central America, cayenne's therapeutic effect is tied to capsaicin, the plant's active ingredient and heat source. Essentially, the hotter the pepper, the more potent its medicinal power.

Cayenne Benefits

A 1997 lab animal study conducted at Loma Linda University in California and published by PubMed indicates that the consumption of hot cayenne peppers might help prevent lung cancer in smokers. Capsaicin appears to stop the activation of NNK, a substance found in tobacco that promotes lung cancer in smokers, reducing the occurrence of tobacco-induced cancerous lung tumors. Capsaicin might also help protect against the formation of tobacco-induced cancerous liver tumors. Furthermore, according to U.S.Pharmacist.com, the American Association for Cancer Research found that capsaicin seems to possess the ability to kill prostate cancer cells. Additional studies on humans are necessary to confirm cayenne's efficacy as a cancer preventative, however.

Cautions and Considerations

Do not use cayenne when using aspirin, blood-thinning drugs and theophylline, a medication for asthma. When ingested on a regular basis, cayenne might reduce the ability of the liver enzyme CYP1A2 to allow your liver to eliminate these medications. Cayenne can also cause stomach upset, and excessive quantities can lead to abdominal pain, liver disorders and kidney damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People with heartburn and ulcers should avoid cayenne. Children and pregnant and nursing women should check with a physician before use.