Hardening of the arteries is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and the number one cause of death in the United States. Hardening of the arteries results from the formation of waxy plaques along your artery walls, which limit blood flow and contributes to high blood pressure. Cayenne pepper, which is probably best known for its pain-relieving qualities, is being studied for its beneficial effects on hardening of the arteries and overall cardiovascular health. More clinical research is needed, so consult your physician before using cayenne to treat any medical condition.
Hardening of the Arteries
Hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, is a slow-developing condition resulting from waxy plaques of cholesterol, fats, calcium and other substances that attach to your artery walls. Although the exact cause isn't known, certain risk factors, such as elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and not getting enough exercise, can predispose you to developing hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in your body, including those that supply blood to your heart and brain. Typical treatment consists of prescription medication and lifestyle changes, but emerging information indicates cayenne also may provide some benefit for hardening of the arteries.
Cayenne for Atherosclerosis
Native to Central America, cayenne, or Capsicum annuum, has been used as spice and a medicine for about 9,000 years. The active ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin, the compound responsible for this red pepper's hot and spicy flavor as well as its medicinal properties. Along with its pain-relieving effects, cayenne also appears to work as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Along with its ability to dilate blood vessels and reduce the stickiness of blood platelets, these properties may account for cayenne's purported benefits in treating hardening of the arteries.
Scientific Evidence
Although only a few clinical studies have been performed, some scientific evidence shows cayenne may be useful in the treatment of hardening of the arteries. A 2003 laboratory study published in "Clinica Chimica Acta" found powdered red pepper supplement to be an effective anti-atherosclerotic agent in rabbits by reducing total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A 2006 clinical study published in "Phytotherapy Research" reported the antioxidant action of capsaicin reduced cholesterol formation by decreasing lipid oxidation in cell membranes, and a 2010 laboratory study published in "Cell Metabolism" indicated ingestion of capsaicin relaxed blood vessels and lowered blood pressure in rats.
Considerations
High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels cause damage and inflammation to artery walls. The injury to the arterial walls appears to be the first step in plaque formation and the development of atherosclerosis. By reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol, cayenne may help prevent this damage from occurring. Get your doctor's advice before using cayenne for hardening of the arteries because it hasn't been shown to be definitively effective. Cayenne causes stomach irritation, so don't take it if you have peptic ulcers or stomach problems. Avoid using cayenne if you are on blood thinners or theophylline, an asthma medication, as cayenne may increase their effects.
References
- "The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook"; Atherosclerosis; Jules Y. T. Lam; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne; November 2008
- AltMD: Cayenne
- "Clinica Chimica Acta"; Red Pepper Attenuates Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Activity and Atherosclerosis in Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits; M.J. Kwan, et al.; June 2003
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Protection of Lipid Peroxidation and Carbonyl Formation in Proteins by Capsaicin in Human Erythrocytes Subjected to Oxidative Stress; S. Lugman, et al.; April 2006
- "Cell Metabolism"; Activation of TRPV1 by Dietary Capsaicin Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation and Prevents Hypertension; Dachun Yang, et al.; August 2010
