1. Potential uses of capsicum for dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia is characterised by a reduction in good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol and triglycerides. Studies have shown that red capsicum and one of its important constituents, capsaicin, may potentially control the altered parameters in dyslipidemia. Zafar et al. conducted a study in 2012 on male rats to assess the effect of an aqueous extract of red pepper on the lipid profile. Rats that were administered an aqueous extract of red pepper (200mg/kg) showed a reduction in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This may indicate that the consumption of capsicum may help in managing dyslipidemia. However, more studies on humans are needed to support these claims.3
2. Potential uses of capsicum for managing blood glucose
Capsicum contains phytochemicals like capsaicin and capsiate (capsaicin analogue), which may exhibit a hypoglycaemic effect (reduction in blood glucose). Sanati et al. conducted a study in 2017 to assess the effect of capsaicin on blood glucose in rats with Type-I DM. The rats were administered 6mg/kg capsaicin and capsiate for 28 days. The study results showed that capsaicin and capsiate might help reduce blood glucose. This may indicate that the consumption of capsicum may help manage blood glucose. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results in humans.4
3. Potential uses of capsicum for improving metabolism
Capsicum has a high amount of capsaicinoids, which may help improve metabolism. Capsaicinoids are known to stimulate vasodilatation (increased blood flow) which increases thermogenesis (heat production). An increase in thermogenesis increases the rate of metabolism. This may indicate that the consumption of capsicum may help in improving metabolism. However, more studies are needed to support these claims.5
4. Potential uses of capsicum for cancer
Capsaicin is a bioactive phytochemical which is abundant in capsicum. A literature review by Chapa et al. conducted in 2016 states that capsaicin can alter the gene expression in various stages of cancer cell survival, angiogenesis and metastasis. Therefore, there is a certainty that the consumption of capsicum may help manage cancers, but we need more human studies to support these claims.6
5. Potential uses of capsicum for wound healing
Capsicum contains phytochemicals like capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, traditionally used for wound healing. However, scientific evidence for this is limited. Ekom et al. conducted a study in rats in 2021 to assess the antibacterial potential of capsicum extract as a support to wound healing process. The results of this study claimed the use of capsicum as an antibacterial ingredient. However, more studies are needed to confirm these claims in humans.7
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