From the Guidelines
Cayenne fruit extract can cause significant side effects, particularly when applied topically, including skin irritation, burning, and redness, as well as gastrointestinal issues like stomach irritation, diarrhea, and nausea, due to its capsaicin content. When considering the use of cayenne fruit extract, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks, particularly in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The evidence suggests that capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne fruit extract, can cause local irritation and burning sensations, which may be severe enough to require medical attention 1. Additionally, the use of capsaicin has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach irritation, diarrhea, and nausea, which can negatively impact quality of life 1.
Some of the common side effects of cayenne fruit extract include:
- Stomach irritation
- Burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach
- Increased sweating
- Flushing
- Runny nose
- Digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Skin irritation, burning, and redness when applied topically
It is crucial to note that people with gastrointestinal disorders, such as ulcers, GERD, or irritable bowel syndrome, should be cautious when using cayenne fruit extract, as it may worsen these conditions 1. Furthermore, cayenne fruit extract can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antihypertensives, and acid reducers, potentially altering their effectiveness 1. If you experience severe reactions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe abdominal pain after consuming cayenne extract, seek medical attention immediately. Start with small amounts to test your tolerance if you're new to using cayenne supplements.
From the FDA Drug Label
Warnings For external use only: ... When using this product: you may experience a burning sensation. The intensity of this reaction varies among individuals and may be severe. The side effects of cayenne fruit extract, which contains capsaicin, may include:
- A burning sensation, which can be severe and varies among individuals
- This sensation generally disappears after several days with regular use 2
From the Research
Cayenne Fruit Extract Side Effects
- The side effects of cayenne fruit extract, which contains capsaicin, have been studied in various research papers 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Capsaicin has been found to have gastroprotective effects, preventing indomethacin- and ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage 3.
- It has also been shown to decrease gastric basal acid output, enhance gastric emptying, and prevent gastric mucosal microbleeding 3.
- However, capsaicin may enhance noxious postprandial heartburn in some individuals, presumably by direct effects on sensory neurons 6.
- A study on the effects of cayenne pepper on the human gastrointestinal microbiota and intestinal inflammation found minimal influence on the gut microbiota and little impact on intestinal inflammation 5.
- Another study found that capsaicin does not stimulate acid secretion, but rather inhibits it, and stimulates alkali and mucus secretions, which can help prevent and heal ulcers 4.
- The management of NSAID-associated peptic ulcer disease, which can be exacerbated by cayenne fruit extract, involves the use of COX-2 inhibitors and antisecretory drugs, particularly proton pump inhibitors 7.