Dietary Capsaicin for High Blood Pressure

This trial explores whether dietary capsaicin, the spicy component in chili peppers, can improve heart health by affecting blood pressure and blood vessel function. Researchers are particularly interested in whether these effects differ between men and women. Participants will take either a capsaicin supplement or a placebo that looks similar but lacks capsaicin. The trial seeks generally healthy men and women with high blood pressure who are not affected by severe illness, pregnancy, or a strong sensitivity to spicy foods.

As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research on natural ways to enhance heart health.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have uncontrolled hypertension or are taking immune suppressants, you may be excluded from participating.

Research shows that eating spicy foods and chili peppers, which contain capsaicin, is usually safe for most people. Some studies suggest that capsaicin can lower blood pressure in animals and might benefit heart health. However, excessive capsaicin consumption can sometimes cause side effects like sweating, dizziness, or changes in blood pressure. Overall, regular capsaicin use is linked to some health benefits, but maintaining a normal intake level is important to avoid potential risks.¹²³⁴⁵

Most treatments for high blood pressure, like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, work by relaxing blood vessels or slowing the heart rate. But dietary capsaicin, derived from Capsicum peppers, offers a unique approach. It's thought to naturally lower blood pressure by enhancing blood flow and supporting heart health through its spicy compound capsaicin. Researchers are excited because this natural ingredient could provide a simple, over-the-counter alternative with potentially fewer side effects than standard medications.

Research suggests that capsaicin, the ingredient that makes chili peppers hot, might help manage high blood pressure. One study found that capsaicin significantly lowered blood pressure in just 16 days. Another study showed that people who eat spicy foods, like chili peppers, had a lower risk of dying from heart problems. However, a review that combined results from several studies found no clear effect of capsaicin on blood pressure. This trial will test the effects of dietary capsaicin on blood pressure, comparing it to a placebo. While previous findings are hopeful, they are mixed, and more research is needed to confirm if capsaicin truly benefits blood pressure.¹²³⁶⁷