Is Capsaicin A Cancer Killer?

We’ve discussed the use of capsaicin for joint and muscle aches in the past, and research has shown it may also have the ability to kill cancer cells. Capsaicin is the compound found in hot chili peppers such as jalapeño and cayenne. Recently research from Nottingham University in the UK found that capsaicin was very effective at killing cultures of human lung and pancreatic cancer cells. The study was therefore interesting because capsaicin was very selective at killing only cancer cells, leaving normal cells totally unharmed. This is a most important finding and may affect many who have to undergo cancer treatment.

Since capsaicin is already commonly found in our diets, making a product to treat cancer should be much quicker and less costly than using
some potentially dangerous compound that would require many years of study. The researchers suggested that skin cancer might be
the first application for the product. Capsaicin has routinely been used topically for joint and muscle aches and pains and for psoriasis, without any problems.

Capsaicin is unique because it attacks the mitochondria or energy-generating components of cancer cells. In theory this would make it effective against all forms of cancer. Again, since it’s so plentiful and safety isn’t an issue it could be a real breakthrough and at a reasonable price. Pure capsaicin or hot pepper oil would be highly irritating to the skin, so further research is needed to determine the strength that’s both safe and effective. We will keep our readers informed as studies progress.