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Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and affects men and women differently, highlighting the importance of understanding vascular regulation across both sexes. Regular consumption of dietary capsaicin (found in spicy peppers) has been associated with reduced CVD risk, potentially through improvements in vascular function. However, the mechanisms by which dietary capsaicin influences vascular health are not well understood. Passive limb movement-induced hyperemia (PLM) is a non-invasive technique used to assess vascular health. During PLM, a limb (typically the leg) is moved passively—without muscle contraction—by an external force, such as a researcher or mechanical device. This movement increases blood flow primarily through nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation, making it a useful indicator of endothelial function. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of six weeks of capsaicin (cayenne pepper) ingestion, compared with a placebo (psyllium husk fiber), on vascular function measured by PLM-induced hyperemia. METHODS: Sixty young, healthy college students participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Vascular responses were assessed using PLM before and after the six-week intervention. RESULTS: Vascular function, as assessed by the movement-induced hyperemia area under the curve, was 106 ± 109 mL for placebo and 221 ± 219 mL for capsaicin. The difference between groups at post-testing was statistically significant (p < 0.05), suggesting that capsaicin improved the hyperemic response over time. However, no differences were observed in central hemodynamic responses to PLM, indicating no effect of capsaicin on the mechanoreflex. CONCLUSION: Six weeks of dietary capsaicin supplementation enhanced local vascular function, as indicated by greater PLM-induced hyperemia, without altering central cardiovascular responses. These findings suggest that capsaicin may improve endothelial function and peripheral blood flow regulation, supporting its potential role in promoting vascular health.

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