Capsaicin effects on human facial and neck temperature

Abstract

Capsaicin is an alkyl-amide that can be found in chilli peppers as its main irritant component with some analgesic properties. It has also many other properties, so it may help to control peripheral nerve pain as well as can be helpful during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Capsaicin, as an irritant compound, affects body temperature. This study was aimed to specify what is its effect to facial and neck temperature. To obtain temperature distribution images the Workswell WIC 640 infrared camera was used in order to measure and visualize temperature. Facial and neck temperatures were measured before and after ingestion of about teaspoonful of Jalapeño chilli pepper extract of 6.000–8.000 SHU. Finally, surface body temperature was affected by ingestion of chilli pepper extract. Using the appropriate amount of capsaicin can be helpful in medicine but the individual variability of physiological reactions to this irritant substance must be considered.