Hi, clifem-ga!
Thank you for an interesting question! Until your question, I hadn?t
ever thought of paprika (AKA Cayenne, Chili Pepper, Capsicum,
Capsaicin) as an herbal supplement in addition to its role as a savory
addition to many dishes! In addition to answering your question, I
have also included some general information on the potential uses for
Paprika. Paprika is more interesting than I had previously
appreciated! It is much more than simply a spice!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Drug Interactions with Paprika
Drug Digest (A service of Express Scripts)
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsInteractions/0,3926,4095|Paprika,00.html
There are a number of potential drug interactions that are listed for
Paprika. The most notable are the effects of paprika on prescription,
over-the-counter, and herbal sedative hypnotics. When used in
combination there can be an *increase* in the level of sedation as
opposed to sleeplessness or insomnia. Some of the medications that are
listed are:
Prescription:
*Anti-convulsants (e.g., Tegretol, Dilantin, Depakote)
*Phenobarbital
*Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Valium)
*Sonata
*Ambien
*Tricyclic Anti-depressants (e.g., amitryptaline, nortryptaline)
Over-the-Counter:
*Preparations containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This is present
in many cough/cold preparations, in addition to many sleep aids such
as Tylenol PM.
Herbal:
*Catnip
*Hops
*Kava-kava
*St. John?s Wort
*Valerian
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
More from Drug Digest
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsWho/0,3923,4095|Paprika,00.html
Paprika (scientific name: Capsicum) is an herb used not only in
cooking, but also for its medicinal qualities. It can be taken orally
or applied topically depending upon the desired results. Oral
preparations include capsules, fresh or dried peppers, powder and tea.
Potential uses for paprika include the following:
*colic
*gas
*indigestion
*poor appetite
*cold symptoms
*fever
*headache
*general pain
Paprika, or capsicum, contains a number of active ingredients. The
most useful of these ingredients are known as ?oleoresins.? They are
oily substances that have various effects. One of the oleoresins is
considered a ?counterirritant,? meaning that when applied to the skin
it causes minor irritation, which should interrupt pain signals from
more serious sources of pain. This is similar to when you have pain in
one area and you pinch yourself in another to distract yourself from
the original pain. This is also much like when we scratch an itch?what
we?re really doing is causing irritation/pain to distract from the
itchiness! The FDA has approved topical preparations containing up to
0.075% of capsaicin (an oleoresin) for human use. Its usual
indications include:
*arthritis pain
*muscle soreness
*fibromyalgia
*psoriasis-associated itching (less common)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Other Side Effects
The Anesthesia Department at Stanford University has compiled a short
list of herbal supplements, along with some indications for use and
some side effects. Paprika (AKA cayenne, chili pepper) is one of those
listed.
http://anesthesia.stanford.edu/kentgarman/clinical/herbs.htm
The Personal Health Zone lists some research articles discussing
potential side effects of Paprika. Some they discuss include the
potentiation (increase in effect) of the effects of Warfarin
(Coumadin?a blood thinner) leading to an increased risk for serious
bleeding. Paprika?s effects on the gastrointestinal tract may also
decrease the body?s ability to absorb some medications.
http://www.personalhealthzone.com/herbal_medicine/side_effects/cayenne_side_effects.html
When used topically, the irritation caused by Capsaicin is useful in
altering pain sensation, but it can also cause skin irritation that is
unbearable to some patients.
http://www.drugs.com/xq/cfm/pageID_0/htm_202626/type_cons/bn_Capsaicin/micr_medex/qx/index.htm#SXX17
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In short, Paprika (Cayenne, Chili Pepper, Capsicum, Capsaicin) in its
oral form does not cause insomnia or sleeplessness. It actually causes
increased sedation when combined with certain medications and herbal
supplements. It is important to discuss with your personal physician
the medications and supplements you are taking at any given time,
prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, natural, or otherwise. If you
are experiencing what you feel to be side effects of Paprika, or any
other substance, be sure to consult your physician to determine
whether these symptoms are due to a drug effect or some other cause.
Thank you again for an interesting question! I am always excited to
learn something new and unique and this experience has been a
satisfying one for me in that way! Should you need further
clarification, please let me know how I can help. Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga
Search terms used
Paprika ?side effects?
Paprika insomnia
Capsicum ?side effects?
Capsaicin ?side effects? |
