Pharmacokinetic and The Effect of Capsaicin in Capsicum frutescens on Decreasing Plasma Glucose Level
Kamon Chaiyasit MSc*, Weerapan Khovidhunkit MD, PhD**, Supeecha Wittayalertpanya MSc***
Affiliation : * Inter-department of Pharmacology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : The active substance found in Capsicum frutescens (capsicum) that gives hot and spicy flavor is
capsaicin, and it seems to have many pharmacological effects.
Objective : The present research was conducted to study the effect of capsicum on plasma glucose level and to
correlate its action with the pharmacokinetic properties of capsaicin in capsicum.
Material and Method: The crossover study was performed in 12 healthy volunteers by performing the OGTT
while receiving placebo or 5 grams of capsicum. The insulin secretion and capsaicin level in plasma were
measured using the HPLC method.
Results : The results of the OGTT showed that plasma glucose levels in volunteers who received capsicum were
significantly lower than those in the placebo group at 30 and 45 minutes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, plasma
insulin levels were significantly higher at 60, 75, 105, and 120 minutes (p < 0.05). When comparing before
and after capsicum intake, the results showed the insulin levels were maintained. The pharmacokinetic
parameters of capsaicin shown as Cmax , Tmax , AUC0-t , T1/2 are 2.47 + 0.13 ng/ml, 47.08 + 1.99 min, 103.6 + 11.3
ng.min/ml, and 24.87 + 4.97 min, respectively.
Conclusion : In conclusion, the present study found that 5 grams of capsicum presented capsaicin levels that
were associated with a decrease in plasma glucose levels and the maintenance of insulin levels. The present
result might have clinical implications in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Keywords : Capsaicin, Capsicum frutescens, Pharmacokinetic, Insulin, Plasma glucose
