Mohammad Sukmanadi, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Sri Agus Sudjarwo, Mustofa Helmi Effendi, Pudji Srianto, Sri Pantja Madyawati, Aulanniam Aulanniam, Mirni Lamid, Hani Plumeriastuti, Imam Mustofa, Adeyinka Oye Akintunde, Bantari Wisynu Kusuma Wardhani, Andi Thafida Khalisa, Bima Putra Pratama, Riza Zainuddin Ahmad, Ilma Fauziah Maruf
Capsaicin is the main bioactive compound in chili peppers (Capsicum sp.) that has attracted widespread attention in pharmacology and health. This substance functions by stimulating the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor, which is involved in the sense of pain, the control of body temperature, and inflammatory reactions. This study reviews the mechanism of action of capsaicin and its applications in various fields of health and clinical therapy. Capsaicin has diverse pharmacological effects, including as an analgesic, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, and metabolic regulator agent in the management of obesity. In addition, this compound shows potential in neurodegenerative therapy, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Capsaicin also has gastroprotective, dermatoprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential ingredient in various medical applications. However, side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, burning sensation, and possible long-term toxicity need to be considered in its use. Therefore, further research is needed to develop safer and more effective formulations. In addition to its medical applications, capsaicin is also used in the food and biotechnology industries. With a deeper understanding of its mechanisms of action such as affecting the nervous system, body fat profiles, and controlling hunger and other mechanisms described in this paper, capsaicin has the potential to be an important component in the development of molecular-based therapies. Further studies are needed to optimize its therapeutic benefits and explore its safety in broader clinical applications. © 2025, Walailak University. All rights reserved.
Division of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong, West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran No.10-11Lowokwaru, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Division of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Division of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Department of Agriculture and Industrial Technology, Babcock University, Ogun, Ilishan Remo, 121003, Nigeria; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Bogor Km. 46 Cibinong, West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; Faculty of Military Pharmacy, Universitas Pertahanan, FVFJ+G4H, Kawasan IPSC Sentul, Sukahati, Citeureup, West Java, Bogor, 16810, Indonesia; Research Center for Agroindustry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Puspiptek 60, Banten, South Tangerang, 15310, Indonesia
