Complementary medicine research studies have outlined the role of capsaicin in reducing food consumption, which may be mediated by the stomach. Capsaicin, is the active component found in hot chillies.
2. A recent study from University's
Centre for Nutrition and
Gastrointestinal Diseases (based at
the South Australian Health and
Medical Research Institute) has
investigated the association between
the feeling of fullness and hot chilli
pepper receptors (TRPV1) in the
stomach. Lead author, Professor
Amanda Page suggested that the
activation of nerves following a stretch
of the stomach due to fullness is
regulated through the hot chilli pepper
3. Previously, other complementary
medicine research studies have
outlined the role of capsaicin in
reducing food consumption, which
may be mediated by the stomach.
Capsaicin is the active component
found in hot chillies.
4. Professor Page suggested that
findings of deletion of TRPV1 cause a
decline in the response of gastric
nerves to stretch. As a result of the
reduced activation of nerves, an
individual begins to feel less full and
therefore consumes more food.
5. Furthermore, results from another
recent study have suggested
malfunctioning of TRPV1 receptors
due to a high fat diet. Results from
this study will ultimately guide
researchers in the development of
new therapies targeting obesity.
6. In order to establish the definitive role
of TRPV1 receptors, more research is
needed and further investigation is
required to determine the association
of high fat diets and de-sensitise of
TRPV1 receptors.
7. In conclusion, the use of Capsaicin as
a natural weight loss supplement may
be an optimistic therapy in the future,
but more research is required.