Cayenne pepper is a member of the capsicum family of vegetables (nightshade), which includes jalapeno, paprika, and sweet and bell peppers. While originally native to Central and South America, it now is grown worldwide for use as a spice. While these peppers provide their users with various health benefits, they do pose certain safety hazards and must be used and handled with care.
Identification
Cayenne peppers, also referred to as capsicum, derive their heat-inducing qualities from a chemical compound known as capsaicin. Capsaicin is a neuropeptide-active agent that affects the synthesis, storage, transport and release of substance P, the agent responsible for the transmission of pain impulses from the peripheral to the central nervous system. When it binds to a protein called TRPV1, capsaicin causes heat-sensing neurons to open at a threshold below body temperature, causing a sensation of heat.
Effects
Cayenne peppers are recognized for their ability to promote various health benefits as well as for the reduction of arthritis pain. Still, the negative effects associated with capsaicin must not be underestimated. When this ingredient gets into the eyes, it initiates severe pain, intense tearing, conjunctivitis (infection of the membrane lining the eyelids) and blepharospasm--involuntary contraction of the eyelids. When ingested in excess, cayenne causes nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and burning diarrhea.
Pepper
Oleoresin capsicum, also known as pepper spray, is considered to be a non-lethal control option for police and other law-enforcement agencies. It is designed for crowd control or subduing unruly persons without the use of deadly force. While the National Criminal Justice Reference Service acknowledges the traumatic effects brought on by the use of this concentrated product, it considers pepper spray to be an effective but harmless tool. An article published in the North Carolina Medical Journal by C. Gregory Smith, MD, MPH, and Woodhall Stopford, MD, MSPH, disagrees with the reference service's assessment.
Treatment
In the event that cayenne pepper gets into the eyes, a rinse with cold water may be beneficial. In more severe cases, treat eye burn with topical ophthalmic anesthetics. Capsaicin can be removed from the skin with soap and water or through the use of oily agents such as vegetable oil or petroleum jelly. The primary treatment for the effects of capsaicin is removal from exposure.
Considerations
Cayenne pepper is a beneficial herb, which with a little discretion and common sense, can be used safely. When handling cayenne pepper, it is important for a person to keep her hands away from her eyes, nose and mouth; otherwise, it is possible for residue from the pepper to cause problems. The use of gloves minimizes contact with the skin. Keep this product out of the hands of young children as they may be adversely affected by smaller amounts.
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