Influence of “Chilies” (Capsicum Annum,L.) on Digestive Functions and Metabolism.

Abstract

The use of chilies or Capsicum as a condiment by tropical and sub-tropical peoples (e. g., in “curry” in Polynesia, Malaysia, India, Arabia, tropical Africa; in “chili-con-carne” in Central America; “lah-ti shou” (hot foods) in southern China) has led us to inquire into the reason for such a widespread habit. We have, therefore, determined the influence of Capsicum annum, L, on the digestive functions and basal metabolism. C. annum, L, var. gr. Sendt., was employed in the gastric secretion observations on man and in one metabolism experiment.

Salivary secretion. Capsicum produces a copious flow of saliva, both in dog and man. In man 1 cc. of Capsicum extract prepared by grinding 10 gm. fresh Capsicum with 20 cc. distilled water and straining through muslin, was introduced into the mouth, quickly distributed by the tongue and spat out. The mouth was then closed for 5 minutes, at the end of which time the accumulated saliva was collected, measured and compared with the amount obtained during a control period without Capsicum. In the unanesthetized dog the Capsicum extract was injected into the mouth and the saliva collected from fistulae of the submaxillary and parotid ducts.

Gastric secretion. For the study of gastric secretion in dogs, Heidenhain- and Pavlov-pouch animals were used. Freshly minced Capsicum was given by mouth (i. e., swallowed), sometimes in gelatine capsules and sometimes without, in amounts ranging from 4 to 20 gm. The following is typical of 23 observations:

The most usual effect of Capsicum upon the stomach appeared to be a slight increase in mucous secretion. It seldom affected the acidity of the gastric juice. Whether with, before or after meals, it neither inhibited nor augmented the usual gastric response.

Experiment with a Rehfuss tube on man showed that the rinsing of the mouth with Capsicum (1 CC.) had no significant secretory (psychic) effect in the subject tested, but that the introduction of Capsicum (20 cc.) into the stomach through the stomach tube caused a distinct response, as shown in the following example. It is of interest to note that on taking Capsicum a warm, tingling sensation is perceived in the epigastrium.