Capsaicin induces a protective effect on gastric mucosa along with decreased expression of inflammatory molecules in a gastritis model

Capsaicin (CPS) is a pungent compound found in Capsicum annuum that has shown anti-inflammatory properties. About 50% of the worldwide population suffer from gastrointestinal disorders and treatment guidelines restrict chili pepper consumption. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of CPS consumption on stomach mucosa, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6) and cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2) in gastric mucosa of two experimental models. The first one comprised healthy rats treated with vehicle or CPS 2 mg/kg during 8 weeks, to elucidate whether CPS induces inflammation of gastric mucosa. The second study included a 2-weeks gastritis model induced with oral acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) plus vehicle group, ASA + CPS group and healthy control rats to assess the protective effect of CPS. Histopathological and molecular analysis were performed on stomach samples. Our results showed a protective effect on gastric mucosa and a significant down-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and COX-2 in both experimental models.