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The effects of capsaicin on reflux, gastric emptying and dyspepsia
Author(s) -
Sheila Rodriguez–Stanley,
Collings Kl,
Malcolm Robinson,
William J. Owen,
Miner Pb
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2000.00682.x
Subject(s) - heartburn , gastric emptying , capsaicin , medicine , gastroenterology , meal , postprandial , reflux , placebo , antacid , stomach , receptor , alternative medicine , disease , pathology , insulin
Aims: To evaluate capsaicin’s effects on heartburn, dyspepsia, gastric acidity and emptying, and gastro‐oesophageal reflux, and to test the hypothesis that capsaicin induces heartburn and exacerbates symptoms by sensitizing the oesophagus. Methods: Eleven heartburn sufferers underwent two separate pH monitoring sessions and assessments of gastric emptying ( 13 C‐octanoic acid breath test), heartburn and dyspepsia (100 mm VAS) after a non‐irritant meal. The meal consisted of a sausage biscuit with egg, cheese and 30 g raw onion, 8 oz chocolate milk and a peppermint patty. Thirty minutes prior to meal consumption, subjects were administered a placebo capsule. On visit 1, subjects consumed the meal containing 100 μl 13 C‐octanoic acid cooked in the egg, over 15 min. On visit 2, subjects consumed the meal plus 5 mg capsaicin in gelatin capsules. Results: Oesophageal and gastric pH profiles and gastric emptying were not different between meals. Capsaicin did not alter mean heartburn and dyspepsia scores ( P > 0.05), but significantly decreased time to peak heartburn (120 min vs. 247 min; P < 0.003). Time to peak dyspepsia was not altered by capsaicin ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: Capsaicin enhances noxious postprandial heartburn, presumably by direct effects on sensory neurons.