Effects of dietary capsaicin on cardiovascular health and sex differences
Impact of Sex in the Effect of Dietary Capsaicin on Cardiovascular Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether eating capsaicin, the spicy compound found in chili peppers, can improve heart health differently for men and women over six weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Skidmore College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saratoga Springs, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06363305 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates how dietary capsaicin affects cardiovascular health, focusing on potential differences between men and women. The study will involve a 6-week intervention where participants will receive dietary capsules containing capsaicin or a placebo. Key measurements will include blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and nitric oxide bioavailability, with a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design to ensure reliability. The goal is to understand the mechanisms behind capsaicin's effects on cardiovascular function and how these may vary by sex.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are relatively healthy, non-smoking men and women over the age of 18 with elevated blood pressure.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, severe illness, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to tailored dietary recommendations for improving cardiovascular health based on sex.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on sex differences in dietary capsaicin's effects is novel, previous studies have shown potential cardiovascular benefits of capsaicin.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * relatively healthy (other than elevated blood pressure) non-smoking men and women over the age of 18 from the local community Exclusion Criteria: * Women who are without a period (not due to a birth control method, intrauterine device or menopause), are pregnant, attempting to conceive, or are breastfeeding will be excluded. * uncontrolled hypertension * Anyone with severe illness or compromised or suppressed immune system (e.g. taking immune suppressants, chronic viral infection or treatment). * Any participants with excessive sensitivity to spicy foods or fiber (psyllium husk) will be excluded * Participants with food allergies will be excluded * Participants who have difficulty swallowing or swallowing pills may be excluded. * Participants who suffer from heartburn, hiatal hernia, gastritis, or peptic ulcer disease may be excluded.
Where this trial is running
Saratoga Springs, New York
- Skidmore College — Saratoga Springs, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stephen Ives, PhD
- Email: sives@skidmore.edu
- Phone: 5185808366
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.