[CH] Just for a kick
caseymarion (caseymarion@mindspring.com)
Tue, 21 Jul 1998 09:57:56 -0400
I found this while searching for the capsacium molecular structure:
SCIENCE/HEALTH ABSTRACTS
Vol. 5, No. 3
Copyright 1986 Phylis Austin
CAPSAICIN TOXICITY
Capsaicin, found in various hot peppers, has adverse effects on the
peripheral
nervous system. It also has adverse effects on several important centers
in the
brain, and on enzyme and neuroprotein function in the brain. Intestinal
action on
various nutrients, including protein, is altered to our injury.
Furthermore, the blood
vessels and heart are particularly sensitive to toxic factors in
capsaicin.
One dose of capsaicin is sufficient to destroy almost all substance P
(an important
nerve chemical related to endorphins) in the dorsal root ganglia of the
nervous
system, and causes about a 50 percent loss from part of the spinal cord.
Loss of
substance P may also lead to urinary retention, and because of the
partial paralyzing
effect on the bladder, is undoubtedly only part of why peppers irritate
the bladder
and prostate. Even low doses lead to low core body temperature
(hypothermia),
also due to a toxic influence on the brain. Capsaicin also interferes
with glucose
uptake, and at least one study suggests that it may cause cancer of the
duodenum.
(Nutrition Reviews 44(1)20-23, January, 1986) An earlier report
(Anticancer
Research 4:117-120, 1984) revealed the tumorigenic and mutagenic effect
of
capsaicin.
What are we doing to ourselves!? hehehe
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