Effect of capsaicin on skeletal muscle lipoprotein lipase in rats fed high fat diet.

A synthetic analogue of capsaicin (0.2 mg%) fed to female Wistar rats along with a high fat diet for 11 weeks, lowered adipose tissue weight and also liver and serum triglycerides. The compound elevated total post heparin plasma lipase and skeletal muscle lipase activities. The increase in the latter indicates the possible mechanism by which capsaicin enhances serum triglyceride uptake by muscle tissue and in turn lowers triglyceride levels. A single dose of capsaicin even at a much higher level failed to lower serum triglycerides emphasizing the necessity of continuous ingestion of capsaicin for exerting its hypolipidemic effect.

Effect of capsaicin on triglyceride accumulation & secretion in ethanol fed rats.

Rats fed capsaicin (0.15, 1.5 and 15 mg%) containing diets were able to counter by about 30 per cent of the hepatic lipid accumulation caused by a single dose administration of ethanol (6 g/kg body weight). The rate of triglyceride secretion in capsaicin fed animals from liver to plasma was also elevated as judged by Triton WR-1339 induced hypertriglyceridemia. The results suggest a possible mechanism by which capsaicin counters ethanol induced hepatic lipid accumulation in rats.

influence of capsaicin, curcumin and ferulic acid in rats fed high fat diets.

Three compounds capsaicin, curcumin and ferulic acid showing hypolipidemic activity have been tested in adult Wistar rats fed high fat diets. Capsaicin (0·20 mg%) fed to female rats along with a 30% saturated fat diet lowered the rate of weight gain, liver and serum triglycerides. In male rats it lowered only the liver and serum total and very low density and low density lipoprotein triglycerides whether fed continuously for 13 or 8 weeks after interchanging the control and test diets from the 5th week onwards. Capsaicin fed to female rats in 30% mixed fat diet increased the rate of weight gain, lowered liver and serum triglycerides, lowered adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase, elevated the hormone sensitive lipase and serum free fatty acids. Capsaicin in 30% saturated fat diet lowered both the enzyme activities to a much lesser extent. Curcumin and ferulic acid (both at 25 mg%) in 30% saturated fat diet tended to lower the rate of weight gain, liver total lipids and serum triglycerides. It is of significance that a common dietary compound 'capsaicin' in the range of human intake triggers lipid lowering action in rats fed high fat diets.

Influence of red pepper and capsaicin on body composition and lipogenesis in rats.

Inclusion of red pepper or its active principle 'capsaicin' in the diet led to a lowering of total lipids, particularly triglycerides in the liver. The total body fat was lowered in animals fed red pepper or capsaicin but not in animals fed paprika powder which had negligible capsaicin content. Hyperlipogensis and hypertriglyceridemia caused by fructose feeding were significantly were decreased in capsaicin-fed animals. Activities of the key lipogenic enzymes were reduced as reflected by decreased lipogenesis.