Effect of capsaicin on mixed function oxidases - an in vitro study

ABSTRACT

The effect of capsaicin on mixed function oxidases was studied by use of liver homogenates of adult female rats. Hydroxylation of biphenyl was taken as the assay system. Capsaicin was found to produce a prominent concentration-dependent activation of the 4-hydroxylation reaction. The 2-hydroxylation reaction showed an inhibition in presence of capsaicin. The results indicate that capsaicin may interact with more than one form of cytochrome P. 450