ABSTRACT
Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-n-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the main pungent component found in hot peppers. AIM: In this study, we investigated the effect of capsaicin treatment on tumor growth and the metabolic indicators of cachexia in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were inoculated subcutaneously in the right flank with 1 ml of a sterile suspension of 3 × 107 Walker tumor cells. The treated groups received capsaicin intraperitoneal 5 mg/kg body weight for 13 days. RESULTS: The tumor weight on Day 14 in the non-treated group was 18 g. The rats also had a body weight loss, hypoglycemia, hyperlactacidemia, hypertriacylglycerolemia, and a depletion in glycogen storage. Treatment with capsaicin decreased tumor growth by 49% and a reversal of triacylglycerol serum. We also found a 32% reduction in tumor cell proliferation ex vivo. Lactate serum concentrations and body weight were lower but did not reach control levels. CONCLUSION: The treatment with capsaicin reduces tumor growth and cellular proliferation along with increased apoptosis and partial cachexia reversal.
