Chilli Pepper Might Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk

Chilli pepper could prevent the risk of colorectal tumors, a new study shows.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, found that the dietary capsaicin, an active ingredient in chili peppers, lowers the risk of colorectal cancer by setting off chronic activation of a receptor or an ion channel called TRPV1, found in cells lining the intestines of mice.

Past studies show that TRPV1, which were originally discovered as sensory neurons, acts as a guard against heat, acidity and spicy chemicals in the environment.

"These are all potentially harmful stimuli to cells," Eyal Raz, MD, professor of Medicine and senior author of the study, said in a press release. "Thus, TRPV1 was quickly described as a molecular 'pain receptor.' This can be considered to be its conventional function, which all takes place in the nervous system."

This study also showed that TPRV1 can also be found in intestinal epithelial cells.  TPRV1 is activated by epidermal growth factor receptor or EGFR, an important driver of cell proliferation in the intestines, in the gut. "A basic level of EGFR activity is required to maintain the normal cell turnover in the gut," said first author Petrus de Jong, MD, of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. "However, if EGFR signaling is left unrestrained, the risk of sporadic tumor development increases."

According to the researchers, the interaction between TRPV1 and EGFR reduces the risk of surplus growth and intestinal tumor development.

Moreover, the study also found that mice genetically modified to be TRPV1-deficient suffered considerably higher rates of intestinal tumor growths. "These results showed us that epithelial TRPV1 normally works as a tumor suppressor in the intestines," said de Jong.

Colorectal cancer-prone mice who were given capsaicin also reported a 30 percent longer lifespan than those not given the pepper ingredient.

"Our data suggest that individuals at high risk of developing recurrent intestinal tumors may benefit from chronic TRPV1 activation," Raz said. "We have provided proof-of-principle."

The study findings were published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.