Modulating effects of capsaicin on glucose homeostasis and the underlying mechanism

Abstract

Abnormal glucose homeostasis is linked to a variety of metabolic syndromes, such as insulin resistance, obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis is important for the body to keep normal biological functions. As the major bioactive ingredient in chili peppers responsible for the pungent flavor, capsaicin has been reported to effectively improve glucose homeostasis with low cytotoxicity. In this review, the modulating effects of capsaicin on glucose homeostasis in cell models, animal models and human trials are summarized through both TRPV1 dependent and TRPV1 independent pathways. The relevant molecular mechanisms underlying its regulatory effects are also evaluated. Understanding the effects and mechanisms of capsaicin on glucose metabolism could provide theoretical evidence for its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords:

• Capsaicin
• glucose homeostasis
• mechanisms
• modulating effects

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31901689), Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China (Grant No. 2021A1515012124), and the Program for Guangdong Introducing Innovative and Entrepreneurial Teams (Grant No. 2019ZT08N291).