Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Advanced Glycation End-Products Sensitize Human Sensory-Like Neuron Cells to Capsaicin-Induced Calcium Influx
Published on: May 2, 2025
Dietary capsaicin attenuates type 2 diabetes via gut microbiota and bile acid metabolic pathways
Jing Xia1,2, Shuhan Chen1, Ping Qian1
1Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
Diabetes is a serious global health concern. Notably, individuals who prefer spicy food exhibit a lower diabetes risk, making the exploration of capsaicin-the pungent compound in chili peppers-highly relevant. The gut microbiota and its metabolites are key targets in diabetes management. This study demonstrates that dietary capsaicin alleviates type 2 diabetes (T2D) in mice. It reduces intestinal levels of conjugated bile acids (e.g., TDCA, GCA, and TCA) and normalizes the abundance of bile acid-related bacteria, Parabacteroides and Lactobacillus. Capsaicin also lowers the compensatory increase of intestinal bile salt hydrolase and regulates the function of bile acid-stimulated receptors. Bioinformatics analysis of ileum gene profiles indicated that regulated genes are primarily linked to immunity. This was confirmed by measuring inflammatory cytokines in serum and pancreas and by assessing immune-related gene expression in the ileum. In conclusion, capsaicin can prevent and treat T2D by modulating gut microbiota, bile acid metabolism, and inflammatory responses.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Functions of the Gut Microbiota
Hormonal Regulation
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Intestinal Phase of Digestion
The arrival of the chyme in the small intestine distends the duodenum, which triggers the enterogastric reflex. This distension...
Gut-Brain Axis

