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Non-carcinogenicity of capsaicinoids in B6C3F1 mice
1Second Department of Pathology, The University of Tokushima School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
The carcinogenicity of a mixture of capsaicinoids (64.5% capsaicin and 32.6% dihydrocapsaicin) was examined in B6C3F1 mice. In a 13-week toxicity study, renal toxicity was observed in 1% capsaicinoid-treated males. Next, groups of 50 mice of each sex were given 0, 0.025, 0.083 or 0.25% capsaicinoids in powdered diet for 79 weeks and killed in week 83. Food intake was reduced in mice of all capsaicinoid-treated groups, especially females, because of the pungency of capsaicinoids, and inhibition of body weight gain was apparent in females. The numbers of tumour-bearing females in the high-dose groups were significantly lower than that in the controls, and the incidences of hepatocellular neoplasms in both sexes were negatively correlated with the dose of capsaicinoids (Cochran-Armitage trend test). Renal cell adenomas developed in one mouse each of 0.025 and 0.25% capsaicinoid-treated males. The incidences of other tumours were similar in the treated and control groups. Thus, the present study indicated that a mixture of capsaicinoids is not carcinogenic in B6C3F1 mice.
Insights
Capsaicinoids, commonly found in chili peppers, were tested for cancer-causing potential in mice. The study found no evidence that capsaicinoids are carcinogenic, with some tumor types even decreasing at higher doses.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Carcinogenicity studies
- Mammalian toxicology
Background:
- Capsaicinoids, including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, are bioactive compounds found in chili peppers.
- Concerns regarding potential carcinogenicity necessitate rigorous toxicological evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term carcinogenicity of a capsaicinoid mixture in B6C3F1 mice.
- To evaluate dose-dependent effects on tumor incidence and overall toxicity.
Main Methods:
- A 79-week dietary administration study involving B6C3F1 mice (50 per sex per group) exposed to 0, 0.025, 0.083, or 0.25% capsaicinoids.
- Monitoring of food intake, body weight, and detailed histopathological examination of tissues at week 83.
- Statistical analysis, including the Cochran-Armitage trend test, was employed.
Main Results:
- Reduced food intake and body weight gain were observed in capsaicinoid-treated groups, particularly in females, attributed to pungency.
- A significant decrease in tumor-bearing females was noted in high-dose groups.
- Incidences of hepatocellular neoplasms showed a negative correlation with capsaicinoid dose in both sexes.
- Isolated cases of renal cell adenomas were observed in males at specific doses; other tumor incidences remained comparable to controls.
Conclusions:
- The capsaicinoid mixture did not demonstrate carcinogenic activity in B6C3F1 mice under the study conditions.
- A potential inverse relationship between capsaicinoid exposure and certain tumor types warrants further investigation.
- Observed renal toxicity in a short-term study did not translate to increased tumor incidence in the long-term carcinogenicity assay.