Effects of Capsaicin and Isoflavone on Blood Pressure and IGF-1 in Hypertensives with Alopecia

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2009 Jun 7.
Effects of Capsaicin and Isoflavone on Blood Pressure and Serum Levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I in Normotensive and Hypertensive Volunteers with Alopecia.
Harada N, Okajima K.

Department of Translational Medical Science Research, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) reduces arterial blood pressure. Since administration of capsaicin and isoflavone increases serum levels of IGF-I by sensory neuron stimulation in subjects with alopecia, it is possible that administration of capsaicin and isoflavone reduces arterial blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) and serum levels of IGF-I were determined before and at 1, 3, and 5 months after administration of capsaicin and isoflavone in 42 volunteers with alopecia, 29 normotensive and 13 hypertensive volunteers. Neither systolic nor diastolic BP changed in the normotensive volunteers after combined administration of capsaicin and isoflavone. In contrast, systolic and diastolic BP was significantly reduced in hypertensive volunteers after administration of capsaicin and isoflavone. Serum levels of IGF-I significantly increased in both normotensive and hypertensive volunteers after administration of capsaicin and isoflavone. These observations suggest that administration of capsaicin and isoflavone might reduce BP in hypertensive, but not in normotensive subjects, probably by increasing serum levels of IGF-I.

Full study here: http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb/advpub/0/0905211476/_pdf

Note that only 6 milligrams of capsaicin per day was used. But a relatively high dose of isoflavones was used (75 milligrams per day).

So if one has already high IGF-1 levels, is taking cayenne a bad thing as far as hair goes? Again, I predict that my levels are high since I responded very well to fin, and I'm worried about increasing it further. If that is the case for me (high IGF-1 levels) should I stop cayenne use?

johnt - Wouldn't worry about increases in IGF-1, at least from low dose cayenne/capsaicin.

The herb P. Lobata can easily deliver 75 mg isoflavones in the shape of puerarin.

Yeah I just had a "negative" reaction to cayenne. I was taking a lot more than 6mg though so who knows. Shedding increased dramatically and has finally leveled off a week after stopping. I guess I will just have to settle for the occasional hot sauce