Effect of<i>Capsicum annuum</i>on Blood Glucose Level

Abstract

The plant Capsicum annuum L. (Red Chilli) is commonly consumed by people in tropical regions. The fruits have been described as useful in several kinds of ailments as a counterirritant and carminative (Merck Index, 1976). It has also been recognized in the British and the United States Pharmacopoeias as a powerful gastrointestinal stimulant and as a rubefacient. During the preliminary pharmacological studies with the crude extract from the fruits, it was found to inhibit intestinal glucose absorption both in rat and hamster in vitro (Monsereenusorn and Glinsukon, 1978). Accordingly, the inhibition of glucose absorption by Capsicum fruit may be partially responsible for lowering blood sugar. Therefore in the present study, its hypoglycemic response was studied and the mechanisms involved in the decrease in blood sugar were also analysed.