Effect of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce suspension on upper gastrointestinal motility in healthy volunteers

Afferent nerves play a major role in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility. The questions remains if specific food ingredients can selectively activate such fibers. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of intraesophageal application of a capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce (Tabasco) suspension on upper gastrointestinal motility in a controlled trial. After a baseline recording [esophageal motility, balloon distension, electrogastrogram (EGG)], red pepper or saline solution was infused intraesophageally in seven healthy volunteers. At 30 min gastric emptying and orocecal transit time were determined using a [¹³C]acetate and H₂- lactulose breath test. Infusion of red pepper sauce suspension significantly increased the amplitudes (65.8 ± 3 to 78.5 ± 4.7 mm Hg, P < 0.05) and propagation velocity (2.9 ± 0.3 to 4.25 ± 0.3 sec, P < 0.05) of esophageal pressure waves and LES pressure (17.8 ± 1.4 to 23.7 ± 2.6 mm Hg, P < 0.05). It significantly decreased perception and discomfort threshold of intraesophageal balloon distension, reduced the percentage of normal electrical activity in the EGG, and delayed gastric emptying (saline: T1/2 42.9 ± 12.0 min vs red pepper: T1/2 66.8 ± 19.0 min, P < 0.05). Despite the prolongation of gastric emptying, orocecal transit time was not altered, indicating an actual increase of intestinal transit. Esophageal application of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce suspension had profound changes on upper gastrointestinal motility, which could improve clearance and protection of the esophagus and could lead to retention of the irritant in the stomach and faster transit through the small bowel.