Systemic and local effects of intragastric administration of the habanero fruit (Capsicum chinense Jacquin c.v.) in rats.

The fruits of the habanero plant (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) are commonly used as spices. Their exceptionally hot flavour is the result of the substantial content of capsaicin that has among others the anticancer action. The experiments assess the impact of intragastric administration of a suspension of dried matter (dm) habanero fruit in peanut oil on the state of the digestive tract and parenchymal organs of rats. Habanero fruit with three different doses (0.08, 0.05 and 0.025 g of dry matter (d.m.) habanero fruit/kg b.w.) in 2 equal doses every 12 hours during 28 days was administered intragastrically in male rats. In day 8, 15 and 29 blood proofs were obtained to measure hematological parameters and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, total bilirubin (BIL), total cholesterol (CHOL), glucose (GLUC), urea (U), and creatinine (CREA) content. Internal organs of rats were examined anatomopathologically. Between the study groups and control group there were no statistically significant differences in studied parameters. Post-mortem examinations as well as histological findings showed no pathological changes in the organs of rats. The study demonstrated a high level safety of the fruit habanero (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) administration in rats. There were no hematological, biochemical or post-mortem changes at doses that due to the amount of capsaicin can exhibit antitumor properties.