Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cayenne Pepper Extract on Wound Healing

Inflammation is the body's natural biological response to tissue injury, playing a crucial role in the wound healing process. However, excessive inflammation can prolong the initial phase of healing, thereby inhibiting tissue repair. One natural alternative known for its anti-inflammatory effects is cayenne pepper extract (Capsicum frutescens L). Cayenne pepper contains the main bioactive compounds, namely vitamin C and capsaicin. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, supports collagen synthesis, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, capsaicin functions as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and stimulates fibroblast activity and angiogenesis. This combination of active substances creates an environment conducive to accelerating the transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase, thereby promoting faster wound healing. This study aims to determine the transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase, thereby promoting faster wound healing. Methods: A pretest–posttest control group design with five treatment groups: negative control group (NaCl 0.9%), positive control group (povidone-iodine 10%), and three treatment groups with 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations of cayenne pepper extract ointment. Results showed that cayenne pepper extract significantly reduced erythema, suppressed edema, decreased wound fluid production, accelerated granulation tissue formation, and hastened wound length reduction, providing a superior effect in wound healing compared to the control groups. Thus, cayenne pepper extract has the potential to be an effective natural topical agent in accelerating wound healing through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Conclusion: The 15% concentration of cayenne pepper extract was found to be the most effective and optimal dose for accelerating wound healing.