Integrating Medicinal Pathology by Exploring Capsaicin-Based Therapies into Gynecologic Oncology Practice: A Meta-Analysis

Abdul  Ghafoor; Umme  Habiba; Syed Azhar Hussain  Zaidi; Aisha  Altaf; Durga  Devi; Asma  Hamid; Amanullah  Bukhari

doi:10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-3/073

Authors

Abdul Ghafoor Bolan Medical College, Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta Pakistan.
Umme Habiba Valley Clinic, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Syed Azhar Hussain Zaidi Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan.
Aisha Altaf Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
Durga Devi Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.
Asma Hamid King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Amanullah Bukhari RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, UAE.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-3/073

Keywords:

Capsaicin, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Apoptosis, Drug Resistance, Meta-Analysis, Drug Therapy

Abstract

Background: The bioactive component present within chili peppers, capsaicin, has shown anticancer effects in multiple cancers, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. It induces apoptosis, disrupts the proliferation of the cancer cell, and modulates pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and p53. This work examines the effect of capsaicin on gynecology-based cancer cells to determine their therapeutic potential and influence on tumor progression and the cellular response.

Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were used for this study to identify relevant articles published up to 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4.1, and forest plots were generated using the random effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Assessments of quality were performed using the Quin tool. GRADE framework was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

Results: Ten studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that capsaicin had significant effects in the reduction of cancer cell viability in cervical (SMD: -32.14; 95% CI: -61.58 to -2.70) as well as in other gynecologic cancers (SMD: -20.98; 95% CI: -29.89 to -12.07). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses proved to be consistent in terms of inhibitory effects. Capsaicin-stimulated apoptosis, migration, and occurred through p53, NF-KB, and TRIB3 pathways. Quality assessment showed low risk and moderate certainty.

Discussion: Capsaicin induces apoptosis while increasing therapeutic efficiency in models of cervical cancer, with the potential to serve alongside antineoplastic agents. There is a need for additional randomized trials to confirm the clinical application and to develop standard dosing procedures.

Author Biographies

Abdul Ghafoor, Bolan Medical College, Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta Pakistan.

Department of Medicine,
Umme Habiba, Valley Clinic, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology,
Syed Azhar Hussain Zaidi, Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan.

Department of Pharmacology,
Aisha Altaf, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

Department of Emergency,
Durga Devi, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.

Department of Pathology,
Asma Hamid, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan.

Department of Biochemistry,
Amanullah Bukhari, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, UAE.

Department of Medicine,

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