Capsaicin, a spicy component of hot pepper, induces apoptosis by activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.

Capsaicin (N-vanillyl-8-methyl-alpha-nonenamide), a spicy component of hot pepper, is a homovanillic acid derivative that preferentially induces certain cancer cells to undergo apoptosis and has a putative role in cancer chemoprevention. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARgamma), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a ligand-dependent transcription factor. PAPRgamma activation results in growth arrest and/or apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells.