Abstract
Chili pepper is the most common species used in food throughout the world. In the present study, we examined the effects of chili pepper on rabbit's splenic tissue. Oral administration of chili pepper was carried out every day for 10 days at a dose of 2 g/kg rabbit. Chili pepper induced significant increase in spleen weight as well as the number of leucocytes. Spleen architecture was altered as indicated by the histological score. White and red pulps were enlarged and the splenic capsule became thinner after administration of chili pepper to rabbits. Histochemical studies revealed a decrease in both carbohydrates and protein contents in the spleen. Therefore, based on our findings the excessive consumption of chili pepper is capable of inducing spleen damage and should be used in proper amounts.