Capsanthin is a carotenoid that has been found in red paprika and has diverse biological activities. It reduces hydrogen peroxide-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of ERK and p38 and prevents inhibition of gap-junction intracellular communication in WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells. Capsanthin (0.2 mg per animal) reduces the number of colonic aberrant crypt foci and preneoplastic lesions in a rat model of N-methylnitrosourea-induced colon carcinogenesis. It also reduces ear edema in a mouse model of inflammation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate .