The research could lead to chillies replacing or being used along with current medications for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease, according to a university release.

Pro vice-chancellor for research Johanna Laybourn-Parry, a professor, said despite the provision of multiple medical treatments, cardiovascular disease remains one of the biggest causes of death.

'Cardiovascular disease continues to generate a considerable burden on population in terms of illness and disability and the development of improved methods for prevention and treatment are essential,' Laybourn-Parry added.

These findings were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Kiran holds a B.Sc (Nutrition) from M.S. University, Baroda (1992), and Graduate Diploma (Nutrition) from Panjab University, Chandigarh (1993) as well as Deakin University, Melbourne (1999). Kiran was awarded MBioMedSc (Research) and PhD from the University of Tasmania in 2002 and 2006, respectively.