Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the active ingredient that is present in capsicum fruit, chili peppers (both green and red), cayenne peppers, jalapeno peppers, and bell peppers. Capsaicin is the highly purified extract and the molecule present in chili peppers that gives it the property of extreme heat, burning sensation, chemical irritation, pressure, pungency, and pain relieving properties. Capsaicin and capsaicinoids present in chili peppers are alkylamides and contain adrenaline receptors, and TRPV1. This gives them a neuropeptide-releasing property that is selective for primary sensory peripheral neurons. This means that when applied topically, they can act on the peripheral nerves and provide relief from peripheral nerve pain. Capsaicin has also been used to relieve mucositis caused due to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Capsaicin works by cutting down the pain impulses over a period of time. When applied topically, it first gives a burning sensation. It then activates the nerve endings of sensory nerve fibers. This causes some redness and swelling. However, the activation of nerve fibers also causes the release of certain substances like glutamate, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and others. These lead to sensations of extreme pain and painful to touch. With repeated applications, the nerve fibers are ultimately blocked and there is desensitization by blocking the conduction of the nerves. Capsaicin has been found effective in treating numerous chronic pains such as arthritic pains, cluster headaches, complex regional pain syndrome, neuralgias, and diabetic neuropathy pains. People with diabetes tend to have complications of the nerves due to high blood sugar levels that cause damage to the nerves. This leads to a condition called peripheral diabetic neuropathy. This condition is characterized by chronic pain, numbness, tingling sensation, extreme sensitivity to heat or touch, muscle weakness, and loss of reflexes. Capsaicin is an effective topical cream for people with peripheral diabetic neuropathy for pain relief.