capsaicin

Capsaicin is a naturally occurring active component of chili peppers (genus Capsicum) and is responsible for their characteristic heat. It is a highly pungent crystalline solid that acts as a potent irritant to mammals. In medicine and pharmacy it is used primarily as a topical analgesic for the relief of neuropathic pain conditions such as postherpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles), diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet and other types of nerve-related pain. Its mechanism involves activation and subsequent desensitization of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel on sensory neurons; this leads to depletion of substance P—a neurotransmitter involved in transmitting pain signals—resulting in reduced sensation of pain over time. Topical formulations include creams/ointments/lotions at lower concentrations available over-the-counter for arthritis or muscle/joint pains; higher-concentration patches such as Qutenza are prescription-only and administered by healthcare professionals[1][3][6][7]. Beyond analgesia it has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in preclinical studies[5].

Brand names

QutenzaZostrixArthricare For WomenCapsagelCapsagesic-HP Arthritis ReliefCapsinDouble CapIcy Hot Arthritis TherapyPain EnzRid-A-PainSportsmedTherapatch WarmTrixaicin

Other names

辣椒素 (Chinese)8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide