Pharmacological activity of capsaicin: Mechanisms and controversies (Review)

Abstract

Capsaicin, which is abundant in chili peppers, exerts antioxidative, antitumor, antiulcer and analgesic effects and it has demonstrated potential as a treatment for cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, oncological and dermatological conditions. Unique among natural irritants, capsaicin initially excites neurons but then ‘calms’ them into long-lasting non-responsiveness. Capsaicin can also promote weight loss, making it potentially useful for treating obesity. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the therapeutic effects of capsaicin, including antioxidation, analgesia and promotion of apoptosis. Some of the mechanisms are proposed to be mediated by the capsaicin receptor (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1), but some are proposed to be independent of that receptor. The clinical usefulness of capsaicin is limited by its short half-life. The present review provided an overview of what is known about the therapeutic effects of capsaicin and the mechanisms involved and certain studies arguing against its clinical use were mentioned.

Function and mechanism of action of the TRPV1 channel in the development of triple-negative breast cancer

“…Capsaicin, a primary component of chili peppers and a highly pungent alkaloid of vanillin [65], is also known to be a TRPV1 agonist that has various pharmacological effects, including analgesic [66], antiobesity [67], anti-inflammatory [68], antioxidant [69]…”

Morzeddhu: A Unique Example of a Traditional and Sustainable Typical Dish from Catanzaro

“…Actually, it is an imported ingredient because it was introduced in Europe only after the discovery of the Americas, but in Calabria, it is so diffused that it can mostly be considered a determinant for many recipes and for Morzeddhu too. The main component responsible for the spicy effect is capsaicin [ 51 ]. Its presence in the dish is mandatory but can be quantitatively different on the basis of the preferences of the cooker and the type of peperoncino used.…”

Antimicrobial and Anesthetic Niosomal Formulations Based on Amino Acid-Derived Surfactants

“…It has been observed that these vesicular aggregates improve skin permeation and lidocaine drug deposition on the skin and can act as a capsaicin transporter. Capsaicin (CA) is another analgesic, antioxidant, and antitumoral drug [ 7 ]. This compound acts on skin nociceptors involved in pain signals.…”