The Utility of Capsicum annuum L. in Internal Medicine and In Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Capsaicin is a chili peppers extract, genus Capsicum, commonly used as a food spice. Since ancient times, Capsaicin has been used as a “homeopathic remedy” for treating a wild range of pathological conditions but without any scientific knowledge about its action. Several studies have demonstrated its potentiality in cardiovascular, nephrological, nutritional, and other medical fields. Capsaicin exerts its actions thanks to the bond with transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is a nociceptive receptor, and its activation starts with a neurosensitive impulse, responsible for a burning pain sensation. However, constant local application of Capsaicin desensitized neuronal cells and leads to relief from neuropathic pain. In this review, we analyze the potential adjuvant role of Capsaicin in the treatment of different pathological conditions either in internal medicine or dentistry. Moreover, we present our experience in five patients affected by oro-facial pain consequent to post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy, not responsive to any remedy, and successfully treated with topical application of Capsaicin. The topical application of Capsaicin is safe, effective, and quite tolerated by patients. For these reasons, in addition to the already-proven beneficial actions in the internal field, it represents a promising method for the treatment of neuropathic oral diseases.

The diversity, lexicon and cultural practices of family medicinal plants by Tetun Tribe in Malaka, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

“…Capsaicin's local infiltration and results demonstrated that it offers a potentially effective medicinal remedy for knee osteoarthritis pain. Capsaicin cream is good for women who experience post-mastectomy pain syndrome (Catalfamo et al 2022).…”

Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Hydroxyapatite-Capsaicin Composite Intended for the In-Office Dental Bleaching Use

“…Regarding TS, it is known that hydrogen peroxide, in addition to causing pulp injuries, can lead to the direct activation of TRPA-1 receptors present in the C-fibers of the dental pulp, responsible for the detection of noxious stimulus [32,33]. Among the agents capable of inhibiting TRPA-1 receptors are capsaicinoides, such as capsaicin (CAP), which is a highly selective agonist of TRPA-1 receptors and can reduce the amount of neuropeptides released by nerve terminals [34]. It also has a nociceptive effect in cases of pulp pain [35,36].…”