Capsaicin

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

29 Feb 2008 05:42 PM

The compound that makes red peppers so very hot is also an amazingly effective pain reliever.

Capsaicin was first identified in the 1800s -- a Hungarian doctor in 1878 noticed that the compound could irritate the mucus membranes and promote the secretion of digestive juices. But this compound has the power to do more than just make your mouth and lips burn when you eat spicy foods.

Studies have shown again and again that capsaicin cream can block pain neurotransmitters in nerve fibers. Capsaicin can be useful in relieving pain from shingles, arthritis, back pain, and more! The American Association for Cancer Research is also looking at using capsaicin to kill cancer cells in prostate tumors and lung tumors.

Just make sure you've got the real thing. Capsicum is another compound that comes from peppers -- but it isn't as good at dulling pain and can irritate the skin.

In peppers, capsaicin is concentrated in the white pith -- not in the seeds! The compound prevents mammals from eating the seeds -- seeds digested by mammals do not germinate after being deposited in feces. However, capsaicin acts as a painkiller in birds -- pepper seeds pass through a bird's digestive tract unharmed. This encourages birds to eat the seeds (and keeps mammals away from the spicy peppers).

Other uses for capsaicin include:

• Pepper spray. When the capsaicin comes into contact with the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes, it is very painful. Sort of the same way the pith irritates mammals!
• A possible drug abuse deterrent. Researchers from Harvard Medical School suggest that adding capsaicin to the coating of certain extended-release drugs could prevent abuse. Swallowing the pill whole as directed would have no consequences; crushing or snorting the pill would expose the fiery chemical.
• Pest deterrent. Villages in India are using chili pepper to keep elephants out of residential areas. Ground up dried chili pods can also keep squirrels out of your bird feeder without bothering the birds.

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