Open Access

Capsaicin: Physicochemical properties, cutaneous reactions and potential applications in painful and inflammatory conditions (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Mihaela Adriana Ilie
    • Constantin Caruntu
    • Mircea Tampa
    • Simona-Roxana Georgescu
    • Clara Matei
    • Carolina Negrei
    • Rodica-Mariana Ion
    • Carolina Constantin
    • Monica Neagu
    • Daniel Boda
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: April 19, 2019     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2019.7513
  • Pages: 916-925
  • Copyright: © Ilie et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

Capsaicin is a natural protoalkaloid recognized as the main pungent component in hot peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). The capsaicin receptor is highly expressed in the unmyelinated type C nerve fibers originating from small diameter sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia and cranial nerve ganglia correspondents. Capsaicin and related vanilloids have a variety of effects on primary sensory neurons function, from sensory neuron excitation characterized by local burning sensation and neurogenic inflammation, followed by conduction blockage accompanied by reversible ultrastructural changes of peripheral nociceptive endings (desensitization), going as far as irreversible degenerative changes (neurotoxicity). The main role in capsaicin-induced neurogenic inflammation relies on the capsaicin sensitive, small diameter primary sensory neurons, therefore its evaluation could be used as a diagnostic instrument in functional alterations of cutaneous sensory nerve fibers. Moreover, capsaicin-induced desensitization and neurotoxicity explain the analgesic/anti-nociceptive and anti‑inflammatory effects of topical capsaicin and its potential use in the management of painful and inflammatory conditions. In this study, we describe the effects of capsaicin on neurogenic inflammation and nociception, as well as its potential diagnostic value and therapeutic impact in various conditions involving impairment of sensory nerve fibers.
View Figures
View References

Related Articles

Journal Cover

August-2019
Volume 18 Issue 2

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Ilie MA, Caruntu C, Tampa M, Georgescu S, Matei C, Negrei C, Ion R, Constantin C, Neagu M, Boda D, Boda D, et al: Capsaicin: Physicochemical properties, cutaneous reactions and potential applications in painful and inflammatory conditions (Review). Exp Ther Med 18: 916-925, 2019.
APA
Ilie, M.A., Caruntu, C., Tampa, M., Georgescu, S., Matei, C., Negrei, C. ... Boda, D. (2019). Capsaicin: Physicochemical properties, cutaneous reactions and potential applications in painful and inflammatory conditions (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 18, 916-925. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2019.7513
MLA
Ilie, M. A., Caruntu, C., Tampa, M., Georgescu, S., Matei, C., Negrei, C., Ion, R., Constantin, C., Neagu, M., Boda, D."Capsaicin: Physicochemical properties, cutaneous reactions and potential applications in painful and inflammatory conditions (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 18.2 (2019): 916-925.
Chicago
Ilie, M. A., Caruntu, C., Tampa, M., Georgescu, S., Matei, C., Negrei, C., Ion, R., Constantin, C., Neagu, M., Boda, D."Capsaicin: Physicochemical properties, cutaneous reactions and potential applications in painful and inflammatory conditions (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 18, no. 2 (2019): 916-925. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2019.7513