Capsaicin is an alkaloid contained in chilli, and in plants of the genus Cspsicum, with analgesic and soothing action, useful for treating arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia. Let's find out better.
Capsaicin contained in chillies
What is capsaicin
Capsaicin is an alkaloid found in plants of the genus Capsicum, the well-known chili pepper . The alkaloids are molecules with an amino group capable of giving basic reaction. They are toxic substances and used by plants for defense purposes.
Examples of important alkaloids in the vegetable kingdom are nicotine, caffeine, strychnine, and stramonium .
In phytotherapy, alkaloids in general, and capsaicin in detail, have important roles. Chili extract is used as an anti-inflammatory in joint disorders .
Where is the capsaicin
Capsaicin is extracted from Capsicuum annuum L., the chili pepper. There are several controversies in the botanical classification of peppers distinguishable from the spicy power of their fruits. Currently there are five species of peppers, with their varieties .
The annual capsicum is a grass up to 1m high, while the other species are generally multi-annual woody shrubs. All are native to tropical America and now widely cultivated. The fruits are spicy or in some sweet varieties (eg paprika).
The chili contains up to 1.5% of spicy components, consisting of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordiidrocapsaicin, omocapsaicin, as well as other minor component molecules. Furthermore, it is rich in carotenoids, vitamins A and C.
The scale of measurement of the hotness of the chili pepper and the scoville scale. The greater the spiciness of the chilli pepper, the greater the unity of scoville. The hottest spicy chillies exceed 2, 000, 000 scoville units. The most spicy chili produced in Italy reaches at most 500 units of scoville!
Also discover chilli as a liver ally
Properties of capsaicin
Capsaicin has a powerful local stimulating action, as well as being highly irritating to the eyes; softens the skin, producing an intense burning sensation.
The intense burning, pain and inflammation action in the topical application of capsaicin tends to be reduced with continued administration by desensitization.
The analgesic and soothing action induced by capsaicin can be explained by the interference of the substance with the cutaneous sensory nerves . Furthermore, other studies confirm the ability of the alkaloid to cause a depletion of substance P (molecule involved in the inflammatory response) from the sensory neurons involved in the transmission of the stimulus.
Capsaicin is used in various preparations for external anti-irritant applications to treat arthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia, lumbago and chilblains . In the case of painful spasms in the muscles of the shoulder, arm and spine .
Recent studies consider it as an interesting antioxidant for the prevention of cancerous lesions.
Contraindications
If taken by mouth, chili can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as abdominal pain and nausea . Topically, it can cause burning and irritation and can be dangerous if it comes into contact with the eyes.
Chili can interact with many other drugs, such as theophylline, ACE inhibitors, sedatives, antidepressants and acetaminophen.
When using capsaicin creams, occlusive bandages should be avoided; in addition to hot baths and showers before and after application because they increase the burning sensation.
