Capsaicin

capsaicin /cap·sa·i·cin/ (kap-sa´i-sin) an alkaloid irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, the active ingredient of capsicum; used as a topical counterirritant and analgesic.

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cap·sa·i·cin (kp-s-sn)

n.

A colorless, pungent, crystalline compound that is derived from the capsicum pepper and is a strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

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Capsaicin

An alkaloid found in hot peppers that is used in an inhalation test to identify patients with MCS.

Mentioned in: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

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capsaicin (kap·sīˑ··sin),

n a major ingredient in hot peppers; eaten to encourage sweating in hot climates and used as a topical pain reliever and to reduce nasal polyps. Capsaicin has also been used in melanoma treatment and may have chemoprotective qualities. Toxic effects may include nerve damage and carcinogenesis.

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capsaicin (kapsā´isin),

n brand names: Zostrix, Capzasin-P, Axsain;
drug class: topical analgesic for selected pain syndromes;
action: depletes and prevents reaccumulation of substance P in peripheral sensory neurons;
uses: neuralgia associated with herpes zoster, rheumatoid arthritis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.

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capsaicin Neurology Capsaicine A chemical from red hot chili peppers that may be used for painful dysesthesias of herpes and DM; topical capsaicin triggers release of the neuropeptide, substance P from type C nociceptive fibers, opens Ca2+ and Na+ channels causing the initial pain associated with 'hot' foods; substance P is not replenished, thus pain sensation is ↓ after the initial pain; capsaicin binding is relatively strong and attributed to its lipophilic side chain Management Casein, a lipophyilic phosphoprotein acts like a detergent and strips the capsaicin from the receptors in the oral cavity; topical capsaicin may ↓ the symptoms of painful diabetic neuropathy. See Blister beetle, Scoville unit, Spicy foods.