Capsaicin, a vanillyl mnide(8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) with a molecular weight of 305.42, was identified as the active and pungent ingredient in red peppers and chillies. It is known to be a neurotoxic substance, interrupting the pain conducting pathway.
Until recently the neurotoxic effects of Capsaicin to adult animals were thought to be limited to the peripheral nervous system. But several reports suggest the possibility of central nervous system changes after Capsaicin administration to the adult rat. Capsaicin desensitization is defined as long lasting, reversible suppression of sensory neuron activity. How fast and for how long the desensitization develops is related to the dose and time of exposure to Capsaicin, and the interval between consecutive dosing. In the long term Capsaicin treatment can lead to morphological degeneration and changes in some small sensory neurons, predominantly unmyelinated C fiber afferent nerve fibers.,
Clinical interest has recently been roused by evidence that Capsaicin´ s desensitizing action may be of therapeutic value and that an endogenous Capsaicin-like substance may exist.
This study summarizes the fundamental knowledge(mechanism, receptors, et at of Capsaicin) of Capsaicin for physical therapists.
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