title: The two faces of capsaicin.
abstract: Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the principal pungent component in hot peppers, including red chili peppers, jalapeños, and habaneros. Consumed worldwide, capsaicin has a long and convoluted history of controversy about whether its consumption or topical application is entirely safe. Conflicting epidemiologic data and basic research study results suggest that capsaicin can act as a carcinogen or as a cancer preventive agent. Capsaicin is unique among naturally occurring irritant compounds because the initial neuronal excitation evoked is followed by a long-lasting refractory period, during which the previously excited neurons are no longer responsive to a broad range of stimuli. This process is referred to as desensitization and has been exploited for its therapeutic potential. Capsaicin-containing creams have been in clinical use for many years to relieve a variety of painful conditions. However, their effectiveness in pain relief is also highly debated and some adverse side effects have been reported. We have found that chronic, long-term topical application of capsaicin increased skin carcinogenesis in mice treated with a tumor promoter. These results might imply that caution should be exercised when using capsaicin-containing topical applications in the presence of a tumor promoter, such as, for example, sunlight.
authors.affiliation: The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912, USA.
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bode
authors.forename: Zigang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Dong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D002273:Carcinogens; D002211:Capsaicin