title: Capsaicin and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
abstract: A significant number of experimental and clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals have demonstrated promising pharmacological properties of capsaicin in relieving signs and symptoms of non-communicable diseases (chronic diseases). This chapter provides an overview made from basic and clinical research studies of the potential therapeutic effects of capsaicin, loaded in different application forms, such as solution and cream, on chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, chronic pain, functional gastrointestinal disorders and cancer). In addition to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of capsaicin largely recognized via, mainly, interaction with the TRPV1, the effects of capsaicin on different cell signalling pathways will be further discussed here. The analgesic, anti-inflammatory or apoptotic effects of capsaicin show promising results in arthritis, neuropathic pain, gastrointestinal disorders or cancer, since evidence demonstrates that the oral or local application of capsaicin reduce inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis, promotes gastric protection against ulcer and induces apoptosis of the tumour cells. Sadly, these results have been paralleled by conflicting studies, which indicate that high concentrations of capsaicin are likely to evoke deleterious effects, thus suggesting that capsaicin activates different pathways at different concentrations in both human and rodent tissues. Thus, to establish effective capsaicin doses for chronic conditions, which can be benefited from capsaicin therapeutic effects, is a real challenge that must be pursued.
authors: Programa de Pós-Graduação, Universidade Ceuma, São Luís-MA, Brazil.|Vascular Biology Section, Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London, UK.
authors: E S
authors: ES
authors: Fernandes
authors: Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Room 326, Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors: A R A
authors: AR
authors: Cerqueira
authors: Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Room 326, Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors: A G
authors: AG
authors: Soares
authors: Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Room 326, Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil. scosta@icb.usp.br.
authors: Soraia K P
authors: SK
authors: Costa
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D002211:Capsaicin
keywords: Cancer; Capsaicin; Chronic diseases; Pain relief; Red pepper; Respiratory diseases