Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir6.1

Title: Topical capsaicin. The fire of a 'hot' medicine is reignited.

Authors: Alexandru D P Papoiu, Gil Yosipovitch

Journal, date & volume: Expert Opin Pharmacother, 2010 Jun , 11, 1359-71

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20446852

Abstract
Capsaicin and its receptor, TRPV1, occupy a central place in current neurophysiological studies regarding pain transmission and have opened new avenues for understanding the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) receptors in itch processing. Substantial efforts in drug discovery are at present directed at vanilloid receptors for finding new remedies for pain and itch.We provide an overview of the major clinical indications of capsaicin, primarily targeting pain and itch of various origins, with an emphasis on the usefulness of capsaicin in treating pruritus and dermatological conditions. In particular, we cover the most relevant findings in recent years, from 2000 onward (although seminal discoveries and studies are discussed irrespective of their date of publication if deemed essential for understanding capsaicin's actions).Readers are offered a broad perspective on the areas of clinical application of capsaicin, emphasizing its usefulness in the treatment of neurophatic pain and pruritus of various origins.Capsaicin has been proven a truly exciting molecule and remains a valuable drug for alleviating pain and itch, widely surpassing its role as a simple spicy ingredient.