Capsaicin News and Research

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Structure of receptor for hot chili pepper and pain revealed

You can now not only feel the spicy kick of a jalapeno pepper, you can also see it in full 3D, thanks to researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

19 May 2008

Scientists identify heat sensing regulator - better understanding pain sensitivity

Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins are a step closer to understanding pain sensitivity - specifically why it's variable instead of constant - having identified a gene that regulates a heat-activated molecular sensor.

12 May 2008

Pain receptor in brain may be linked to learning and memory

Scientists have long known that the nervous system receptor known as TRPV1 can affect sensations of pain in the body.

14 Mar 2008

TRPV1 receptor blockers may interfere with brain functions

A new class of painkillers that block a receptor called TRPV1 may interfere with brain functions such as learning and memory, a new study suggests.

13 Mar 2008

Pain relief from cannabis depends on how much you smoke

A study by American researchers suggests that smoking a moderate amount of cannabis (marijuana) may relieve pain but smoking high doses may increase pain.

26 Nov 2007

Cannabis reduces pain only within a narrow dose range

Although smoking "moderate" doses of cannabis helps reduce pain in healthy research volunteers, pain is actually increased at high doses.

24 Oct 2007

Chili peppers and pain relief

Purified capsaicin, a drug derived from chili peppers, reduced pain for at least three days following groin hernia surgery, according to a new study.

15 Oct 2007

New targeted approach to pain management

Imagine an epidural or a shot of Novocain that doesn't paralyze your legs or make you numb, yet totally blocks your pain.

4 Oct 2007

Ajinomoto to market Capsiate Natura in the U.S.

Ajinomoto has announced plans to introduce Capsiate Natura, a capsinoid dietary supplement, into the United States market.

12 Jul 2007

Ingredient in red chili pepper has cancer-fighting properties

The study found that capsaicin, the "hot" ingredient in red chili pepper, caused pancreatic cancer cells to die through a process called apoptosis.

13 Apr 2006

Ingredient in red peppers inhibits prostate cancer in laboratory studies

Capsaicin is the pungent ingredient in red peppers and is presently used as a topical pain reliever. Now, a new study shows it may be justified to evaluate capsaicin for inhibiting prostate cancer (CaP) in patients.

5 Apr 2006

Mustard and garlic kick linked to single pain receptor

A single pain receptor is solely responsible for the kick delivered by mustard oil and garlic, according to research in the Cell. Mustard oil is the active ingredient in mustard and in the pungent green sushi condiment known as wasabi.

28 Mar 2006

Chillies send prostate cancer cells on a suicidal path

According to new research the very ingredient which makes chilli peppers so hot, also affects prostate cancer cells and makes them commit suicide.

16 Mar 2006

Capsaicin drives prostate cancer cells to kill themselves

Capsaicin, the stuff that turns up the heat in jalapeqos, not only causes the tongue to burn, it also drives prostate cancer cells to kill themselves, according to studies published in the March 15 issue of Cancer Research.

15 Mar 2006

Taste encoding in the brain

Instantly reacting to the sweet lure of chocolate or the bitter taste of strychnine would seem to demand that such behavioral responses be so innate as to be hard-wired into the brain.

18 Jan 2006

Vegetables such as broccoli and spices like red chili pepper, may provide a cancer-fighting benefit

Two new studies suggest that vegetables such as broccoli and spices like red chili pepper, may provide a cancer-fighting benefit by slowing or preventing the growth of cancerous tumor cells. The findings, being presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research held April 16 to 20 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., looked at the effect of these dietary agents on cancers that have extremely poor prognoses despite advances in surgery and other therapies.

19 Apr 2005

Ingredient present in chocolate could help stop persistent coughs

According to research published online in FASEB Journal the team have discovered that theobromine, a derivative found in cocoa, is nearly a third more effective in stopping persistent coughs when compared with codeine, currently considered the best cough medicine.

23 Nov 2004

Guideline evaluates treatments for postherpetic neuralgia

A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology evaluates treatments for postherpetic neuralgia. The guideline is published in the September 28 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

28 Sep 2004

Alcohol in moderation maintains a healthy heart and reduces tissue damage following a heart attack

For years researchers have tried to determine why the French have such a lower rate of cardiovascular disease, given the amount of fat consumed in their diets.

30 Aug 2004

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in the elderly

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in the elderly, according to information in the article. Treatment for knee OA, which includes surgery, weight loss, muscle-strengthening exercise, and joint protection techniques, is aimed at improving or maintaining knee function, and targeting symptoms.

29 Jun 2004