Active Component and Preparations

Capsaicin is the chemical responsible for the numerous medicinal applications of chili peppers (“Capsicum Peppers”). Each type of capsaicin-based therapy prepared and administered differently to optimizes capsaicin’s efficacy. In the case of arthritis pains, capsaicin based creams are applied to the sore area for pain relief (“RUBžA535”). Capsaicin has also been used in weight loss pills to increase the body’s metabolic rate in order to burn body fat (Khan, 2010). Nasal sprays with capsaicin also exists for the purpose of relieving sinus and nasal congestion (Sinus Buster, 2010). A recent innovation is the Qutenza transdermal patch which capsaicin as the main active ingredient (Qutenza, 2010). This is used to relieve pain that is specifically due to shingles (Qutenza, 2010).