Capsaicin

Abstract

Capsaicin is a naturally occurring trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-noneamide, extracted from the hot pepper plant and other peppers from the genus Capsicum (no relation with black pepper).1 It is found in the 'placenta', the white fibrous material that holds the seeds.2 In dermatology it is used to treat abnormal sensations: pain (post-zoster, neuralgias, vulvodynia, HIV neuropathy, etc.), paresthesias (diabetes), and pruritus. Capsaicin is traded in some countries (Zostrix® or Axsain®) but it is prepared in lot of countries (Capsicum tincture 12.5 g with a cosmetic base 37.5 g). © 2010 Springer-Verlag London.