Research on chili pepper could lead to the development of a new, more effective painkiller, reports the Journal of Clinical Investigartion.
The burning flavor is given by a substance called capsaicin. It binds to specific cell receptors. As scientists from the team of Dr. Keneth Hargreaves at the University of Texas found out, a similar chemical appears in painful areas of our body. By inhibiting the production of this substance (oxidized fatty acids called OLAM), chronic pain is relieved.
According to Dr. Hargreaves, thanks to his discovery it will be possible in the future to treat severe, chronic pain – related, for example, to cancer or joint diseases (PAP).