LAUSR

Neuropathic pain (NP) is an egregious problem worldwide. Due to the side effects of the oral drug, drugs delivered directly to the affected area of pain is preferred. Capsaicin, a chemical compound isolated from chili peppers, is employed as an analgesic in topical ointments and dermal patches to alleviate pain. To systematically review of capsaicin's functions on NP, we collected the articles in PUBMED published in the last ten years. 108 articles were selected among 265 after filtering through the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data and knowledge currently existing for capsaicin treatment in NP are summarized. This review indicates that capsaicin represents an effective improvement within the treatment of NP without affecting the motor and the large nerve fibers involved in sensory function. Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid-receptor type 1 (TRPV1), is the capsaicin receptor, that is expressed on central and peripheral terminals of a sensitive primary nerve cell. Topical capsaicin encompasses a sensible safety profile and efficaciousness in reducing NP. Therefore, studies over the last ten years suggest that capsaicin might be a potential drug for the treatment of NP.