Could chili peppers hold the answer for inflammation sufferers?
Inflammatory diseases are chronic conditions that are usually extremely painful. Inflammation results when the body’s immune system attacks the joints. The pain and stiffness can be debilitating. Available treatments offer only temporary, but welcome, respite from the pain. Researchers are working on developing treatment a new treatment from an unusual source, the chili pepper.
Chili peppers contain a substance known as capsaicin. Capsaicin is believed to offer significant pain relief for inflammation. Capsaicin has been used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and is an ingredient in some creams currently used to sooth the pain. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, a burning sensation accompanies the treatment.
The effectiveness of capsaicin in relieving the pain of inflammatory conditions has prompted researchers to study the possibility of developing a medicine in pill form from the substance. The need for additional treatments with less serious side effects is substantial. Capsaicin may be the solution. Inflammatory sufferers may soon find a new, effective treatment option available.
