Capsaicin is taken from chilli peppers. It works mainly by reducing Substance P, a pain transmitter in your nerves. Results from RCTs assessing its role in treating osteoarthritis suggest that it can be effective in reducing pain and tenderness in affected joints, and it has no major safety problems. Evidence for its effectiveness for fibromyalgia is related to a single trial.

What is it?

Family: Herbal medicine extracted from chilli peppers (Capsicum family)
Scientific name: Capsaicin
Other names: Axsain®, Zacin®, chilli, pepper gel, cayenne

Capsaicin is the main medicinally active component of chilli peppers which is taken from the plant’s tissues. It’s licensed in the UK for osteoarthritis and you can get it on prescription in the form of gels, creams and plasters.

How does it work?

Several studies have found that capsaicin can use up Substance P. Substance P plays an important role in transmitting pain signals from nerve endings to your brain. It’s also involved in activating inflammatory substances in joints.

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