capsaicin
Meaning of capsaicin: Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the heat of chili peppers, used topically to help manage certain types of localized pain.
Definition of capsaicin
Capsaicin is the active compound responsible for the pungent, burning sensation associated with chili peppers and other plants in the genus Capsicum. It produces this sensation by activating a specific receptor on sensory nerve endings that normally responds to heat, which is why capsaicin exposure is perceived as a burning feeling even without an actual rise in temperature.
With repeated or prolonged exposure, capsaicin can reduce the sensitivity of the nerve endings it activates, an effect that has led to its use in topical creams and patches applied to the skin for certain types of localized pain, including some forms of musculoskeletal and nerve related pain.
Because capsaicin acts locally on nerve endings in the skin, its effects are generally limited to the area of application, and an initial burning sensation is common when a capsaicin product is first applied before any longer term effect develops.
Used in a sentence
A capsaicin cream was applied to the affected joint to help manage localized pain.
Good to know
Capsaicin often produces a temporary burning sensation when first applied to the skin, an expected effect of how it acts on nerve endings rather than a sign that the product is causing harm.