Capsaicin May Ease Peripheral Neuropathy

Topical application of capsaicin, the compound in red chili peppers that makes them hot, may reduce pain in some people with peripheral neuropathy, suggests a review of published studies. Peripheral neuropathy is a nervous system disorder that causes numbness, tingling or burning, especially in the hands and feet. It is caused by damage to peripheral nerves from diseases such as diabetes, AIDS and shingles.

Researchers at the University of Oxford analyzed randomized, controlled trials lasting at least six weeks, in which participants used topical capsaicin to treat neuropathic pain. Six studies (involving a total of 389 participants) compared regular application of low-dose (0.075 percent) capsaicin cream with placebo cream. Two studies (involving a total of 709 participants) compared a single application of a high-dose (eight percent) capsaicin patch with a placebo patch.

The authors concluded that either form of capsaicin "may provide a degree of pain relief to some patients with painful neuropathic conditions." However, the amount of pain relief experienced remains uncertain because the studies used different definitions of improvement.

The researchers noted that one drawback of capsaicin is that skin irritation on the application site was common. The irritation is often mild and transient, but it may cause some people to discontinue treatment.

Other integrative therapies that have shown promise for treating neuropathy include alpha-lipoic acid, gamma linolenic acid and magnet therapy.

For more information about treating neuropathic pain, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.

References

1.Derry S, Lloyd R, Moore RA, et al. Topical capsaicin for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Oct 7;(4):CD007393. View Abstract

2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/

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