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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > December  >
In the Classroom
Capsaicin, from Hot to Not; Can New Pain-Relieving Drugs Be Derived from This Substance Known To Cause Pain?
David B. Rusterholz
Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–River Falls, River Falls, WI 54022
Cover
December 2006
Vol. 83 No. 12
p. 1809
Abstract
Capsaicin, a fairly simple substituted amide of an aliphatic acid, has long been known as the active principle in hot chili peppers. In addition to causing a pronounced burning sensation, this substance has also been noted to produce a diminished sensitivity to pain. This effect has led a number of investigators to explore the structure–activity relationships of capsaicin in hopes of finding a new drug that would have useful pain-relieving properties without the sting. In recent years the receptor for capsaicin, called TRPV1, has been identified and cloned. This article traces first the development of modified capsaicin structures that offered improved analgesic effectiveness with minimal pungency and then the discovery of compounds that act as antagonists at the TRPV1 receptor. These latter compounds appear to hold promise as new drugs that will be useful for the treatment of some types of pain.
More Information
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Citation
Rusterholz, David B. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 1809.
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Keywords
Applications of Chemistry; Biochemistry; Bioorganic Chemistry; Biosignaling; Drugs / Pharmaceuticals; Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary; Medicinal Chemistry; Molecular Recognition; Organic Chemistry; Second-Year Undergraduate; Textbooks / Reference Books; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
10/30/2006
10/31/2006
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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > December  > Page 1809


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