Which mechanism is responsible for capsaicin's analgesic effect on pain signaling?
Answer
Depleting nerves of Substance P, a neuropeptide transmitting pain
The use of capsaicin in pain management, often via topical application, is rooted in its ability to directly interfere with how pain signals travel through the nervous system. Capsaicin works by targeting Substance P, which is a specific neuropeptide responsible for transmitting pain messages from the site of injury or irritation up to the brain. By causing the nerves to become depleted of this substance, the nerve effectively loses its ability to effectively communicate the sensation of pain. This action is the foundation for its effectiveness in treating various chronic pain conditions, including arthritis and neuropathy, by interrupting the pain transmission pathway.
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