RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Research Proposal: Capsaicin and Substance P

Research proposal: Capsaicin and Substance P

Introduction

Neuropathic pain is one of the most complex pain s which is the most difficult to treat. It is called a symptom resulting from neurological damage (peripheral, central or both) in a part of the nerve transmission of pain (Meldrum, 2003, pp. 101-154). We used various drugs, but none has proved sufficiently effective and side effects often prevent its continuation. It may be in different situations, all more frequent in elderly patients. Capsaicin is a neuropeptide agent that affects the synthesis, storage, transport and release of substance P (Meldrum, 2003, pp. 101-154). It is thought that substance P is the main chemical of pain impulses from the periphery to the central nervous system.

Topic Area

Substance P and possible Neurological pain relief from the use of Capsaicin

Research Question and its Significance to Knowledge

The following will be research questions for this research:

How does substance P initiate pain?

How the use of Capsaicin does relieve pain signals that are ignited by Substance P?

Is there any side-effects related to the use of Capsaicin? If yes, how does it affect the body?

What other alternatives are available for curing neurological pain?

Literature Review and Previous Research

Capsaicin is a drug that reduces and prevents the accumulation of substance P. This substance is involved in pain transfer and inflammation. Capsaicin achieved after multiple applications, reduces the amount of this substance and relieves pain (Keast and Breslin, 2002, pp. 123-131). Capsaicin topical is also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or “shingles”. Capsaicin is the main pungent component of cayenne pepper and the other hot peppers. All these plants are being Solanaceae Capsicum annuum (Chilli from India) the most important with a 1.5% oleoresin capsaicin mainly composed. The preparations of capsaicin can be used in a prescription to treat muscle pain, joint and rheumatic. In osteoarthritis, topical capsaicin, concomitantly with acetaminophen or aspirin, is considered one of the treatments of choice.

Capsaicin is used in creams to relieve local pain peripheral nerve. The treatment involves applying an anesthetic until the area is numb. Then the capsaicin is placed by a nurse wearing rubber gloves and a protective face (Burks, 1985, pp. 2531-4). The capsaicin remains on the skin until the patient begins to feel the heat is then quickly withdrawn. The result appears to be that the nerves are dominated by the burning sensation and cannot communicate pain for a long time (Burks, 1985, pp. 2531-4).

Pain Management

Capsaicin relieves pain by overusing the massagers of pain in an injured area. Specifically, when capsaicin is applied to inflamed or injured area, stimulating a substance called pain massager P. Each time you apply capsaicin more substance P is released to no more available and the nervous system no longer recognizes the pain in the affected area, according to the medical center at the University of Pittsburgh. Pain relief is temporary and should be applied several times (Bartoshuk, 2000, ...