Capsaicin

Capsaicin is an extract from the capsaicin plant and is a licensed medicine. Capsaicin is also known as cayenne, and is the substance that makes chili peppers hot. It is typically used externally for painful conditions, including osteoarthritis, post-herpetic neuralgia and painful diabetic neuropathy. It is sometimes used for muscle or joint pain. Capsaicin is available in different strengths, either as a topical treatment (cream), or a transdermal patch. Eating capsaicin in chili peppers produces a euphoric in some people as a response to the heat.