New Non-Addictive Painkillers from Substance Similar to Ingredient in Hot Chili Peppers

[The Straight Story]

Scientists Learn to Block Pain at Its Source: New Non-Addictive Painkillers from Substance Similar to Ingredient in Hot Chili Peppers

ScienceDaily (Apr. 27, 2010) — A substance similar to capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their heat, is generated at the site of pain in the human body. Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have discovered how to block these capsaicin-like molecules and created a new class of non-addictive painkillers.

The findings were published April 26 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The senior investigator was Kenneth Hargreaves, D.D.S., Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Endodontics in the Dental School at the UT Health Science Center. Amol M. Patwardhan, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., a graduate of the Health Science Center's Department of Pharmacology who worked under Dr. Hargreaves' supervision, is the lead author.

"Nearly everyone will experience persistent pain at some point in their lifetime," Dr. Hargreaves said. "Our findings are truly exciting because they will offer physicians, dentists and patients more options in prescription pain medications. In addition, they may help circumvent the problem of addiction and dependency to pain medications, and will have the potential to benefit millions of people who suffer from chronic pain every day."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426181706.htm

[NikRik]

1. I know how this works !

See where ever the source of your pain is coming from is quickly forgotten when your mouth is burning so bad it feels like its being cooked ! :-)

[WhiteTara]

2. lol

and welcome to DU :hi:

[The Straight Story]

3. My dad used to ask me "If your arm hurts I can kick you in the leg if you want"

telling me pretty much the same thing :)

And welcome to DU!