Chili Pepper Compound May Ease Sinus Symptoms

Capsaicin, the compound present in chili peppers that lends the characteristic hot sensation, is approved for use as a topical pain reliever.  Jonathan Bernstein, from the University of Cincinnati (Ohio, USA), and colleagues administered a nasal spray containing capsaicin  (Capsicum annum) to 44 subjects nasal congestion, sinus pain, and sinus pressure characteristic of experiencing a significant component of nonallergic rhinitis, for a period of two weeks. The team observed that the capsaicin spray conferred a faster onset of action or relief of symptoms, on average within a minute of using the spray, as compared to a group who received a placebo nasal spray (control group). The researchers conclude that: “Intranasal capsaicin, when used continuously over 2 weeks, rapidly and safely improves symptoms in rhinitis subjects with a significant [nonallergic rhinitis] component.”