Active ingredient of pungent substances slows growth of breast cancer cells

Capsaicin, an active ingredient of pungent substances such as chilli or pepper, inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. This was reported by a team headed by the Bochum-based scent researcher Prof Dr Dr Dr habil Hanns Hatt and Dr Lea Weber, following experiments in cultivated tumour cells. In the journal "Breast Cancer - Targets and Therapy", the researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum presented their findings together with colleagues from the Augusta clinics in Bochum, the hospital Herz-Jesu-Krankenhaus Dernbach and the Centre of Genomics in Cologne.

The experiments were carried out with the SUM149PT cell culture, a model system for a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer, i.e. the triple-negative type. Chemotherapy is currently the only available treatment for this type of cancer. 

Frequently occurring receptor

In the cultivated cells, the team detected a number of typical olfactory receptors. One receptor occurred very frequently; it is usually found in the fifth cranial nerve, i.e. the trigeminal nerve. It belongs to the so-called Transient Receptor Potential Channels and is named TRPV1. That receptor is activated by the spicy molecule capsaicin as well as by helional - a scent of fresh sea breeze.

 (helional)  Capsaicin

In collaboration with Dr Gabriele Bonatz from the Augusta clinics in Bochum (Brustzentrum), Hatt's team confirmed the existence of TRPV1 in tumour cells in nine different samples from patients suffering from breast cancer.

Cancer cells die

The researchers activated the TRPV1 receptor in the cell culture with capsaicin or helional, by adding the substances to the culture for a period of several hours or days. As a result, the cancer cells divided more slowly. Moreover, the treatment caused tumour cells to die in larger numbers. The surviving cells were no longer able to move as quickly as heretofore; this implies that their ability to form metastases in the body was impeded.

"If we could switch on the TRPV1 receptor with specific drugs, this might constitute a new treatment approach for this type of cancer," says Hanns Hatt. An intake via food or inhalation is insufficient for this purpose.

Effective in mice

Earlier studies had demonstrated that the chemical arvanil - with a chemical make-up similar to that of the spicy molecule capsaicin - was effective against brain tumours in mice; it reduces tumour growth in the animals. Due to its side effects, however, this substance is not approved for humans. In addition to capsaicin and helional, the endovanilloids, produced naturally in the body, also activate the TRPV1 receptor.

FDA Supports Phase 3 Trial for NGX-1998 | News | Drug Discovery and Development Magazine

NeurogesX Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing a portfolio of novel non-opioid, pain management therapies, provided an update on its regulatory process for NGX-1998 (see below structure), the company's next generation liquid formulation of prescription-strength capsaicin. NeurogesX has received End-of-Phase 2 guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its previously announced plans for the Phase 3 clinical development of NGX-1998 as a treatment for neuropathic pain conditions, including key elements of its overall development plan related to manufacturing, applicator development, and clinical trial design.

FDA Supports Phase 3 Trial for NGX-1998 | News | Drug Discovery and Development Magazine

Heat in Chili Peppers Can Ease Sinus Problems, Research Shows

In continuation of my update on the usefulness of   Casaicin...

We know that, Capsicum annum contains capsaicin, which is the main component of chili peppers and produces a hot sensation. Capsaicin is also the active ingredient in several topical medications used for temporary pain relief. It is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is available over the counter.

Now researchers lead by  Jonathan A. Bernstein of University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, have come up with an interesting finding about Capsicum annum.  As per the claim by the researchers a nasal spray containing an ingredient derived from hot chili peppers (Capsicum annum) may help people "clear up" certain types of sinus inflammation. Researchers add that, study which showed that participants who used a nasal spray with Capsicum reported a faster onset of action or relief, on average within a minute of using the spray, than the control group and the spray is safe  and effective on non-allergic rhinitis.

Interestingly, this is the first controlled trial where capsaicin was able to be used on a continuous basis to control symptoms. It is considered a significant advance, because of the fact  that in  the previous trials the ingredient was too hot to administer without anesthesia.

Ref : http://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206%2811%2900383-8/abstract

Chillies for diabetes: Study

In continuation of my update on diabetes and its treatment,  I find the following study interesting.  In fact, I had a blog article  , where in the authors claim that Capsaicin may cause weight loss and I think these findings are of great significance........

Chillies for diabetes: Study

 

New evidence that chili pepper ingredient fights fat..

In continuation of my update on Capsaicin may cause weight loss....

In an effort to find out, the scientists lead by Jong Won Yun of of Daegu University, Kyungsan, Korea,  fed high-fat diets with or without capsaicin to lab rats used to study obesity. The capsaicin-treated rats lost 8 percent of their body weight and showed changes in levels of at least 20 key proteins found in fat. The altered proteins work to break down fats.

"These changes provide valuable new molecular insights into the mechanism of the antiobesity effects of capsaicin the scientists say"...

Through secretion of adipokines into the blood, adipose tissue plays a central role in development of these syndromes. In particular, white adipose tissue (WAT) functions as an energy storage organ through formation of triacylglycerol and release of fatty acids into the bloodstream during a shortage of energy. In association with overnutrition, excess WAT play a major role in obesity and obesity-related disorders through dysregulation of adipokine secretion from WAT. Therefore, inhibition of excess WAT can be an efficient strategy for prevention of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Researchers concludes that, thermogenesis and lipid metabolism related proteins were markedly altered upon capsaicin treatment in WAT, suggesting that capsaicin may be a useful phytochemical for attenuation of obesity....

Ref:http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/pr901175w

Capsaicin for Postherpetic neuralgia....

About Capsaicin :

Capsaicin,(8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide, (CH₃)₂CHCH=CH(CH₂)₄CONHCH₂C₆H₃-4-(OH)-3-(OCH₃)) is the active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It is an irritant for mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact. Capsaicin and several related compounds are called capsaicinoids and are produced as a secondary metabolite by chili peppers, probably as deterrents against certain herbivores and fungi. Pure capsaicin is a hydrophobic, colorless, odorless, crystalline to waxy compound.

We know that many pain killer gels are using this and even some companies are trying to establish the anti cancer activity (prostate cancer).

Mode of action :

The burning and painful sensations associated with capsaicin result from its chemical interaction with sensory neurons. Capsaicin, as a member of the vanilloid family, binds to a receptor called the vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1). The resulting depolarization of the neuron stimulates it to signal the brain. By binding to the VR1 receptor, the capsaicin molecule produces the same sensation that excessive heat or abrasive damage would cause, explaining why the spiciness of capsaicin is described as a burning sensation.

Now FDA has approved the Qutenza(TM) (capsaicin) 8% patch, the first and only product containing prescription strength capsaicin, for the management of neuropathic pain due to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). As per the claim by the company, Qutenza works by targeting certain pain nerves in the area of skin where pain is being experienced. The Qutenza patch is applied by a physician or a healthcare professional. Clinical studies have shown that PHN pain can be reduced for up to 12 weeks following a single one-hour treatment. Up to four patches may be used and patches may be cut to conform to the size and shape of the painful area.

Source : http://ngsx.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=424559