The fiery chilli that spices up your platter may soon find its way into the operating theatre.The compound that gives chillis their characteristic burning taste,capsaicin, has been found to have anaesthetic properties. What’s even more remarkable is that it works without the numbing effect of local anaesthetics. So the patient would still be able to retain movement and touch without the pain.A team from Harvard reported this finding in Nature.
Most anaesthetics shut down activity in all nerves including the ones responsible for touch, but researchers say this particular compound can directly target pain receptors.According to Dr Story Landis, of the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, which funded the study,The Holy Grail in pain science is to eliminate pathologic pain without impairing thinking, alertness, coordination or other vital functions of the nervous system. This particular anaesthetic seems to fulfill these conditions.
However at this stage, there could be difficulties in actual application, since the same compound leaves a burning sensation that in earlier trails of the same nature was found to be more than some patients could handle.The problem could be compounded if it is injected below the skin.Nevertheless, the chilli holds out hope for new advances in anaesthesia.
Via:Signsofthetimes
Image:lakewoodconferences