How does capsaicin affect the human nervous system?

What is capsaicin? Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Capsaicin is used in medicated creams and lotions to relieve muscle or joint pain.

POWER OF SPICINESS

Several studies have found that capsaicin can use up Substance P which is a peptide composed of a chain of 11 amino acid residues. It is a neuropeptide, acting as a neurotransmitter and as a neuromodulator. Substance P plays an important role in transmitting pain signals from nerve endings to your brain. Capsaicin used on the body causes a sensation of heat that activates certain nerve cells. With regular use of capsaicin, this heating effect reduces the amount of substance P, as stated, it is chemical that acts as a pain messenger in the body.

Capsaicin

When they reach the tongue, capsaicin interact with a special type of protein located on the surface of nerve cells which is called as TRPV1 that acts a sensor for the cell giving it information about the outside world. Normally, TRPV1 gets turned on by physical heat, like a fire, above 109F (43C). This signal will turn the nerve cell on to allow it to trigger other nerve cells that will carry the message to the brain that it has to respond to this dangerous temperature.When capsaicin interact with TRPV1 they also turn the protein on and cause the same signal to be transmitted to the brain into thinking it is being burned even though there is no real heat present.How does capsaicin works on the tongue

Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain and act similarly to drugs such as morphine and codeine. In contrast to the opiate drugs, however, activation of the opiate receptors by the body's endorphins does not lead to addiction or dependence.

The brain responds by releasing another type of neurotransmitter known as endorphins.Endorphins are the bodys natural way of relieving pain by blocking the nerves ability to transmit pain signals. The neurotransmitter dopamine, responsible for a sense of reward and pleasure, is also released. SPICY FOOD trigger euphoria(stage of excitement)