Primjena kapsaicina u liječenju rinitisa

Rhinitis is one of the most frequent diseases, affecting 30–40 % of the population. Non-specific rhinosinusitis is characterized by symptoms similar to those of an infectious disease, but neither infection nor allergy can be proven. One of the substances used to treat idiopathic rhinitis is capsaicin. Capsaicin is a medically significant chemical found in chili peppers. It has been used for food flavoring since ancient times, but it also has numerous therapeutic uses today. The molecule is extremely versatile and exhibits a wide range of therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. It can be administered locally or systemically and has a high bioavailability due to its lipophilic properties. Capsaicin acts as an agonist of the TRPV1 receptor, and attaching capsaicin to TRPV1 causes receptor deactivation and a prolonged refractory period during which neurons cannot be triggered again. This characteristic makes capsaicin particularly useful in the treatment of idiopathic rhinitis, and its potential application in other kinds of rhinitis is also being explored. At the same time, the potential toxicity of capsaicin is a significant constraint to its medical usage. That is why the use of capsaicin in idiopathic rhinitis is indicated in a strictly defined dose and short-term use.