Capsaicin, the Pungent Principle in Hot Pepper

Capsaicin, the Pungent Principle in Hot Pepper: From Basic Pharmacology to Therapeutic Applications explores capsaicin's biological and pharmacological characteristics, from its discovery and isolation to its receptor identification and antagonists. The book's structure is divided into three sections, starting with the historical development of research on capsaicin. This foundational section provides a thorough understanding of the compound's journey from a simple pungent ingredient to a significant element in pharmacological studies. The second part of the book delves into capsaicin’s biological effects and pharmacology, covering areas such as nociception, pain, salivary secretion, body temperature regulation, and blood pressure regulation.
Finally, the book examines the clinical applications of capsaicin, discussing potential future developments in desensitization, pain relief, injections, effects on the tumor microenvironment, appetite control, and longevity. This book is invaluable for pharmacology researchers and clinicians in pain management and cancer, offering insights into the unique characteristics and therapeutic potential of capsaicin.

Arpad Szallasi is a leading expert on the roles of TRP channels in health and disease. He was the first to provide a biochemical proof for the existence of the vanilloid (capsaicin) receptor, now known as TRPV1. Currently, he holds an Associate Professor position at the 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
His research focuses on targeting of TRP channels for therapeutic purposes, with special emphasis on pain and inflammation.
Arpad Szallasi obtained his MD degree Summa cum Laude from the Medical University School of Debrecen, Hungary (1984). He received his PhD degree in Pharmacology from the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (1995).
Arpad Szallasi held several research positions both in academia (Karolinska Institute, Washington University, St. Louis, MO) and industry (Menarini Ricerche Sud, Pomezia, Italy) before pursuing a carrier in diagnostic pathology.
Arpad Szallasi is a past President for the New Jersey Association of Blood Bank Professional and a former medical advisor to the American Red Cross.