Does capsaicin trigger an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 2, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Capsaicin does not directly trigger an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. The provided evidence [ 1 ] discusses the mechanisms of action of current therapies for severe alcoholic hepatitis, including the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in regulating LPS-inducible expression of TNF by monocytes/macrophages, but it does not mention capsaicin. Capsaicin's mechanism of action involves activating the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor, leading to an influx of calcium ions into cells, which is a different pathway from the adenylyl cyclase pathway that produces cAMP [no direct evidence from 1 but based on general medical knowledge].

Some key points to consider:

  • The evidence provided focuses on the medical management of severe alcoholic hepatitis and does not directly address capsaicin or its effects on cAMP levels.
  • Capsaicin's primary mechanism of action is through the activation of TRPV1 receptors, which leads to calcium-dependent signaling pathways, not the production of cAMP.
  • The distinction between capsaicin's mechanism and cAMP-dependent pathways is crucial for understanding how capsaicin works to relieve pain, which is through the desensitization of pain receptors via calcium-dependent processes.

Given the information and the context of the question, the most accurate answer is based on the understanding of capsaicin's mechanism of action rather than the specific details provided in the evidence [ 1 ], which does not directly relate to capsaicin or its effect on cAMP levels.

From the Research

Capsaicin and Cyclic AMP Relationship

  • The relationship between capsaicin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels is complex and has been studied in various contexts.
  • According to a study published in 1989 2, capsaicin-induced ion fluxes increase cyclic GMP but not cyclic AMP levels in rat sensory neurons in culture.
  • However, a study published in 2013 3 found that capsaicin up-regulates protease-activated receptor-4 mRNA and protein in primary cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons, and this effect is mediated by the cAMP/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signal pathway.
  • Another study published in 2013 4 investigated the effect of opioid withdrawal on TRPV1 activity and found that opioid withdrawal increases cAMP levels and capsaicin-induced TRPV1 activity in dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Mechanisms of Capsaicin-Induced Effects

  • Capsaicin can act on cells independently of the TRPV1 channel, altering membrane fluidity, ion flux, and reactive oxygen species levels 5.
  • The TRPV1-mediated calcium signaling pathway is involved in the induction of skeletal muscle hypertrophy, and capsaicin mimics mechanical load-induced intracellular signaling events 6.
  • The increase in cAMP levels during opioid withdrawal can enhance TRPV1 activity, contributing to opioid withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia 4.

Conclusion on Capsaicin and cAMP

  • While some studies suggest that capsaicin does not directly increase cAMP levels 2, others indicate that capsaicin can influence cAMP/PKA signal pathways in certain contexts 3.
  • The exact relationship between capsaicin and cAMP levels requires further investigation, as the current evidence is not conclusive 5, 6, 4, 2, 3.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Related Questions

What is the first-line treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management?
What foods can trigger an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the body?
What exams, blood work, and monitoring should my primary care physician (PCP) perform during 6-month checkups for a patient with a history of Crohn's disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and hypertension, who is taking Humira (adalimumab)?
What are the different types of strokes?
What can be done for nasal congestion and sleep assistance in a patient with atrial fibrillation (AFib) with rapid ventricular response (RVR) currently on diltiazem (Cardizem)?
What are ischemic strokes?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question