Researchers have found that capsaicin, the ingredient in red-hot chili peppers that causes its burning sensation, can reduce the risk of tumors in the large intestine.

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine showed that capsaicin when fed to mice produces a chronic activation of a receptor present in the cells lining the mice's intestines.

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The result is that capsaicin triggers a reaction that greatly reduces intestinal tumors. This study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, could be used to develop therapeutics that will reduce the intensity of colorectal cancer in humans.

More specifically, researchers found that "TRPV1," an ion channel discovered to be harmful, can be expressed by epithelial cells in the intestines.

TRPV1 was discovered in sensory neurons where it warns against heat, acidity and spicy chemicals.It is activated by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFRs), which are important drivers of cell proliferation in the intestines

Petrus de Jong, a researcher in the study, said a basic level of EGFR activity is required to maintain the stomach'snormal cell turnovers. There is a risk of an increase in the development of sporadic tumors once the EGFR remains unrestrained.

Researchers then found that TRPV1 can work as a tumor suppressor in the intestines.

They added that molecular studies on human colorectal cancer recently uncovered multiple mutations in the TRPV1 gene.

There is, however, no current direct evidence that TRPV1 deficiency can be a risk factor for a person to have colorectal cancer.

They suggest that a direct association between TRPV1 function and human colorectal cancer should be addressed in future clinical studies.

Research data suggests that individuals at high risk of developing recurrent intestinal tumors may benefit from TRPV1 activation.

Because of this study, researchers believe that spicy capsaicin can reduce the tumor burden and increase a person's lifespan.

Capsaicin is broadly used as an analgesic in topical ointments. It serves as irritant that overwhelm nerves, rendering nerves unable to report pain for an extended period of time.