Sometimes the things that irritate the body can be the most useful to it. At least this is the case for the active component of chili peppers. Irritating to many animals, including humans, the component capsaicin gives peppers a “hot” taste (Mason, 2004). This aspect of chili causes excitation of neurons and increases sensitivity, which causes itching and burning sensations (Mason, 2004). These sensations are the pepper's defense mechanisms to protect it from being consumed by other species. So how could something that creates an instant negative response in the body be good for it? When extracted and used in a unique method, capsaicin that creates a burning sensation can actually provide a better sensation. Capsaicin can be used for medicinal purposes. Three studies show that capsaicin can be used to treat chronic pain, restore cardiac autonomic function, and maintain modest weight loss. However, these studies also have a more profound effect that is obvious. In a study conducted by Lorna Mason, R. Andrew Moore, Sheena Derry, Jayne E. Edwards, and Henry J. McQuay, the results showed that although the results were Topical capsaicin, which is not the most effective, can be used for those who do not respond to other treatments. To arrive at this conclusion, the following method was used. The trademarks capsaicin and capsicum were used to create the topical treatment. Random adults with chronic pain due to neuropathic conditions such as diabetic or postherpetic neuropathic neuralgia, or musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and back pain, received this treatment. Treatment was 0.075% capsaicin for participants with neuropathic disorders and 0.025% capsaicin for musculoskeletal disorders...... middle of paper ...... maintenance was also higher with capsaicin subjects than those on placebo. A side effect of the pill was that subjects reported feeling a burning sensation in their stomach. However, this is a reasonable side effect for the benefit of burning more fuel (Lejeune, 2003). Each of these studies brought a positive result showing that capsaicin is a useful thing to have in or on the body. Chili peppers have this capsaicin as a natural defense mechanism. Yet, it can alleviate various chronic pains (Mason, 2004), be the best initial treatment for PHN (Hempenstall, 2005), be completely beneficial for the heart after exercise (Shin, 2004), and maintain a reasonable body weight. loss ratio (Lejeune, 2003). Yes, there are side effects of using this treatment, such as burning near the applied area or in the stomach during digestion, but the benefits outweigh the harms..