The anti-inflammatory effect of capsaicin (the active ingredient in Capsicum annuum L. [Solanaceae]) had been reported in several studies. The subject of the work is to determine the efficacy of topically applied capsaicin for acute inflammation. Topical liquid-crystalline cream with capsaicin are used to treat Freund’s adjuvant induced inflammation. Formulation with capsaicin containing 25% cholesteroladipinate, 25% cholesterolvalerate, and 50% cholesterol pelargonate were prepared. Sub-plantar injections of Freund’s adjuvant produced profound and time-related oedema in the rat hind paw. Capsaicin significantly inhibited paw swelling (p<0.05) as compared to distilled water-treated ‘controls’. The acetylcholinesterase and seromucoids levels were of normal range on the 12th day of treatment with capsaicin. It may be concluded that capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties.
