New research reveals that capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy taste in peppers, may have an anti-tumor effect in mesothelioma cells, an extremely rare type of cancer that is difficult to treat

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer with poor survival rates after diagnosis and limited treatment options. It is usually, but not always, associated with exposure to asbestos, a mineral used in construction, roofing, and interior and exterior insulation. In addition to manufacturing fire-protective clothing, car brakes, and other products.

Mesothelioma develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many internal organs (known as mesothelium), and the area most commonly affected is the lining of the lungs and chest wall.

In this study, the researchers showed that treating different mesothelioma cell lines (representing all mesothelioma subtypes of this cancer) with capsaicin inhibited several biological parameters of transformation, meaning that it was able to stop or reduce some biological processes.

In addition, these results supported the antitumor effect of capsaicin on cisplatin-resistant mesothelioma cells (an antitumor drug used in chemotherapy), suggesting that it may enhance treatment by reducing cisplatin resistance.

Dr. Antonio Giordano, president of the Sparrow Health Research Organization and a professor at Temple University, says: “This research may pave the way for further studies to evaluate the use of capsaicin to treat mesothelioma. There is evidence that capsaicin may increase the sensitivity of mesothelioma cells to chemotherapy, This makes treatment more effective and may reduce the spread of cancer