Spicy
Spicy
Spicy (/ˈspaɪsi/), from the Old French espice, is a term used in medicine to describe a sensation of heat or burning caused by the consumption of certain substances, most commonly capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers.
Etymology
The term "spicy" originates from the Old French espice, which is derived from the Late Latin species, meaning 'spice'. The term was first used in English in the 14th century to describe the pungent or aromatic qualities of certain plants or substances.
Medical implications
In medicine, the term "spicy" is often used to describe the sensation experienced when consuming foods or substances containing capsaicin or other similar compounds. This sensation is caused by the activation of TRPV1 receptors in the mouth and throat, which are responsible for detecting heat and pain.
Capsaicin has been used in medical treatments for conditions such as neuropathic pain and psoriasis. It is also being researched for its potential anti-cancer properties. However, excessive consumption of spicy foods can lead to conditions such as gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Related terms
- Capsaicin: The active component in chili peppers that gives them their spicy flavor.
- TRPV1: A type of receptor in the body that detects heat and pain.
- Neuropathic pain: A type of chronic pain that is often treated with capsaicin.
- Psoriasis: A skin condition that can be treated with capsaicin.
- Gastritis: An inflammation of the stomach lining that can be caused by excessive consumption of spicy foods.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition that can be exacerbated by the consumption of spicy foods.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spicy
- Wikipedia's article - Spicy
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