The secret of spiciness: How an everyday spice could become a medicinal all-rounder

At a glance

When you bite into a fiery chili, your body immediately reacts with heat and pain. But the very substance that brings tears to your eyes hides enormous therapeutic potential. It connects to special receptors in your nervous system and sets off a biological chain reaction. Suddenly it's no longer just about burning tongues, but about unexpected relief from stubborn pain, influences on cell metabolism and profound anti-inflammatory effects. Until now, the extreme sharpness has stood in the way of widespread use. But new, tiny transport systems from nanotechnology can now outsmart the burning sensation - and reveal cellular mechanisms that could fundamentally change our understanding of herbal medicine.