Why Hot Showers and Capsaicin Cream Relieve Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Symptoms
Hot water and topical capsaicin likely relieve CHS symptoms by activating TRPV1 receptors, which interact extensively with the endocannabinoid system and trigger downstream anti-nausea effects through multiple pathways.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Capsaicin and hot water both activate TRPV1 receptors, which share extensive cross-talk with the endocannabinoid system. TRPV1 activation triggers modulation of tachykinins, somatostatin, PACAP, CGRP, and histaminergic/cholinergic/serotonergic transmission - all of which have anti-emetic potential. The review identified 137 relevant articles detailing these mechanisms.
Key Numbers
2,417 articles screened, 137 included. About 20 published cases of capsaicin successfully treating CHS. TRPV1 responds to temperatures above 43 degrees C and pH below 6.
How They Did This
Systematic literature search of PubMed, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar through April 2017, screening 2,417 articles for relevant thermoregulatory and anti-emetic mechanisms. 137 articles were included.
Why This Research Matters
CHS patients often instinctively seek hot showers for relief, and capsaicin cream has emerged as a treatment option. Understanding why these work reveals fundamental connections between the endocannabinoid system and temperature-sensing pathways that could lead to better treatments.
The Bigger Picture
The connection between the endocannabinoid system and TRPV1 receptors may explain not just CHS symptoms but also broader phenomena around how cannabinoids interact with pain, temperature regulation, and nausea throughout the body.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Largely theoretical, connecting mechanisms from separate research areas. Most CHS treatment evidence is from case reports. The exact contribution of each proposed pathway remains unknown.
Questions This Raises
- ?Could synthetic TRPV1 agonists be more effective than capsaicin?
- ?Is there an optimal temperature for hot water therapy?
- ?Could combining capsaicin with other TRPV1 activators enhance relief?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- About 20 published cases have documented capsaicin successfully treating CHS symptoms, with effects potentially lasting longer than hot showers due to topical capsaicin's longer half-life.
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary - theoretical framework connecting diverse mechanisms, supported by case reports rather than controlled trials.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2018. Capsaicin for CHS has gained wider acceptance since.
- Original Title:
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: potential mechanisms for the benefit of capsaicin and hot water hydrotherapy in treatment.
- Published In:
- Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 56(1), 15-24 (2018)
- Authors:
- Richards, John R(7), Lapoint, Jeff M, Burillo-Putze, Guillermo(5)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01813
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hot showers help with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
Hot water activates TRPV1 receptors, which interact extensively with the endocannabinoid system. This activation triggers multiple downstream anti-nausea pathways involving neuropeptides and neurotransmitters.
Does capsaicin cream work for CHS?
About 20 published cases have shown capsaicin cream successfully treating CHS symptoms. Topical capsaicin activates the same TRPV1 receptors as hot water but may provide longer-lasting relief due to its slower absorption and longer half-life.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01813APA
Richards, John R; Lapoint, Jeff M; Burillo-Putze, Guillermo. (2018). Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: potential mechanisms for the benefit of capsaicin and hot water hydrotherapy in treatment.. Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 56(1), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2017.1349910
MLA
Richards, John R, et al. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: potential mechanisms for the benefit of capsaicin and hot water hydrotherapy in treatment.." Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2017.1349910
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: potential mechanisms for t..." RTHC-01813. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/richards-2018-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome-potential
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.