The Effect of Topical Application of Capsaicin on the Flap Survival

Seo, Sang Won; Cho, Sung Tae; Cho, Yong Kee; Whang, Kwi Whan; Cha, Dong Sup

Abstract

Capsaicin is the principal pungent component of Capsicum fruits. Biological effect of capsaicin is various and complicated. This study was undertaken to define the effect of topical application of capsaicin on flap survival in rat. Fourty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups. With ten rats in each group, group A was only flap elevation group, as the control, group B was applied 0.025% capsaicin ointment for 7 days after skin flap elevation, group C was applied 0.075% capsaicin ointment for 7 days after skin flap elevation, group D was elevated two skin flap and one flap was control, the other flap was applied 0.075% capsaicin ointment for 7 days. Group A demonstrate 46.2+ 2.5% flap survival rate. Group B demonstrate 48.8+/-7.8% of flap survival rate, group C demonstrate 53.3+/-7.0% of flap survival rate. Control flap on group D demonstrate 43.5+/-3.5% of flap survival rate, 0.075% capsaicin applied flap demonstrate 52.9+/-7.2% of flap survival rate. Compared to the control group, increase in survival rate in group B was not statistically significant. The mean flap survival rate in group C was significantly increased than control group (p < 0.05). Compared to the control flap in group D, 0.075% capsaicin applied flap showed significantly higher flap survival rate. Based upon this data, local application of 0.075% capsaicin ointment demonstrate significantly increased value of survival area and survival rate on skin flap in rat (p < 0.05). And further studies may be needed for the evaluation of correct action mechanisms of capsaicin.