Another application format is the patch. Capsaicin patches, like mustard plasters, have been around for a while, but now they are making a comeback as TheraPatch Penetrating Pain Relief Patches. Other medical developments include the introduction of capsaicin gels and the addition of other medicines or herbs to make the capsaicin products more efficacious. Heritage Consumer Products has released Eucalyptamint 2000 arthritis pain relieving gel that contains capsaicin and menthol. Another analgesic gel is Arthogesic, which claims to give temporary relief from minor muscle aches, joint arthritis, backache, bruises, strains, and sprains.
Some manufacturers believe that the addition of herbal remedies assist the capsaicin.
Sports Med and Arth DR utilize capsaicin plus glucosamine, raspberry leaf, valerian, and white willow bar. NatureWorks manufactures Swedish Bitters Capsaicin Cream, which contains capsaicin and Swedish Bitters extract for use in treating arthritis, backache, and pains in the muscles and joints. One company, Thione International, has been granted a U.S. Patent for its compositions for relief of the symptoms of arthritis. The first Thione product based upon the patent is Pain Relief Rx, which combines the company s antioxidant complex with capsaicin. Capsaicin is found only in chile peppers and in no other plant, animal, or mineral.