Effect of Capsaicin Cream on the Secretion of the Submandibular and Parotid Gland in the General Population with Different Chilli-eating Habits.

Objective: To investigate the effect of capsaicin cream on the secretion of the submandibular gland (SMG) and the parotid gland (PG) in the general population, with different chilli-eating habits.

Methods: In two groups with different chilli-eating habits, the salivary flow rate of the SMG and the PG was detected at statics and different times, after application of capsaicin cream.

Results: In both groups, the topical application of capsaicin cream could significantly increase the salivary secretion of SMG (P < 0.05), but the increase in the salivary flow rate of the SMG between the two groups had no significant difference (P > 0.05). On the other hand, although the salivary flow rate of PG also increased after stimulation, the increase had no statistical difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The application of capsaicin cream can effectively promote the secretion of the SMG and the PG, and its effect is independent of chilli-eating habits, which indicates that topical application of capsaicin cream can be considered as a potential treatment for the hypofunction of the salivary gland.