Table 3.

Clinical Trials of Capsaicin and Diabetic Neuropathy.

TrialDesignNumber R/CDoseDuration (wk)Outcome*
Chad et al,36 1990R,DB,PL58/460.075% cap qid4Significant improvements
 VAS-R (71 vs 41%)
Not significant
 VAS-P
 PGE
Scheffler et al,32 1991R,DB,PL54/490.075% cap qid8Significant improvements
 PGE (90 vs 50%)
 VAS-P (49 vs 17%)
 VAS-R (66 vs 39%)
Capsaicin Study Group,37R,DB,PL277/2190.075% cap qid8Significant improvements
 1991 PGE (71 vs 51%)
 VAS-P (40 vs 28%)
 VAS-R (60 vs 45%)
Tandan et al,38 1992R,DB,PL22/200.075% cap qid8Significant improvements
 PGE (60 vs 20%)
Not significant
 VAS-P
 VAS-R
Low et al,39 1995†R,DB,PL40/390.075% cap qid12Not significant
 PGE
 VAS-P
 VAS-R

  • Note: R=randomized, DB=double-blind, PL = placebo-controlled, C=number of patients completing trial, VAS-R=visual analogue scale for pain relief, VAS-P=visual analogue scale for pain severity, PGE=physician’s global evaluation based on a rating scale of change in pain severity.

  • * Numbers in parenthesis indicate significant difference in favor of capsaicin compared with placebo.

  • † Only 12% of patients enrolled in this trial had diabetes.