What molecule does capsaicin promote the release of to help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure?
Answer
Nitric oxide
Capsaicin supports circulatory health through a specific interaction involving the same receptors that sense heat, known as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors. When capsaicin interacts with these receptors located on nerve endings within blood vessel walls, it signals the promotion and release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a critical signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system; its function is to instruct the smooth muscles surrounding the blood vessels to relax and dilate. This dilation widens the internal diameter of the vessels, which directly reduces resistance to blood flow, resulting in a measurable lowering of blood pressure.
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