Transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) is a non-selective cation channel that is stimulated by capsaicin, protons, endogenous lipids, and hot temperature. Upon activation, TRPV1 initiates a signaling cascade that results in elevated levels of pain-inducing factors. It is located in sensory ganglia composed of neurons that send projection throughout the periphery¹.

N-palmitoyl-vanillamide (palvanil) is a TRPV1 agonist, a non-poignant analogue to capsaicin (capsaicinoid). It has a slower kinetic opening-onset than capsaicin, but it activates the channel more potently. It induces significantly milder side effects – e.g. imbalanced thermal homeostasis and bronchoconstriction - than capsaicin, and it seems to be suitable as a topical anti-analgesic. It is effective in reducing edema², and can inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain³, and interestingly, in vitro data have shown that at low concentrations it encourages the proliferation of osteoclasts, and does the opposite at high concentrations⁴.