A jab which contains hot chilli pepper is now in development which allows patients to stay completely alert and pain-free while being operated on.

The painkiller prevents suffering without the usual side-effects of paralysis and unconsciousness, common in anaesthetics today which affect our sense of touch and control. This is because the compound in chilli opens a specific pain "gate" in neurons without leaking into others.

Scientists believe that within a few years it could be used during child birth, dentistry and basic surgery. Presently the alkaloid capsaicin from chilli peppers is also used in topical analgesic creams for the relief of arthritis, tendonitis and muscular strain due to its warming sensation.