Yersin University of Dalat Students Bring the World’s Hottest Chili into a National Top 8 Project
CHILICARE, a pain relief product line extracted from Carolina Reaper chili — the world’s hottest pepper, is the result of more than six months of research by students from Yersin University of Dalat. The project has officially advanced to the Top 8 nationwide in the “New Generation Student 2025” competition organized by Vietnam Television (VTV), demonstrating strong potential for real-world application from local agricultural resources.
at Yersin University of Dalat.
The project originates from a practical issue: many laborers in Lam Dong regularly perform heavy physical work, making them highly prone to musculoskeletal pain, tendon inflammation, and chronic fatigue. Inspired to create a health solution from local agricultural materials, a team of Yersin medical students developed a natural pain-relief product using high-capsaicin chili grown in the region.
The research was led by Tran Thi Thanh Hang, a 4th-year student in the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, together with Trinh Tran Que Anh and Pham Minh Nhat, both 3rd-year students. Their mission was clear — to elevate local farm produce through scientific innovation.
After extensive research and formulation trials under expert supervision, the team successfully developed a three-product CHILICARE line, including:
- CHILICAP 1% topical ointment
- CHILICAP 1% external-use cream
- CHILICAP 1% transdermal pain-relief patch
What sets the project apart is its use of capsaicin, a bioactive compound extracted from Carolina Reaper chili — officially recognized by Guinness World Records in 2013 as the spiciest chili on Earth, with exceptionally high capsaicin content, making it ideal for enhanced pain-relief effectiveness.
The chili is selectively harvested, extracted using optimized processes, and formulated to maximize active ingredient concentration while ensuring safe topical absorption.
and formulated into the final product.
Early testing shows clear pain reduction, particularly for back, shoulder, and joint discomfort caused by repetitive physical work. The products deliver a gentle warming effect, and are reported to be skin-safe and non-irritating.
“We aim to transform scientific knowledge into health solutions that uplift the value of local agricultural resources — for the direct benefit of the community,” shared team leader Tran Thi Thanh Hang.
CHILICARE has already won First Prize at the Yersin Talent Innovation Contest (2024–2025) and is currently competing in several major national competitions, including the Vietnam Youth Rural Startup Program 2025 (organized by the Central Youth Union) and the Lam Dong Technical Innovation Awards 2025.
is currently competing in several provincial and national competitions.
According to academic advisor Dr. Dinh Thi Huong, the university is now supporting the team in the commercialization pathway, aiming to build a sustainable production and distribution chain that bridges scientific research with real community needs.