The present invention discloses the use of certain compounds as therapeutic agents, and in particular as analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents. Such compounds include, for example, certain diterpene monoglycosides and diterpene diglycosides. The compounds of the present invention may be synthesized or isolated from the fruit of the genus Capsicum, and in particular may be isolated from sweet bell peppers (C. annuum). Pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, enantiomers, diasteriomers, racemic mixtures, enantiomerically-enriched mixtures, solvates, and prodrugs of such compounds are also disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using such compounds, including pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using such compounds in combination with one or more active ingredients, are also disclosed.
