The role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) has been repeatedly investigated in animal models of inflammation. The present issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility includes another report on this issue and, not unexpectedly, many questions on the precise role of TRPV1 receptors in inflammation remain unanswered. This Editorial Viewpoint discusses the present knowledge on TRPV1 receptor involvement in intestinal inflammation and discusses the question whether the TRPV1 has to be regarded as the good or the bad receptor in this context. Since TRPV1 activation turns out being a valuable approach, translation of this knowledge to human disease is highly recommended.