Capsaicin

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The chemical compound capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the active component of chilli peppers (Capsicum). It is an irritant for mammals including humans and produces an illusion of burning in the mouth. Capsaicin and several related compounds are called capsaicinoids and are produced as a secondary metabolite by certain plants of the genus Capsicum (chile peppers), probably as deterrants against herbivores. Birds are generally not sensitive to capsaicinoids. Pure capsaicin is a lipophilic colorless odorless crystalline to waxy compound.

Related Topics:
Chemical compound - Chilli pepper - Capsicum - Irritant - Mammal - Human - Mouth - Secondary metabolite - Plant - Genus - Herbivore - Lipophilic

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