capsaicin
Chili's burning compound
Capsaicin is the chemical compound that makes chili peppers hot.
It binds to pain receptors, creating a burning sensation without actual tissue damage.
The compound is used in hot sauces, pain-relief creams, and pepper spray.
Capsaicin content determines a pepper's heat level on the Scoville scale.
Capsicum pod or stew
- jalapeñoMild-to-medium Mexican pepper
- habaneroExtremely pungent chili variety
- serranoSmall hot Mexican pepper
- cayennePungent red spice
chipotle · poblano · ghost · scotch bonnet · bird's eye · piri piri · ancho · guajillo
Nitrogenous plant compound
- oleoresinMixed plant secretion
- pungencySharp smell or taste
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- lipophilicAttracted to fatty substances
hydrophobic · crystalline · extract · metabolite · irritant · receptor · desensitization · transient
Pain-relieving medication
- topicalCurrently relevant or newsworthy
- creamRich milk fat
- patchMaterial covering damage
- arthritisInflamed joint disease
neuropathy · pain relief · anti-inflammatory · desensitization · ointment · liniment · counterirritant · muscle
chili
Capsicum pod or stew
- jalapeñoMild-to-medium Mexican pepper
- habaneroExtremely pungent chili variety
- serranoSmall hot Mexican pepper
cayenne · chipotle · poblano · ghost · scotch bonnet · bird's eye · piri piri · ancho · guajillo · nightshade
alkaloid
Nitrogenous plant compound
- oleoresinMixed plant secretion
- pungencySharp smell or taste
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
lipophilic · hydrophobic · crystalline · extract · metabolite · irritant · receptor · desensitization · transient · binding
analgesic
Pain-relieving medication
arthritis · neuropathy · pain relief · anti-inflammatory · desensitization · ointment · liniment · counterirritant · muscle · joint
pungent
Sharply strong-smelling
hot · zing · piquant · sharp · kick · intensity · tolerance · sensation · mouthfeel · tingling
- plant chemicalsalkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins
- taste and smelltaste, smell, flavor, gustation, olfaction
- animal defensespoison, venom, toxin, toxins, horns
- spicinessmild, medium, hot, extra hot, spicy
- Flavor BoostersMSG, soy sauce, fish sauce, miso, salt
- pungent foodshorseradish, wasabi, raw garlic, raw onion, mustard
capsaicinmenthol
Cooling agent from plants
coolant · camphor · mint extract · peppermint oil · mint