What Are the Benefits of Capsaicin?

Capsaicin is the active ingredient of pepper. It is irritating to mammals, including humans, and produces a burning sensation in the mouth. Capsaicin and some related compounds are also called capsaicin. They are secondary metabolites produced by capsicum and may be a deterrent to herbivores. Generally birds are not sensitive to capsaicin. Pure capsaicin is a water-repellent, lipophilic, colorless and odorless crystalline or waxy compound.

Chinese name: capsaicin

Chinese alias: trans-8-methyl- N -vanillyl-6-nonenamide

English name: Capsaicin

English alias: 8-METHYL-N-VANILLYLNONANAMIDE; 8-METHYL-N-VANILLYLNONENAMIDE; CAPSAICIN; N-PELARGONIC ACID VANILLYLAMIDE; N-PELARGONYLVANILLYLAMIDE; N-VANILLYLNONAMIDE, etc.

Molecular formula: C ₁₈ H ₂₇ NO ₃

CAS number: 404-86-4

MDL number: MFCD00017259

EINECS number: 206-969-8

RTECS number: RA8530000

BRN number: 2816484

PubChem number: 24896598 ^[1]

Traits: brown red.

Density (g / mL, 25/4 ° C): 1.12.

Melting point (ºC): 62-65.

Boiling point (ºC, atmospheric pressure): 210-220.

Flash point (ºC): 113.

Solubility: Insoluble in water, easily soluble in ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, etc. ^[1]

Acute toxicity:

Celiac-rat LD50: 9.5 mg / kg;

Oral-mouse LC50: 47.2 mg / kg. ^[1]

Other harmful effects: The substance may be harmful to the environment. Special attention should be paid to water bodies. ^[1]

1. Molar refractive index: 89.9

2. Molar volume (cm ³ / mol): 293.1

3. Isometric Zhang Rongrong (90.2K): 731.2

4. Surface tension (dyne / cm): 38.7

5. Polarizability (10 ^-24 cm ³ ): 35.55 ^[1]

1. Hydrophobic parameter calculation reference value (XlogP): 3.6

2.Number of hydrogen-bonded donors: 2

3.Number of hydrogen bond acceptors: 3

4.Number of rotatable chemical bonds: 9

5.Number of tautomers: 6

6. Topological molecular polar surface area 58.6

7.Number of heavy atoms: 22

8.Surface charge: 0

9.Complexity: 341

10.Number of isotope atoms: 0

11. Determine the number of atomic stereocenters: 0

12. Uncertain number of atomic stereocenters: 0

13. Determine the number of chemical bond stereocenters: 1

14. Uncertain number of chemical bond stereocenters: 0

15. Number of covalent bond units: 1 ^[1]

It is stable under normal temperature and weak acid / weak base (PH = 4 9) medium, and easily decomposes at high temperature (> 100 ). ^[1]

Store in a cool, dry and dark place. ^[1]

Solanaceae

Dangerous Transport Code: UN 2811 6.1 / PG 2

Dangerous Goods Sign: Toxic

Safety signs:

Capsaicin is the main capsaicin element in chili,

1 as a food additive. As a food seasoning, pepper needs some shallow processing to make pepper sauce. However, when these products are consumed, the capsaicin undergoes an leaching process, and the bioavailability of capsaicin is not high. At the same time, alkali continues to be released in the intestine, irritating the intestinal wall, which can cause abdominal discomfort, and even cause anal burning and induce hemorrhoids. Therefore, extracting and separating capsaicin from peppers, as an additive in food processing, is conducive to the control of spicyness and the full absorption and utilization of capsaicin.

2 applications in medicine and health.

China is one of the earliest countries to use pepper as a medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine pepper treats cold stomach and rheumatism. Modern research shows that capsaicin has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anesthetic and detoxification effects. Its analgesic effect is equivalent to morphine, but it is longer lasting than morphine. , Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, baldness, etc. have significant effects. In addition, capsaicin can also inhibit the occurrence of malignant tumors, and has special effects on the treatment of skin diseases and weight loss.

3. Applied to marine antifouling coatings.

Some attached organisms in the ocean, such as barnacles, seaweed, shellfish, etc., are attached to the bottom of ships, buoys, pier, pier, seawater pipelines and cage nets. Due to their large number and rapid growth, they can make The slowing of the ship's speed, the increase of fuel, the acceleration of metal corrosion, the clogging of pipelines and cages, the imbalance of underwater facilities, etc. have caused great harm to the development of the ocean. Capsaicin, as a repellent, has a strong repellent effect, and does not Killing marine life has obvious ecological benefits.

4. As an anti-ant and rodent repellent in wire and cable.

Polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene are widely used as insulation and sheath materials by the wire and cable industry. In addition to being damaged by oxygen, heat, light, force, and chemical attack, they will also be eaten by termites, rats or hares. Injury, resulting in fire due to power outages, interruption of communication, and even short circuits. Using the strong spicy flavor of capsaicin, the oral mucosa and taste nerves of rats can be strongly stimulated and chewed away. At the same time, it can kill termites. The cable has broad application prospects. ^[2]

Capsaicin receptor and its role

Capsaicin binds to VR1 and activates

Research conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that capsaicin in chili and pepper can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, thereby preventing heart disease to a large extent. Heart disease has become the number one health killer in developed countries. Capsaicin is the active ingredient of capsicum, and it is this compound that gives us a burning sensation when eating capsicum. This compound can affect genes and other mechanisms related to cholesterol levels and vascular health.

Studies have found that capsaicin can reduce harmful cholesterol levels by reducing accumulation and accelerating decomposition and excretion. Capsaicin also inhibits the activity of a gene that causes arteries to contract. Arterial contraction results in reduced blood flow to the heart and other organs. By inhibiting the activity of this gene, muscles can relax and expand, which in turn increases blood volume.

Studies have found that capsaicin can improve a range of factors related to heart and blood vessel health. However, people are not advised to consume peppers in excess. A proper diet needs to be balanced. One must be clearly aware that peppers are not a substitute for clinically proven and proven prescription drugs.

The research team found in animal experiments that capsaicin, the main ingredient in pepper, has the effect of promoting muscle growth and inhibiting muscle atrophy. Researchers believe the discovery may help develop drugs to treat muscle wasting. It is necessary to confirm the safety of using capsaicin, and it is hoped that after confirming the safety, a new muscle atrophy treatment drug will be developed with capsaicin. ^[5]