cap·sa·i·cin

(kăp-sā′ĭ-sĭn)

A pungent alkaloid, C₁₈H₂₇NO₃, derived from certain capsicums that is a strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes and is used in some topical pain relievers and in pepper sprays.

[Alteration (perhaps influenced by Latin capsa, box) of earlier capsicin : capsic(um) + -in.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

capsaicin

(kæpˈseɪɪsɪn)

(Biochemistry) a colourless crystalline bitter alkaloid found in capsicums and used as a flavouring in vinegar and pickles. Formula: C18H27O3N

[C19 capsicine, from capsicum + -ine²; modern form refashioned from Latin capsa box, case + -in]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

cap•sa•i•cin

(kæpˈseɪ ə sɪn)

n.

a colorless, crystalline, bitter compound, C₁₈H₂₇NO₃, present in capsicum.

[1885–90; earlier capsicine= capsic (um) + -ine²]

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

capsaicin - colorless pungent crystalline compound derived from capsicum; source of the hotness of hot peppers of the genus Capsicum such as chili and cayenne and jalapeno

capsicum, capsicum pepper plant, pepper - any of various tropical plants of the genus Capsicum bearing peppers

chemical irritant - a substance producing irritation

Translations

capsaicin

n capsaicina

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

It harnesses the natural analgesic power of capsaicin to provide durable and targeted pain relief, with onset of response by the second day after injection.

Centrexion completes patient enrollment in VICTORY-2 trial

Chilies are spicy because they contain a chemical called capsaicin (kap-SAY-uh-suhn).

HOT ICE CREAM

Chili peppers comprise a group of fat-soluble phenols described as 'capsaicinoids', including capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin.

Antibacterial Activity of Capsaicin against Sectional Cariogenic Bacteria

Our study suggests that the natural compound capsaicin from chilli peppers could represent a novel therapy to combat metastasis in lung cancer patients," said Jamie Friedman.

Spicy compound from chilli peppers could reduce spread of lung cancer, shows study

Summary: Capsaicin to suppresses lung cancer metastasis by inhibiting activation of the protein Src

Chilli compound slows lung cancer progression: Study

The active ingredient of cayenne is capsaicin which is responsible for the pungent and irritating effect of the pepper.

Plant of the week: Component of pepper spray used to reduce pain

"It consists of several safe, nonactive ingredients that enhance the tolerability and effectiveness of the naturally occurring, Food and Drug Administration-recognized, topical analgesic capsaicin. PainBloc24 contains the highest concentration of capsaicin allowed by FDA without a prescription.

PainBloc24 taps highest allowable capsaicin level

Averitas Pharma will be commercialising the pain patch Qutenza (8% capsaicin) for Grunenthal in the US.

GrA1/4nenthal Acquires Averitas Pharma and Establishes Commercial Footprint in the US

German science-focused pharmaceutical company Grunenthal revealed on Monday that it has acquired additional global commercial rights for the dermal pain patch Qutenza (8% capsaicin) from Acorda Therapeutics Inc (USA).

GrA1/4nenthal announces acquisition of additional global commercial rights for dermal pain patch Qutenza from Acorda Therapeutics

Several animal and laboratory studies have shown that capsaicin - the compound that gives chilli peppers its hot sensation- can help stop sickness before it starts.

Getting sick always? Try these foods