Capsaicin is an active component in chili peppers. While it is a irritant to humans, it acts as a repellant to herbivores and fungi. Capsaicin is found in the highest quantities in the seeds and veins of the fruits from plants that belong to the genus Capsicum. Capsaicin acts as an irritant to humans and other mammals because it works by interfering with a chemical involved in transmitting pain impulses to the brain. Birds lack the receptors that capsaisin binds too so they are able to eat and disperse the seeds. Since birds do not have molars to crush their foods, they can swallow and pass the seeds without causing any damage. Since capsaicin interferes with substance P (the chemical responsible for transmitting pain impulses), it eventually helps to easy muscle and joint discomfort. Initially a burning or stinging sensation is felt when applying products containing capaisin or consuming chili peppers, but after time and repeated use, this pain fades and acts to deplete the substance P in the area it is used. Since the chemical responsible for transmitting pain impulses to the brain gets depleted with capsaisin use, the initial skeletal or muscular pain felt can begin to fade away.
In addition to spicing up food and relieving pain, capsaicin is used to deter pests and other animals from destroying plants and can be applied to horses to give them an edge in competitions. This is illegal though and shouldn’t be done. Capsaicin is also used as less-lethal force by law enforcement. Pepper spray is a common use.
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