Chemical
formula for Capsaicin C18H27N03, the active heat component of all hot peppers. A
capsaicin molecule as seen below.
Capsaicin, an alkaloid unique to chili peppers and what makes
all chilipeppers hot, has been used as a natural remedy for thousands
of years, starting with the ancient Mayans. Of all the capsaicinoids, only two compounds are
responsible for heat; Capsaicin extract and dihydrocapsaicin. The National Library of
Medicine lists the many
studies of Capsaicin capsicum oleoresin, one of the most researched substances in nutrition and medicine
involving the following health benefits: