Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It is an irritant for
mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burningnany tissue with which it comes into contact.
Capsaicin and several related compounds are called capsaicinoids and are produced as a secondary metabolite by chili peppers;
probably as deterrentsagainst certain herbivores and fungi.Pure capsaicin is a hydrophobic, colorless, odorless, crystalline to
waxy compound.