Is Capsaicin Similar to Nicotine? Understanding the Key Differences
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4 min read
In a 2019 study, researchers found that capsaicin, the pungent compound in chili peppers, can actually inhibit the function of certain nicotine receptors, despite both being able to activate some of the same sensory neurons. This might come as a surprise to many, since both substances are known for producing distinct, often intense, physical sensations. So, while a spicy meal and a cigarette may both trigger a burning feeling, their chemical relationship is far from straightforward.