Tinyatoxin has a potential for pharmaceutical uses similar to uses of capsaicin.
The most active toxin, resiniferatoxin, binds to pain receptors in the same way as capsaicin but much more powerfully.
In 1919 the exact chemical structure of capsaicin was determined and the complete synthesis of the compound was achieved a decade later.
This relationship may have promoted the evolution of the protective capsaicin.
As well, capsaicin induces satiety as a result of oral and gastro-intestinal contribution.
Typical ingredients for such applications include eucalyptus oils, menthol, capsaicin, anise and camphor.
Other studies on less nociceptive medications found topical raspberry extract to work through a similar mechanism as capsaicin.
Ground or crushed dried chili pods may be used in birdseed to deter squirrels, taking advantage of the insensitivity of birds to capsaicin.
