Capsaicinoids are?

• A. A component in OC
• B. Makes pepper sprays pungent or hot.
• C. The heat and pain producing components in OC
• D. The higher the Major Capsaicinoids, the stronger the spray

Answer: (C)

Capsaicinoids are the heat-producing, pain-inducing compounds in OC. They include capsaicin and related molecules that activate the TRPV1 receptors on pain-sensing nerves, causing the burning sensation, tearing, coughing, and inflammation seen when OC sprays are used. This makes them the active irritants in the spray. While they’re responsible for the pungent heat, saying that more of the major capsaicinoids automatically makes a spray stronger is too simple—total capsaicinoid content and the spray formulation together determine overall effectiveness.