What Is Nonivamide?
Nonivamide is a capsacinoid.
When it is distributed as a research reagent, the alias “nonivamide” is often used. It is present as a powdery solid at room temperature and is white to light reddish yellow in color.
Capsanoids are naturally occurring in peppers (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, etc.) and also synthetically obtained, and nonivamide is one of these synthetic capsanoids.
Nonivamide, like capsaicin, is highly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Powdered nonivamide is likely to generate dust, and measures against inhalation and skin contact should be taken when using this product.
Uses of Nonivamide
Nonivamide, like capsaicin, has a warming effect, making it useful as a warming agent in compresses and poultices. Poultices, poultices, and liquids containing nonivamide are characterized by a sensation of warmth in and around the area to which they are applied.
Characteristics of Nonivamide
The compositional formula of nonivamide is represented by C17H27NO3. The basic properties (molecular weight, solubility) of Nonivamide are as follows:
- Molecular weight: 293.407
- Solubility: Insoluble in water.
- Solubility: Soluble in ethanol.
Other Information About Nonivamide
1. Mechanism of Warming Action
Nonivamide binds to receptors called TRPV1 channels, which are abundantly distributed in the skin and mucous membranes; the original function of TRPV1 channels is to generate action potentials upon sensing stresses such as high temperature or inflammatory products.
However, when capsaicinoids such as nonivamide bind to TRPV1 channels, action potentials are generated even in the absence of high temperature or inflammatory products, which are perceived as heat when transmitted to the brain.
For this reason, when capsaicinoids adhere to the skin, the skin feels a tingling sensation, as if it has been exposed to something hot. In addition, the TRPV1 channel is essentially a sensor for biological defense in response to burns and inflammation. Therefore, stimulation by capsaicinoids also triggers a response to protect the body from burns and inflammation.
Specifically, these reactions include vasodilation and increased heart rate to send immune cells efficiently in the blood to the affected area. These reactions promote blood circulation and give the body the sensation of being warmed up.
2. Structural Similarity With Capsaicin
Nonivamide has a similar molecular structure to capsaicin, another capsaicinoid. Capsaicinoids are characterized by an amide bond structure of vanillylamine and fatty acids. Depending on the difference in the structure of the fatty acid, properties such as polarity and the intensity of skin irritation differ.
The IUPAC name for capsaicin is “8-methyl-N-vanillyl-trans-6-nonenamide,” which is an amide bond of 8-methyl-6-nonenoic acid and vanillylamine. On the other hand, nonivamide is an amide bond of nonanoic acid (perargonic acid) and vanillylamine.
3. Byproduct of Capsaicin Synthesis
When capsaicin is synthesized, a small amount of nonivamide may be generated as a byproduct. Since unintentionally generated, nonivamide may remain in the product, foods and medicines using capsaicin or capsicum extracts may be tested for the content of nonivamide for quality control purposes.
4. Skin Irritation
Due to skin and mucous membrane irritation, gloves, goggles, and other protective equipment should be worn when handling. As with capsaicin, inhalation may cause symptoms such as severe coughing and a burning sensation in the throat, requiring the use of masks and measures to prevent dispersal due to wind or static electricity.
Skin irritation may also occur when exposed to laboratory equipment that has been contaminated with nonivamide. Laboratory equipment should be washed immediately and surfaces rinsed with a solvent such as ethanol, which is soluble in nonivamide.
Because it is a non-water soluble substance, rinsing with ethanol is more effective than with water if it comes in contact with skin. If irritation persists in the eyes or throat, medical attention should be sought.