r/Nicotine

Researchers recently tested oral nicotine pouches sold in the U.S (in a preprint, not yet peer-reviewed). with “heat” or “spicy” names. They examined whether extracts from the products activated TRPV1 (short for transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) and analyzed which compounds might explain that response. 

The pouch extracts activated TRPV1 in the laboratory tests. Chemical analysis detected capsaicinoids, which are compounds found in chili peppers that create a heat sensation when they bind to TRPV1 receptors. 

Across the VELO Plus and ZONE products tested, the reported capsaicinoid levels were in the low-microgram range. For context, a teaspoon of cayenne pepper may contain milligrams of capsaicinoids. 

This was a laboratory study using engineered cells, not a study of people, so the results don’t show how hot a pouch feels in use. Sensation can also be affected by formulation, pH, moisture, release rate, and individual sensitivity. 

Nicokick is a retailer of nicotine products intended for adults 21+ who currently use nicotine or tobacco.