Random FactsCuriousOneJanuary 18, 2016caffeine, capsaicin, Coffee, deter, herbivores, like, pepper, plantComment The caffeine in the coffee plant, like capsaicin in chili peppers, is meant to be a toxic substance to deter herbivores. Random FactsCuriousOneJanuary 18, 2016caffeine, capsaicin, Coffee, deter, herbivores, like, pepper, plantComment