Capsicum, also known as chilli peppers, are native to tropical America but are now grown worldwide. They contain the active compound capsaicin, which gives them their spicy heat and pungency. Capsaicin binds to TRPV1 receptors and has various health benefits such as improving circulation, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, aiding digestion, and boosting metabolism. The Scoville scale measures the amount of capsaicin and heat in different chilli varieties. Capsicum has many uses as a spice, medicine, self-defense, and in industry.

1. HEALTHY BENEFITS OF
FIERY HOT CHILLIES

3.  Biological source: Capsicum consists of dried
fruits of Capsicum annuum and species of
small sized dried fruits of Capsicum
frutescens.
 Family :Solanaceae
 Geographical source: native to tropical
America,also grown in Africa, in India and
most of the parts in the world.

4.  Capsicum annum
 Capsicum baccatum
 Capsicum frutescens
 Capsicum eximium
 Capsicum chinese
 Capsicum
campylopodium
 Capsicum
parvifolium
 Capsicum pubescens
 Capsicum chacoense

8.  Capsaicin, a red coloring matter which is an
active component in capsicum.
 Iron,phosphorus,selenium,calcium,sulphur,ma
gnesium,potassium.
 Vitamin A,C and E.
 Oleic, stearic and palmitic acids.

9.  It is a unique alkaloid found in the fruit of
capsicum genus.
 Family : solanaceae
 Capsaicin is found in many species of
capsicum and it is an active principle which
gives pungency and hotness to red chillies
 Capsicum is distributed globally.

11.  SAR studies revealed that a specific aromatic
A ring Configuration ,the presence of H-
bonding group in B region and hydrophobic
hydrocarbon C region tail of 8 to 12 Carbons
are required for maximum potency atTRPV1.
 Alkylation or switching of 4-OH or 3-MeO
moieties and modification of positions
2,5,and 6 of the ring reduces activity.

12.  Capsaicin binds to transient receptor potential
vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) previously known as
vanilloid receptor.
 It results in chemical interaction with sensory
neurons .
 Selectively activates nociceptal neurons.

14.  Scoville scale is the measurement of the
pungency ( spicy heat) of chili peppers.
 The no. of scoville units (SHU) indicates the
amount of capsaicin present.
 The scale is named after its creator ,American
pharmacist Wilbur scoville.

16.  Food and spice
 Medicinal uses
 Industrial uses
 As weapons (self defense)
 Other uses

17.  Blood circulation: capsicum has been used for
decades as a catalyst for other herbs because it
stimulates circulation and enhances blood flow.
 It is considered food for the circulatory system, a
common condiment in diet.
 Blood pressure: capsicum lowers blood pressure.
 It has potassium that keeps B.P in check.
 A combination of capsicum with berries and ginger is
a good preventive of blood pressure problems.
 It purifies blood and promote normal B.P and pulse.

18.  Blood cholesterol: capsicum reportedly lowers
serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
 Heart attacks: it is helpful for preventing strokes
and heart attacks.
 Cayenne pepper is very effective heart tonic .
 Capsicum reduces risk of blood clot ,thins the
blood by decreasing blood levels of fibrin .

19.  Digestion : It rebuilds the tissue in the stomach
and heals the stomach and intestinal ulcers .
 Cayenne produces natural warmth and useful in
stimulating peristaltic movement ,it aids in
assimilation and elimination.
 It also stimulates production of gastric juices
,clears excess mucus from the stomach.
 It is also useful as carminative that helps to
relieve gas.

20.  Metabolism and weight reduction: capsicum
speeds up the metabolism of fat and may
reduce weight gain by increasing the liver
enzymes .
 Asthma and cold: capsicum has powerful
action on the mucus membrane .
 It can be used as a gargle for sore throats and
infections.
 Cayenne as tea ,used for cough and cold .

21.  It is excellent in prevention and cure of
common cold and flu, yellow fever, black
vomit, gangrene etc.
 Cancers and ulcers: research scientists found
that capsicum can make cancer cells destroy
themselves. Low concentrated levels of
capsicum are useful in healing ulcers.

22.  Vitamins and minerals : capsicum contains
vitamin A,C and E.
 It also contains iron, phosphorus and calcium.
 It is rich in antioxidants.
 Other uses: It acts as counter irritant in the
treatment of arthritis.
 It is also used in cosmetics for warm effect.used
in creams, patches and lotions.
 Used in the treatment of tooth aches and boils.

25.  Capsaicin is the
main ingredient
in pepper spray.
 It is useful for the
safety of
of alone
individuals
especially for
woman.
 Chilli bombs are
also used as
weapons.

26.  Worlds hottest pepper: bhut jolokia/ ghost
pepper.
 Christopher Columbus first discovered
capsicum and named them as “peppers”.
 Capsicum is a part of human diet for 9000
years .
 One of the most utilized spice in the world.

27.  As it was not approved by FDA for its
therapeutical value, even though using
capsicum regularly in low levels in diet keeps
your circulatory system and digestive system
healthy.
 It can be used as a preventive for common
health issues.

28.  Trease and Evans’ Pharmacognosy, 16e
(Evans, Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy)
Elsevier: New York, 2009.
 Ara DerMarderosian, et. al. The Review of
Natural Products 4th Edition.
 Kokate, C. K.; Gokhale, S. B.; Purohit, A. P. A
textbook of Pharmacognosy, 29th ed.; Nirali
Prakashan: Pune, 2009.