Capsicum spp. (Chilli)

Question 1

How do you recognise Chilli Pepper?

Answer 1

• Capsicum spp. There are a few species - C. annuum & C. frutescens often used medicinally – both species contain many varieties.
• Bell or sweet peppers (not hot) are a variety of C. annuum as are cayenne and Jalapenos. Peri peri & tabasco are both C. frutescens.
• Habanero & Scotch bonnet are C. chinense.
• All of these are originally from Central and South America.
• Cultivated for more than 6000 years. Ubiquitous as a spice in cooking. Consumption is highest in places with high levels of infectious disease

Question 2

What are Chilli Pepper’s main constituents?

Answer 2

Constituents:
* Capsaicin & derivatives (dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin…)
* Capsiate & dihydrocapsiate.
* Flavonoids including quercetin & derivatives.
* Whole chillies will contain Vitamins C & E and carotenoids.
* Capsaicin accounts for most of the actions of this herb. Associated with TRPV1 - Vallinoid or capsaicin- receptors which desensitisies the receptor which can reduce pain perception , and the amount of inflammation.

Question 3

What family is Chilli Pepper in?

Answer 3

Members of the Solanaceae

Question 4

What is Chilli Pepper good for?

Answer 4

Summary: Hot, adds vitality, overall stimulant - raise body temp and metabolic rate. Bendle uses it especially for sore throats

Actions:
* Circulatory stimulant (vasodilator).
* Diaphoretic & febrifuge - helps with sweating
* Analgesic - useful for MSK pain.
* Digestive stimulant & carminative.
* Specifically anti-inflammatory - tho for some will make pain worse.
* Anti-microbial - works inside and outside the body
* Anti-oxidant - prevention of cancers
Externally:
* Rubifacient & counter-irritant (can cause inflammation which jumpstarts the body to tackle chronic inflammation).
* Analgesic.

Applications:
* Poor peripheral circulation.
* Infections – especially with fever.
* Muskuloskeletal & neuropathic pain.
* Gastritis - kills bugs in food before we eat it
* Rheumatoid arthritis & osteoarthritis.
* Sore throats.
* “Catalyst” for other prescriptions.
* Modern research is looking at hypoglycamic and antioxidant actions and possible application to treating diabetes and
various cancers.

Question 5

What is Chilli Pepper’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Capsicum spp.

Question 6

What parts of Chilli Pepper do you use?

Answer 6

Part used: fruit - often dried chilli peppers - & seeds.

Question 7

What safety issues might Chilli Pepper have?

Answer 7

Safety: Chilli can cause painful inflammation of skin, mucus membranes & eyes. Can cause irritation of GIT in some people. Handle with care! Refer to the Scoville Heat Chart.

Question 8

What useful research does Chilli Pepper have?

Answer 8

External link:
* Potential Phytopharmacy and Food Applications of
Capsicum spp.: A Comprehensive Review
A useful overview

Question 9

What remedies might you use Chilli Pepper in?

Answer 9

Dosage: 1:5 or 1:10 tincture often just 1% of a mixture - use in small doses.
Teas eg echinacea, liquorice, chilli for a sore throat
Also in diet
Herbalists like making creams with this - add a tincture to a cream for oesteo and R- arthiritis.