Cayenne pepper Capsicum frutescens, C. annuum

Cayenne pepper

O R I G I N A N D C U LT I VAT I O N In pre-Columbian times, Capsicum was widely used in Central and South America, the Caribbean area, and Mexico.

 It is often stated that Columbus, on his return from the first voyage (1492), brought the plant back to Europe. From there it spread to Africa and Asia, very quickly becoming more important in those regions as a spice than ‘black’ or ‘white’ pepper (Piper nigrum).

P L A N T   D E S C R I P T I O N
Because of its very long history of cultivation and human selection, many forms of Capsicum exist, and this makes classification difficult. Two species of Capsicum are usually recognized (frutescens
and annuum). Capsicum plants grow to a height of 0.5–1.5 m (5 ft), with ovate leaves and white to green flowers. The resulting fruits vary in size (being up to 30 cm (1 ft) in length), colour (yellow, red, brown), and pungency. The dried fruit is the part used in herbal medicine.

C U L I N A R Y   A N D   N U T R I T I O N A L   VA L U E
Capsicum is of enormous importance as a vegetable and spice: sweet or bell peppers, paprika, chillies, tabasco,
cayenne, and red pepper. The fruit does not contain significant quantities of protein, fat, and sugars, but is a good source of carotenes (provitamin A) and vitamin C (up to 340 mg per 100 g of
fresh material). Extracts of the fruit are used to flavour and colour various foods and beverages, and also used in aerosols to deter ‘muggers’.

C L A I M S   A N D   F O L K L O R E
Externally, Capsicum is applied to the skin, where it acts as an
analgesic and rubefacient, producing a counter-irritant effect that deals with conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, herpes, and some forms of neuralgia. Interestingly, Capsicum is included in mixtures placed in socks or stockings to keep the feet warm on cold days. Internally, the drug has been employed as a stomachic,
carminative, and gastrointestinal stimulant, also as a gargle for sore throats.

E V I D E N C E
The pungent principles in Capsicum are capsaicin and related compounds (up to 1.5%), and these compounds
are principally responsible for its drug action. There have been a number of human and animal investigations and some of its uses have been supported. The pungent principles can irritate delicate tissues and therefore can affect eyes. In certain individuals Capsicum may affect the lining of the gut; care should be taken with the drug during pregnancy and lactation. Both the external and internal uses of Capsicum are supported in Germany.