Capsicum annuum L., C. frutescens L., C. pubescens Ruiz & Pav. and other Capsicum spp.

Solanaceae

Cayenne; chilli pepper; hot pepper; tabasco pepper

Capsici fructus; Capsici oleoresina

Fruit, oleoresin (capsaicin, the ethereal extract)

The pungent principles are the capsaicinoids, present in concentrations up to 1.5%, but more usually around 0.1%. The major capsaicinoids are capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin and homocapsaicin. The capsinoids, which share similar structural features with the capsaicinoids and consist of capsiate, dihydrocapsiate, and nordihydrocapsiate, and so on, are less toxic and less pungent, and are being investigated for their anti-tumour, anti-obesity and other effects (Luo et al. 2011). Other constituents include the carotenoid pigments (capsanthin, capsorubin, carotene, lutein), vitamins including A and C and a small amount of volatile oil (Williamson et al. 2013).