Capsicum

what is capsicum?

Capsicum frutescens 

Capsicum variously known as red pepper, cayyene pepper, and chili pepper. This herb consists of the dried ripe fruit of Capsicum frutescens L., C. annum, and large number of varieties and hybrids of family Solanaceae. The plant has straight, woody stems and can grow to approximately 3 m tall in tropical conditions. White flowers and Star-shaped, are borne in the axils of the leaves, which later become the varied-colored peppers. These fruits contain many flat, white seeds that are the primary source of the chili spice. The Capsicum fruit was probably termed a pepper because of the burning sensation similar to that of black and white pepper spices

benefits of capsicum

varieties of capsicum

• The medicinal value of capsicum is directly related to pungency. This varies greatly according to the specific variety involved and its content of capsaicin. Normally, capsaicin occurs in the fruit in concentrations of about 0.02%. 
• Creams containing low concentrations (0.025 to 0.075%) of capsaicin have been found to be effective applied locally to the skin in the treatment of intractable pain such as that associated with herpes zoster, postamputation neuroma (phantom pain syndrome), diabetic neurophaty and headache.
• The capsaicin causes a depletion of substance P (a neuropeptide that mediates the transmission of pain impulses from the peripheral nerves to the spinal). Initial application of capsaicin to the skin produces irritation due to release of substance P from peripheral sensory C-type nerve fibers. These fibers are associated with slow, prolonged cutaneous pain transmission.When capsaicin were apply repeatedly substance P is eventually depleted from the nerve fiber and leading to prolonged insensitivity to pain stimuli.
•  The effective use of the cream requires topical application 4-5 times daily for a period of at least 4 weeks. A phytomedicine containing 0.075% capsaicin in a cream base has been approved by FDA for over the counter (OTC) sale

precaution when using capsicum

• Capsicum is not recommended for use in young children and baby because of the burning sensation
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:  if you are pregnant please consult your doctor before using this product. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.