Capsicumis a genus of plants from the familySolanaceae(also known as the nightshades).
“Capsicum” is also the scientific name for peppers.
There are more than 30 species of capsicum, which include bell peppers and chili peppers.
Getty Images / Sandra Hosking
Capsicum is native to Central America and South America.
Peppers from theCapsicumgenus are a common ingredient in many types of cuisine.
Capsicum is also commonly used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.
Five species of domesticated capsicum are the most widely researched.
The main bioactive substance in capsicum is capsaicin.
This article will discuss the nutritional benefits and uses of capsicum.
But, from fiber to vitamin C, peppers are full of nutrients.
Capsicum annuumincludes bothbell peppersand chili peppers, two peppers commonly used in cooking.
Bell peppers contain additional antioxidants, like vitamin E and beta-carotene.
Various amino acids can also be found in bell peppers.
Because of these nutrients and other bioactive substances, capsicum has been used for centuries for potential health benefits.
Getty Images / Sandra Hosking
What Is Capsicum Used For?
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Some people use capsicum for medicinal benefits.
Another compound in capsicum, capsaicin, is thought to help relieve pain and inflammation.
An overview of some of the science behind common capsicum uses is outlined below.
Pain
Capsicum may be taken orally or topically (on the skin) to treat pain.
Capsaicin is the bioactive substance in capsicum that may have pain-relieving effects.
Capsaicin has been researched for its ability to alter the sensory neurons that are triggered when you feel pain.
For this reason, capsaicin has been used to treat painful conditions likeneuropathy,arthritis, andfibromyalgia.
Capsaicin is often used topically for pain.
Interestingly, though, capsaicin may also induce pain to some degree.
After all, capsaicin is the substance responsible for the burning pain associated with eating hot chili peppers.
However, high-concentration capsaicin has been found to treat chronic pain and other types of pain.
Patches with high concentrations of capsaicin seemed to provide the most pain relief.
Inflammation
Antioxidants in capsicum have displayed anti-inflammatory properties in various studies.
In particular, carotenoids are thought to reduce oxidative stress-induced inflammation.
The flavonoids were also found to inhibit certain pro-inflammatory cells and overall improve the inflammatory response.
At this time, lab studies have only focused on capsicum’s effects oninflammation.
Human trials should be conducted further to prove the role of capsicum in inflammation reduction.
Cough symptoms improved after four weeks of using capsaicin.
Taking capsaicin over the four weeks was thought to reduce the capsaicin cough sensitivity that participants displayed at baseline.
This same reduction in capsaicin cough sensitivity has been seen in other respiratory conditions, likeCOPDandasthma.
However, more research is needed in this area as very few human trials exist.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Some evidence suggests that capsicum may improve various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
However, researchers warn that caution should be taken when using capsicum as it may make some conditions worse.
Capsaicin has even been found to reduce the risk of GI cancers in some studies.
Yet, the mechanism by which capsaicin works in the gut is not fully understood at this time.
A review of capsaicin revealed that the compound may positively alter thegut microbiome.
Metabolic Syndrome
There is some interest inCapsicum annuumas a treatment formetabolic syndrome.
In certain studies, capsicum supplementation also had some positive effects on body weight.
Another review linked capsaicin as the component in capsicum that may improve metabolic syndrome symptoms.
Additional human studies on this subject are needed to help determine capsicum’s role in metabolic syndrome.
What Are the Side Effects of Capsicum?
Capsicum may cause side effects.
This is especially true of topical capsicum or capsaicin or if peppers come into contact with your skin.
Peppers are thought to be safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts.
Capsicum creams, lotions, and skin patches may also cause side effects.
Other side effects may be possible when using capsicum.
Precautions
It’s important to use capsicum properly to reduce your risk of side effects.
However, some people may need to avoid using capsicum altogether.
Topical capsicum may be safe duringpregnancyorbreastfeeding.
There also isn’t enough solid evidence to know if capsicum supplements are safe for kids to use.
Topical capsicum is considered unsafe when used in children under the age of 2.
It is safe for children to eat peppers, though.
Other people may need to avoid capsicum for various reasons.
Research is still emerging on capsicum, which means additional precautions may be warranted.
Dosage: How Much Capsicum Should I Take?
There is currently no standardizeddosageinformation for capsicum.
There is no dietary reference intake (DRI) for capsicum or capsaicin.
However, in the form of peppers, capsicum contains plenty of important nutrients that your body needs daily.
Currently, the only approved form of capsicum is a skin patch containing 8% capsaicin.
it’s possible for you to also talk with ahealthcare providerabout the right dosage for you.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Capsicum?
Capsicum isn’t known to be toxic, but taking too much may cause adverse events.
There is some concern that eating high levels ofspicy foodsmay increase the risk of certaincancers.
To prevent side effects and other adverse events, take capsicum only as directed.
Interactions
Capsicum may interact negatively with certain medications, supplements, and herbs.
Taking capsicum with certain medications may alter their effectiveness.
Store supplements in their original bottle or packaging as these are usually resistant to sunlight.
you might discard capsicum supplements once they pass their expiration date or show any signs of spoilage.
Peppers that have formed holes, wrinkles, dark spots, or soft spots may be bad.
Peppers that smell bad should be thrown away.
you’re free to get plenty of nutrients and health benefits from eating capsicum-rich foods.
However, sometimes, a healthcare provider may recommend that you take capsicum supplements to increase your intake.
Food Sources of Capsicum
“Capsicum” is the scientific name for peppers.
There are more than 30 species of capsicum peppers, with just five being domesticated.
All peppers belong to the capsicum genus.
The most commonly used peppers include bell peppers, sweet peppers, and hot peppers.
Although, these peppers are part of just one species:Capsicum annuum.
Peppers are often used to add spice and flavor to recipes.
They can be consumed raw or cooked and pair well with various foods and dishes.
As a note, the spiciest part of the pepper tends to be the center (pith).
you might avoid excessive spice by simply staying away from the center of the pepper.
Capsicum supplements are sold online and in certain grocery stores, retail stores, or supplement shops.
Other forms may be available.
Many forms of capsicum supplements are naturallyveganandgluten-free.
Some products are also organic.
The packaging should indicate whether the supplement fits a specific diet or not.
This means supplements are not approved for safety or quality before being put on the market.
Summary
Capsicum is a genus of plants most commonly cultivated for peppers.
Using capsicum may cause certain side effects.
Some people should take precautions when using capsicum, while others may need to avoid it altogether.
Talk with a healthcare provider before using capsicum to ensure it’s a safe option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capsicum is the scientific name for peppers.
Bell peppers are a part of one of many species of capsicum.
The speciesCapsicum annuumis made up of bell peppers, sweet peppers, and hot peppers.
Capsicum flavor will vary depending on which punch in of pepper you consume.
Some peppers are considered sweet while others are considered spicy.
Peppers are also sometimes described as having a bittertaste.
As a note, the flavor of peppers often changes as you cook them.
Capsicum extract is a concentrated liquid form of capsicum.
These extracts may contain capsaicin or various bioactive ingredients extracted from capsicum.
Capsaicin is a compound found in capsicum that is thought to have medicinal uses.
Capsaicin is a bioactive substance found in plants of the capsicum genus.
Capsaicin is the compound most often attributed to the potential health benefits of capsicum.
There is some evidence that capsaicin may help treat pain, inflammation, and other health conditions.
Some people may experiencegasor an upset stomach when consuming peppers or using capsicum supplements.
Gas may be due to the fiber content or spice level of peppers.
However, not everyone will experience gas when eating peppers.
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