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Botanical Name :Capsicum
spp. fruit
Sanskrit name :
Katuvira
English Name :
Cayenne pepper, Chillies
Family :
Solanaceae
Plant Parts Used :
Fruit
Description of
Capsicum spp. fruit
:
It
is a
genus of
plants from the nightshade family (Solanaceae)
native to the
Americas, where it was cultivated for
thousands of years by the people of the tropical Americas, and is now
cultivated worldwide. Some of the members of Capsicum are used as
spices,
vegetables, and
medicines. The
fruit of Capsicum plants have a
variety of names depending on place and type. They are commonly called
chili pepper, capsicum, red or green
pepper, or sweet pepper in
Britain, and typically just capsicum in
Australia and
Indian English. The large mild form is
called
bell pepper in
the US. They are called paprika in some
other countries.
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Characteristics and Constituents :
The major constituent is Capsaicin. Other constituents are moisture -
10.0%; protein - 15.9%; fat-6.2%; fibre - 30.2 %; carbohydrates - 31.6
%; minerals - 6.1%, calcium - 160; vitamin C - 50 mg/100 g, etc.
Actions and Uses :
Capsaicin is shown to be a potent stressor agent and produces a rise in
corticosterone level. When applied to human skin, capsaicin produces
erythema and burning without blistering. Intragastrically, capsaicin
promotes ulceration. Capsaicin at a dilution of 1 : 1,000 showed
bacteriostatic activity against several organisms. Oleoresin red pepper
- obtained from the longer, moderately pungent chillies chiefly used for
flavouring.
Since its introduction, the chilli has become the most popular spice and
replaced black pepper to a very large extent. Capsicum wool, prepared by
dissolving the oleoresin in ether and pouring it on absorbent cotton
wool, is useful in rheumatoid affections. Capsicum tincture has been
employed externally in the treatment of chilblains. Chilli, in small
doses, is a powerful stimulant and carminative. It stimulates the
secretion of saliva and gastric juice, and increases peristaltic
movements and motility of stomach. It is an excellent remedy in atonic
and flatulent dyspepsia and dipsomania.
Herbal Extract packing:
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