Botanical Name - Capsicum frutescens Category - Spices Form - Dry Part Used - Fruit General Information - "Capsicum frutescens is a much-branched, erect, perennial plant growing from 1 - 2 metres tall. The stems can become more or less woody, at least near the base. This species is widely grown throughout the world, but especially in warm temperate to tropical climates for its edible fruit, which is used as a food flavouring, and also for its medicinal virtues. Fruit - raw or cooked. Very hot and normally used as a flavouring. The fruit can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a flavouring. The fruit is up to 7.5cm long and 1cm wide. Seed - dried, ground and used as a pepper. Leaves - cooked as a potherb." Phytochemicals- The fruit is also antihaemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, sialagogue and stomachic. These pungent fruited peppers are important in the tropics as gastrointestinal detoxifiers and food preservatives. The fruits contain 0.1 - 1.5% capsaicin. This substance stimulates the circulation and alters temperature regulation. Applied to the skin it desensitizes nerve endings and so has been used as a local anaesthetic. The seed contains capsicidins. These are thought to have antibiotic properties.
