Botanical Name
Capsicum annuum Linn.
Family Name
Solanaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/218
Vernacular Names
- English: Chilli, Bell Pepper, Sweet Pepper (depending on variety)
- Hindi: Mirch (मिर्च)
- Marathi: Mirchi
- Tamil: Milagai
- Telugu: Mirapakaya
- Kannada: Menasinakayi
- Malayalam: Mulaku
Habitat & Distribution
Native to Central and South America; widely cultivated throughout India and the world in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.
Morphology
- Plant: Herbaceous or shrubby annual/perennial
- Leaves: Simple, ovate
- Flowers: White or greenish, solitary
- Fruit: Varied shapes and colors – green, red, yellow, depending on cultivar
- Seeds: Pale yellow, flat, kidney-shaped
Varieties
- Green Chilli
- Red Chilli
- Bell Pepper (Capsicum)
- Sweet Pepper
- Paprika varieties
Substitute/Adulterant
Adulteration with colored powder or non-edible dyes is common in ground chili.
Phytochemicals
Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, carotenoids (capsanthin, capsorubin), flavonoids, alkaloids, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, β-carotene
Raspanchaka
- Rasa: Katu
- Guna: Tikshna, Laghu
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
- Prabhava: Shothahara
- Doshashamaka: Kapha-Vatahara
Karma (Rogaghnata)
- Deepana
- Pachana
- Shothahara
- Srotoshodhaka
- Kaphahara
- Krimighna
Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses
External
- Capsaicin creams used for joint pain, neuralgia, and muscular aches
- Used in plaster or balm form for local stimulation and blood circulation
Internal
- Acts as digestive stimulant and improves metabolism
- Used in low appetite and indigestion
- Aids in weight management
- Mild expectorant and decongestant
Part Used
Fruits
Dose
- Powder: 100–300 mg (with caution)
- Paste/Plaster: External use as per requirement
- Capsaicin Extract: Standardized doses in external formulations
Yoga / Formulations
Used in some proprietary Ayurvedic and Unani formulations, balms, and oils; also incorporated in modern nutraceuticals.
IUCN Status
Not Evaluated (NE)
Research Updates
- Anti-obesity and metabolic activity: Capsaicin has been shown to boost fat metabolism, reduce body weight, and enhance energy expenditure in clinical studies.
- Pain-relieving effects: Topical application of capsaicin extract effectively reduces pain in neuropathic and arthritic conditions by depleting substance P.
- Antioxidant and cardioprotective properties: Rich in carotenoids and Vitamin C, Capsicum annuum demonstrates strong antioxidant effects and supports cardiovascular health.
