In the not-so-distant past, the preservation of food, especially meat, was very challenging. In addition to salt and fats, spices were used to inhibit microbial proliferation and to flavour foods. The Indian basin region was originally the main producer of the spices consumed by Europeans. By the end of the fifteenth century, several expeditions had set out to find a maritime route to this source of aromatic plants. Portuguese and Spanish explorers found a route to India, but also to the Americas, and a New World of spices was celebrated. Capsicum is a typical American genus and several varieties of pepper belonging to this genus were cultivated for thousands of years by pre-Columbian civilisations. After the discovery of the Americas, spices were dispersed all over our planet. 

Origin and Evolution of <i>Capsicum</i>

Since the start of history, natural medicine has been of great interest and attention to humankind. A heap of empirical research indicates that spices have undoubtedly made our lives more interesting and may also make them longer. Capsicum is a highly regarded indispensable spice all over the globe for its umpteen culinary and medicinal facets. It has been used for more than 7000 years in Mexico and is believed to have originated in tropical Central America. Mainly, this botanical contains a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B5, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and carotenoids. Interestingly, capsicum phenolic compounds are helpful in preventing and treating many ailments. So, it intends as a beneficial milestone in the pharmaceutical industry and a boon to humanity. This chapter highlights the tremendous pharmacological uses and health benefits of capsicum species and its active compounds in multifarious aspects. 

Pharmacological Properties and Health Benefits of <i>Capsicum</i> Species: A Comprehensive Review

Chilli (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most important commercial crops of India. It is grown almost throughout the country. There are more than 400 different varieties of chillies found all over the world. It is also called as hot pepper, sweet pepper, bell pepper. It botanical name is “Capsicum annuum”. Chili is fruit of the plant „Capsicum annuum‟ and „Capsicum frutecens‟ (Banerjee et al., 2014) that come from the genus capsicum belonging to the family of Solanaceace which also includes tomato, and potato (Meghavansi et al., 2010) Capsicum is derived from the Greek word „Kapsimo‟ meaning „to bit‟.

Hot Pepper – History- Health and Dietary Benefits & Production

Present review a consolidated data of morphology, cultivation pattern, diseases attacking in chilli, breeding methods in chilli and advanced techniques in biotechnology Capsicum genus has perfect flowers where male and female reproductive structures are in the same flowers. Usage of molecular technologies will continue to advance becoming an essential tool, combined with traditional selection and crosses techniques already established in capsicum genetic breeding. Molecular markers are used to characterize the genetic structure of individuals and population’s In vitro clonal propagation of chilli is relatively slower than other members of Solanaceae family because of its recalcitrant nature which makes it difficult to apply recombinant DNA technology. Capsaicin is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes. Chilli comprises of the following nutrients Proteins, Carotenoids, Fat, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Pro-vitamines E, P, B1, B2, B3, Steroidal alkaloidal glycosides and cholesterol and sodium. Chilli’s are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

https://www.chemijournal.com/archives/2020/vol8issue3/PartO/8-2-439-797.pdf

Manoj Kumar Nutakki

Papers

Hot Pepper – History- Health and Dietary Benefits & Production

Morphology, cultivation, diseases, importance, traditional breeding and advanced techniques in biotechnology in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)