AN OVERVIEW OF CAPSICUM

Abstract

Long time ago, chillies has been used as food, spice and household medicine for several common problem such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, painto joint, skin problem, and used as carminative, appetizer, stomachic, beverages, relief of pain in neuropathy and counter irritant in treatment of rheumatism, lumbago. Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinese, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum pubescence varieties were tested f Two pungent compounds found in Capsicum species (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) were also tested for their anti-microbial effects. or their antimicrobial effects with fifteen bacterial species and one yeast species.While it’s biological function is to repel herbivores animals and fungi.Capsicum is derived from the Greek word "Kapsimo" meaning "to bite." [Belonging to family Solanaceae] The therapeutic effect of chillies is due to capsaicin, protein, fixed oil, thiamine and ascorbic acid. This review covers the study of pharmacognosy, pharmacology, its valuable effects, different herbal formulas for various diseases, chillies preparations, marketed formulations along with its major side effects and contraindication Key words: Kapsimo, thiamine and ascorbic acid