Capsicum annuum L. and its bioactive constituents: A critical review of a traditional culinary spice in terms of its modern pharmacological potentials with toxicological issues

Abstract

Capsicum annuum L., commonly known as chili pepper, is used as an important spice globally and as a crude drug in many traditional medicine systems. The fruits of C. annuum have been used as a tonic, antiseptic, and stimulating agent, to treat dyspepsia, appetites, and flatulence, and to improve digestion and circulation. The article aims to critically review the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of C. annuum and its major compounds. Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and some carotenoids are reported as the major active compounds with several pharmacological potentials especially as anticancer and cardioprotectant. The anticancer effect of capsaicinoids is mainly mediated through mechanisms involving the interaction of Ca2+‐dependent activation of the MAPK pathway, suppression of NOX‐dependent reactive oxygen species generation, and p53‐mediated activation of mitochondrial apoptosis in cancer cells. Similarly, the cardioprotective effects of capsaicinoids are mediated through their interaction with cellular transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, and restoration of calcitonin gene‐related peptide via Ca2+‐dependent release of neuropeptides and suppression of bradykinin. In conclusion, this comprehensive review presents detailed information about the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of major bioactive principles of C. annuum with special emphasis on anticancer, cardioprotective effects, and plausible toxic adversities along with food safety.

“Bang Chang”, Thai Cultivar Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum) Extract in Rice Bran Oil and its Biological Activities

“…The extract (0.0001-1.0 mg/ml) was unaffected against human fibroblast cells, implying that it is non-toxic (Table 4). Moreover, capsaicin and quercetin contained in chili pepper fruit had a synergistic effect in alleviating hyperglycemia in animal models (Mandal et al, 2022;Varghese et al, 2016).…”

“…Therefore, bioactive antioxidants in peppers vary and are influenced by several pre-and postharvest factors, modulating oxidative stress and preventing chronic diseases. Applications of Capsicum are varied and include spices, food colorants, muscle relaxants, vasodilators and cellulite reducers (Mandal et al, 2022).…”

The effects of Capsicum annuum supplementation on lipid profiles in adults with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…In the case of long‐term use of this spice, side effects such as bleeding, local burning sensation, skin irritation, cough, flushing, stomach and abdominal irritation, liver and kidney damage, and sweating can be observed. Also, in the case of taking drugs including benazepril, captopril, and enalapril, it is better to use C. annuum with caution (Hernández‐Pérez et al, 2020; Mandal et al, 2023; Sanati et al, 2018; Srinivasan, 2016).…”

Uji sitotoksik ekstrak cabai merah keriting (Capsicum annuum) pada sel WiDr secara in vitro

“…Senyawa bioaktif yang ada pada cabai keriting seperti fenol, karotenoid, alkaloid, flavonoid, dan kapsaisinoid memiliki korelasi yang positif dengan aktivitas antikanker, antioksidan, dan antimikrob yang dapat mengganggu sintesis membran sel bakteri. Salah satu senyawa kapsaisinoid yang paling banyak ditemukan pada buah cabai merah keriting ialah kapsaisin dan senyawa ini memiliki aktivitas sebagai antikanker dengan menghambat proliferasi sel kanker (Fathima, 2015;Mandal et al, 2023).…”