CAPSICUM ANNUM

Common name: Capsicum, Sweet Pepper, Chilli Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Shimla mirch शिमला मिर्च (Hindi)

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum      

Family: Solanaceae (potato family)

Geographical distribution

The plant is cultivated throughout India.

Introduction: Capsicum is a popular species cultivated world wide. Despite being a single species, the capsicum annum has many forms, with a variety of names, even in the same language. In American English it is commonly known as the chili pepper, although not all varieties would be recognised by most speakers under this name. In British English, they are all called peppers, whereas in Australian and Indian English there is no commonly-used name encompassing all its forms, the name capsicum being commonly used for bell peppers exclusively. Its forms are varied, from large to small, sweet to sour, very hot to bland. The plant is a herbaceous annual, with a densely branched stem. The plant reaches 0.5–1.5 m (20–60 in). Single white flowers bear the fruit which is green when unripe, changing principally to red, some varieties may ripen to brown or purple. While the species can tolerate most climates, they are especially productive in warm and dry climates. Capsicum orginated from Central America where most of the main varieties were developed by local Indians. Once peppers were discovered by the Spaniards and Portuguese they were rapidly introduced worldwide and eagerly incorporated into local cuisines.

Chemical composition

The fruit contains capsicin, capsaicin, solanine and ascorbic acid. It also contains vitamin A and vitamin C.

Therapeutic uses

Mirch is carminative, digestive, hypnotic, rubefacient, stimulant and stomachic. It is also useful in cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery, filaria, hoarsenees, rheumatism, neuralgic affections, scarlatina, sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and yellow fever. Green chilies are reported to retard cancer.

Folk medicinal uses

It is used as an antidote to dog-poison; it is supposed to be the best, as it subsides the pain and stops pus formation. 20-mg. of leaf juice of Mirch mixed with buttermilk is given in earache once only.

Preparations

Jwaraghni-vati. Various liniments and embrocations are being made for use in rheumatism.

Flowers and Fruits : June-October