Peppers (Capsicum annuum; also commonly called capsicum) are a group of plants belonging to the Solanaceae family that include bell peppers, jalapeños, and cayenne peppers. They grow in a number of regions of the Word but are thought to be native to North and South America where they probably originated from the wild American bird pepper, which still grows in these regions. The perennial plants are characterised by a densely branched stem that can reach a height of about 60 cm, and berries that can by green, red, yellow or orange in colour. The berries or fruits of the plant are generally referred to as peppers. The berries and their seeds have a number of culinary uses but are most often used to flavour dishes. The berries and seeds can also be processed into spices which include cayenne, chili and paprika powders. Peppers may also have medicinal properties for which they have been traditionally used. In particular cayenne peppers are known to have anti-nociceptive (pain relieving), antimicrobial and mood elevating effects.
The chemical comnposition of caposicum annuum (peppers) have been investigated. Capsicum is generally a good source of polyphenolic phytochemicals and is especially rich in a number of flavonoids including luteolin, myricetin, quercetin and apigenin. Flavonoids, particularly quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin have been shown to bind to the benzodiazepine receptor and to induce anti-anxiety effects. Other phenolic chemicals present include caffeic acid, coumaric and 3,4-dimethyl cinnamic acid glycosides. Most of these compounds are also thought to confer antioxidant protection to mammals when consumed. Capsicum peppers also contain a group of chemicals called capsinoids, that are thought to be responsible for the pain relieving effects of extracts. Capsinoids present in peppers include mainly capsaicin, with smaller amounts of dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin and homodihydrocapsaicin. Other chemicals present in Capsicum annuum include tannins, alkaloids, saponins, volatile oils and resins, ascorbic acid and carotenoids.
Capsicum has been investigated for its anxiolytic effects in animals models. For example, in one study crude extracts of capsicum were administered to mice before the mice were subjected to experimental stress. The capsicum extracts produced significant anxiolytic effects in the mice compared to a control group. In addition, the capsicum extracts also significantly increased the sleep time of the mice. Therefore capsicum extracts may have anxiolytic and sedative effects in mammals. The authors reported that there were no signs of toxicity in any of the mice following administration of the capsicum extracts. The antidepressant effects of capsicum peppers has also been demonstrated in animals models. In one study, researchers assessed the effects of Cassicum annuum on the sleep of mice. Capsicum induced sleep in the animals suggesting that it had a sedative effects. An antidepressant effect was also shown for the pepper extract that was similar in magnitude to the antidepressant drug imipramine.
Carotenoids are responsible for the distinctive green, orange, red and yellow colours displayed by the berries (fruits) of pepper plants. Along with high concentrations of vitamin C, they may significantly contribute to the overall antioxidant effect of the plant. Carotenoids can accumulate in cell membranes and may protect the membranes from lipid peroxidation. As the brain is composed of large amounts of lipids, carotenoid protection may be a significant factor in brain health.
The beneficial mood elevating effects of capsicum peppers is also demonstrated by its inclusion in a polyherbal formula called XtendR which is traditionally used in Egypt for its antianxiety and antidepressant effects. The authors of the study concluded that XtendR exhibited antidepressant effects in mice and may therefore be a useful treatment for those suffering from depression. The mood elevating effects of capsicum peppers may also relate to the pain relieving effects they display. Chronic pain can be a significant factor in the development of depression, and pain relief has been shown to produce mood elevating effects. However, the fact that capscicum peppers can elevate mood in those not suffering from chronic pain suggests that the pain relieving effects of capsicum extracts are distinct from the antidepressant effects. Therefore Capsicum annuum extracts may have significant mood elevating effects in mammals, and this may stem from anxiolytic, antidepressant and pain relieving effects.
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