Botanical name: Capsicum frutescens Linn.
Family name: SOLANACEAE
Thai name: Prik

Capsicum is the primary pungent compound found in the hot pepper plant (genius Capsicum), its active ingredient is Capsaicin.

Capsaicin is a naturally occurring substance derived from plants of the red peppers with the chemical name trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-. The precise mechanism of action is not fully understood but capsaicin remains joints insensitive to pain by initial release then depletion of substance P (Chemical mediators) in peripheral sensory neurons and in joint tissues. Initial capsaicin induces an intense excitation after which the neurons become total inactive. Capsaicin decreases substance P induced activation of inflammation involved with the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Capsaicin may provide relief of burning, shooting neuropathic pain and pain associated with inflamed diseases. Capsaicin does not appear to act directly on central cells in the spinal cord. In traditional medicine, Capsicum is used as a rubefacient with anti inflammatory property.

In cosmetic, Capsicum extract is used as anti cellulite for the reduction of fatty substances around the abdominal area and a tonic for hair follicles. The crucial ingredients in capsicum are Capsaicin, Cryptoxanthin, Capsorubin and Carotenoids.