(Cayenne Pepper.)

Origin.The dried ripe fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum Blume, deprived of its calyx. Capsicum fastigiatum is a small crooked-branched shrub, 1 to 2 feet (30.0-60.0 Cm.) high, indigenous in tropical America and Asia, and cultivated in gardens. The fruit is an oblong-conical pod from 1/3 to 3/4 inch (8-19 Mm.) long, of a crimson or yellow color. It encloses two or three cells containing flat, reniform, yellowish seeds attached to a thick, central placenta. These pods when dried and ground form capsicum, which has a peculiar odor and an intensely hot, aromatic taste. This ground product is of a bright-red color, fading upon long exposure to the light. Capsicum of the market usually consists of several species ground together, and is often adulterated with sawdust and sometimes with red lead.

Constituents. - Capsicum contains capsaicin, an acrid principle found in the greatest amount in the African product; also a volatile alkaloid, fixed and volatile oil, and fat acids.

Dose. - 3-5 grains (0.2-0.3 Gm.) [1 grain (0.065 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparations

Fluidextractum Capsici - Fluidextracti Capsici - Fluidextract of Capsicum. - Dose, 1/2-2 minims (0.03-0.12 Cc.) [1 minim (0.05 Cc), U. S. P.].

Emplastrum Capsici - Emplastrum (ace.) Capsici - Capsicum Plaster. For external use.

Oleoresina Capsici - Oleoresinae Capsici - Oleoresin of Capsicum. - Dose, 1/4-1 minim (0.015-0.06 Cc.) [1/2 grain (0.03 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Tinctura Capsici - Tincturae Capsici - Tincture of Capsicum. - Dose, 5-20 minims (0.3-1.2 Cc.) [8 minims (0.5 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action. - Externally and Locally. - Capsicum is an irritant and rubefacient, producing vesication if kept in contact with the skin for a long time. It so irritates the mucous membrane of the mouth and nose as to induce sneezing.

Internally. - Digestive System. - Capsicum is a powerful gastrointestinal stimulant, increasing the flow from the salivary, gastric, and intestinal glands. It increases the blood-supply to, and stimulates the walls of, the stomach, occasioning a sense of heat. It is a powerful carminative. Large doses produce great irritation in the stomach and bowels.

Circulatory System. - It is a powerful stimulant to the heart, greatly increasing the strength and rapidity of its action.

Absorption and Elimination. - It is chiefly eliminated by the kidneys, increasing the flow of urine. Large doses may produce vesical tenesmus, and aphrodisiac effects have sometimes been produced.

Therapeutics. - Extternally and Locally. - Owing to its counter-irritant action, capsicum is employed to relieve lumbago, torticollis, neuralgia, rheumatic pains, and acute inflammation of the skin or mucous membrane. An infusion or the diluted tincture is an excellent gargle in relaxed uvula, pharyngitis, and the angina of scarlet fever.

The tinctures of capsicum and cantharides have been used to stimulate the scalp in the various forms of alopecia. The tincture is frequently used as a domestic remedy for the benefit of chilblains and toothache.

Internally. - Capsicum is a most valuable stomachic in an atonic condition of the digestive organs, and a very efficient remedy in the irritable and catarrhal conditions of the stomach due to the excessive use of alcohol.

The tincture of capsicum or the powdered drug, added to hot water or to hot water and whisky, makes a valuable and rapid cardiac and vascular stimulant.

Contraindications. - Capsicum and its preparations should not be given in acute inflammatory affections of the gastro-intestinal and genito-urinary tracts.

Administration. - The oleoresin and the powder should be given in pills or capsules. The fluidextract and the tincture should be administered well diluted with water.