Capsicum. The fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum Blume (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). (U. S. P.) Poivre d'Inde, Fr.; Spanischer Pfeffer, Ger.

Composition

The acrid, pungent qualities of capsicum are due to a peculiar substance (capsicin), a thick, yellowish-red liquid. Felle-tar, whose observations have been confirmed by Fluckiger, has isolated a volatile alkaloid having the odor of conine.

Extractum Capsici Fluidum

Fluid extract of capsicum. Dose, τη v— 3 j.

Oleo-resina Capsici

Oleo-resin of capsicum. Dose, τη j—τη v.

Tinctura Capsici

Tincture of capsicum. Dose, τη x— 3 j.

Actions and Uses

Notwithstanding black and red pepper belong to different orders, they are closely related therapeutically and in their physiological actions. They may with propriety be considered together.

When applied to the skin, pepper excites redness, heat, and superficial inflammation. Red pepper, if in contact with the skin a sufficient length of time, will produce vesication. It also causes great irritation of the mucous membrane. It has a hot, pungent, and rather acrid taste, and increases the flow of saliva. In the stomach a sensation of warmth is produced by it, the secretions are more abundant, digestion is more active, and the appetite is promoted. In an excessive quantity gastritis may be produced. The intestinal secretions are no doubt increased, and the alvine evacuations rendered more easy and copious.

The action of the heart and arteries is increased by pepper, a subjective sensation of warmth is experienced throughout the system, and cutaneous transpiration becomes more abundant. Elimination takes place chiefly through the kidneys. The flow of urine is increased, micturition is more frequent, and more or less vesical tenesmus occurs. Decided aphrodisiac effects are produced by red pepper.

The tincture of capsicum may be usefully employed as a stomachic in atonic dyspepsia. It is especially indicated in the dyspepsia of chronic alcoholism, when there are present trembling and insomnia. Flatulent colic may be relieved by capsicum, especially when this disorder occurs in hysterical subjects. The author has seen excellent results from the use of this remedy in the dyspepsia and flatulence of hypochondriacal subjects, and of women at the climacteric period.

Capsicum is an excellent addition to beef-tea when this aliment is administered in fevers, and other low conditions of the system. The tincture may be employed under the same circumstances as a cardiac stimulant. Piperin has been used in cholera as a stimulant, local and general, and in low conditions of the system from any cause except gastro-intestinal inflammation. At one time it was much prescribed in malarial fevers as an adjunct to quinine chiefly, and antiperiodic powers were ascribed to it; but such views are no longer entertained

The evidence is conclusive that capsicum quiets restlessness and induces sleep in delirium tremens. It may be administered mixed with beef-tea or other animal broths, or thirty grains made into a bolus, with sirup or honey, may be given. As capsicum belongs to the family Solanaceae, and as Fellétar discovered in it a volatile alkaloid, a rational explanation is afforded of its action on the cerebrum. According to Ringer, the tincture of capsicum is the best substitute for the stimulant when an attempt is made to break the alcohol-habit. It is also very serviceable in the treatment of the opium-habit. The good effect of the remedy in these cases is in part due to its action as a stomachic stimulant, and partly, doubtless, to its cerebral effects.

The oleo-resins of black and red pepper have been used with good results in the treatment of intermittent fever. They are useful chiefly as adjuvants to more efficient remedies.

Capsicum is contraindicated in all acute affections of the genitourinary apparatus. In chronic parenchymatous nephritis it checks the waste of albumen. In chronic pyelitis, chronic cystitis, and prostor-rhoea, it has a beneficial effect; but, although similar in action to, it is less efficient than, cubeb. Excellent results are often obtained from it in functional impotence, and in spermatorrhoea from deficient tone. In these genito-urinary maladies, the oleo-resin is the best preparation for administration. Rx Oleo-resinae capsici, Эj ; ergotin (aq. ext.), Э ij. M. Ft. pil. no. xx. Sig.: One three times a day.

A capsicum-plaster is a mild counter-irritant. The infusion is employed as a gargle in tonsillitis, diphtheria, and scarlet fever. As it is a very irritating application, its use should be restricted to cases characterized by a low grade of action.