Capsaicin is the substance in chili peppers that produces their characteristic spicy heat. It is a hydrophobic, clear chemical in the family of vanilloid compounds. Capsaicin has a long history of human use in traditional medicine and cooking and now has a place in modern medicine as an analgesic.
Traditional Uses
The chili peppers that contain capsaicin are native to Central and South America. There is evidence that the peppers were a part of the diet as early as 7500 B.C. In the 16th century the peppers were introduced into South Asia by Portuguese and Spanish explorers. Since that time, these popular spices have spread throughout the world. In addition to flavoring for food, the spicy chili pepper has traditionally been used as a medicine and a pest deterrent, and even in warfare. One account describes how the Incas burned dried chili pepper to repel invaders.
Discovery
The active ingredient in hot peppers was isolated in 1816 by Christian Friedrich Bucholz. Improvements in purification methods allowed John Thresh, in 1846, to purify capsaicin for the first time. It was then given the name capsaicin after the genus Capsicum, from which it was isolated. The chemical composition and structure were not worked out until 1919.
Additional Research
In 1912, Scoville introduced a test to measure the capsaicin content of hot peppers. Although the method has changed over the years, the Scoville Unit remains the standard measure of hotness for peppers. The Mexican habanero pepper has the distinction of measuring the highest on the scale. With a capsaicin content equivalent to 350,000 Scoville Units, this means an alcohol extract of habanero must be diluted 1 to 350,000 in order for its heat to go undetected.
Medical Uses
Capsaicin has long been used for the management of pain arising from toothache. Today it is an ingredient in topical creams used in the treatment of pain resulting from arthritis, post-shingles and diabetic neuropathy in the hands and feet. It may be used safely for muscle and backache as well as cluster headaches.
