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Beta-hexosaminidase, an enzyme from ripening bell capsicum (Capsicum annuum var variata).

beta-Hexosaminidase activity increased significantly during fruit development and ripening of bell capsicum (Capsicuum annuum var. variata). Three isoforms of beta-hexosaminidase from bell capsicum could be resolved upon ion exchange chromatography with step wise gradient (0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 M NaCl) having an abundance of 38, 47 and 15% for isoforms I, II and III respectively. Isoforms I and II were further purified on gel permeation chromatography. The pH optimum for these two isoforms was around 5. Isoform II exhibited higher thermal stability. Hg(2+) and Zn(2+) inhibited both, but isoform I showed a much higher inhibition by Cu(2+) also. The K(m) for isoforms I and II with pnp-beta-D-N-acetyl glucosamine pyranoside was 3.00 and 1.75 mM, respectively. Isoform II on SDS-PAGE was found to be a monomer with a relative molecular mass of 85 kD. This isoform (the most major) appeared to be electrophoretically homogeneous. beta-Hexosaminidase is novel in the context of fruit ripening. This enzyme has not been reported from fruits and studied hitherto.

Capsicum↗

Influence of sundrying on the chemical composition, aflatoxin content and fungal counts of two pepper varieties--Capsicum annum and Capsicum frutescens.

Samples of sundried, matured red pepper, Capsicum annum with a moisture content (MC) of 12.7-26.8 percent had on dry weight basis, vitamin C, 5.0-6.4 mg/100 g; crude protein, 0.8-1.2 percent; total soluble solids, 3.3-4.1 percent, and fungal counts of log 4.4-4.5/g. Ordinary matured red C. annum had MC, 75.7-78.2 percent vitamin C, 36.1-38.5 mg/100 g; crude protein, 2.4-2.8 percent; total soluble solids, 9.3-9.9 percent and fungal count of log 3.32-3.39/g. Sundried matured red C. frutescens had corresponding values of 9.4-18.7 percent; 5.8-6.3 mg/100 g; 0.8-1.1 percent; 0.9-2.6 percent and log 3.2-3.4/g. No aflatoxins were detected in sundried, matured red C. frutescens, but aflatoxin B1 values obtained from C. annum varied from non-detectable to 2.2 micrograms/kg. Dominant fungi isolated from C. annum and C. frutescens were Rhizopus oryzaze, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Geotrichum candidum and Saccharomyces spp.

Aflatoxins↗

Acyclic diterpene glycosides, capsianosides VIII, IX, X, XIII, XV and XVI from the fruits of Paprika Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum BAILEY and Jalapeño Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum.

Paprika and Jalapeño are used as vegetables and spices. We have obtained six new acyclic diterpene glycosides, called capsianosides XIII (2), XV (3), IX (4), XVI (5), X (6) and VIII (7) together with known capsianoside II (1) from the fruits of the Paprika and Jalapeño. The structures of these compounds have been elucidated by the (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectra and two-dimensional NMR methods.

Capsicum↗

Capsicum oleoresin: development of an in-soil repellent for pocket gophers.

A pre- and post-monitoring study was conducted of the potential use of capsicum oleoresin as an in-soil repellent for northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides). Pocket gophers were captured in irrigated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L), affixed with radio transmitters, and monitored daily for location. Six plots (4.87 x 4.87 m) each were randomly assigned to capsicum oleoresin and soybean oil treatments; these were set up based upon the centers of initial core areas of gophers. Mean (+/-SD) volumes of capsicum oleoresin and water and soybean oil and water mixtures (10 + 90 by volume) dispensed onto plots equaled 178.5 (+/-4.7) and 175.7 (+/-14.0) liters, respectively. Movements (m) of the radio-transmitted gophers from plot centers were computed for four daily readings (i.e., 0801-1000, 1101-1300, 1501-1700 and 1801-2000 h). Spectrophotometric analysis of soil samples from capsicum oleoresin plots validated the presence of capsicum on plots and the absence of capsicum on placebo- and off-plot locations. Analysis of variance for movement distances of gophers yielded a Date main effect [F(11, 103) = 2.08, P < or = 0.03] and a Date x Reading (time) interaction [F(32, 299) = 3.21, P < or = 0.01]. Results showed that gophers were located farther from plot centers for the 0801-1000 and 1501-1700 h telemetry readings for < or =3 days post-chemical application-a probable 'disturbance' effect rather than a chemical-induced avoidance. In a prior laboratory study, capsicum oleoresin and soil treatments of 1.5% w/w capsicum caused nearly a 50% decrease in soil contact time by gophers relative to placebo-exposed control animals. This implies that procedural variables warrant revision before abandoning this approach. The potential for soil insertion of repellents as a technique for expelling pocket gophers from territories and some methodological changes for future research of the technique are discussed.

Animals↗

The antimicrobial properties of chile peppers (Capsicum species) and their uses in Mayan medicine.

A survey of the Mayan pharmacopoeia revealed that tissues of Capsicum species (Solanaceae) are included in a number of herbal remedies for a variety of ailments of probable microbial origin. Using a filter disk assay, plain and heated aqueous extracts from fresh Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinese, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum pubescens varieties were tested for their antimicrobial effects with fifteen bacterial species and one yeast species. Two pungent compounds found in Capsicum species (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) were also tested for their anti-microbial effects. The plain and heated extracts were found to exhibit varying degrees of inhibition against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium tetani, and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Effect of DBP/DEHP in vegetable planted soil on the quality of capsicum fruit.

Field experiment was conducted to investigate the di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) contamination in Capsicum annum fruit grown in DBP and DEHP contaminated soil, and to evaluate the effect of DBP and DEHP on the quality of capsicum fruit. The top layer soil (0-10 cm) of plots was treated with a mixture of DBP and DEHP (1:1 w/w) and capsicum seedlings were transplanted. After 90 days, capsicum fruit, shoot and root samples were collected. DBP and DEHP concentration in various parts of the samples were determined by gas chromatography. Vitamin C and capsaicin contents in fruit were determined using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine colorimetric analysis and sodium nitrite-sodium molybdate colorimetric analysis, respectively. The results showed that DBP concentration in fruit, shoot and root increased with the increase of soil-applied DBP/DEHP concentration, but DEHP was not detected in all samples. When the soil-applied DBP/DEHP concentration was 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg kg(-1) soil, compared with control, vitamin C and capsaicin content in capsicum fruit decreased by 1.6%, 5.9%, 10.6%/o, 18.2%, 19.2%, 22.6% and 1.6%, 2.5%, 12.9%, 20.1%, 22.2%, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that the decrease of vitamin C and capsaicin content was negatively correlated to the increase of DBP concentration in capsicum fruit, which suggested that DBP uptake by the plant might be mainly responsible for quality degradation of capsicum fruit.

Ascorbic Acid↗

Capsicum pain plaster in chronic non-specific low back pain.

Topically applied capsaicin (CAS 404-86-4) induces the release of substance P, a neurotransmitter, from sensory C-fibres. In addition, there is a specific blockade of transport and de-novo synthesis of substance P. As a result, repeated applications of capsaicin bring about a long lasting desensitisation to pain (increase of pain threshold). The desensitising effect is fully reversible. The confirmed pharmacodynamic actions and a number of double-blind clinical studies indicate that local capsicum preparations are very suitable for the treatment of neuropathic pain or musculoskeletal disorders, with or without inflammatory components. In a double-blind, randomised parallel-group study a capsicum plaster was compared with a placebo for 3 weeks in 154 patients with non-specific back pain. Inclusion criteria were a history of back pain for a minimum period of 3 months and a degree of pain of 5 or more on an eleven grade visual analogue scale. The principal target variable consisted of the score of 3 combined pain scales. Secondary efficacy measures were tests of mobility, a disability index (in the context of Arhus low back rating scale) and global assessments by physicians and patients. For patients to be rated as responders their total pain score at the final examination after 3 weeks of treatment had to show a reduction by at least 30% of the baseline value. The study unequivocally achieved the target criterion with a rate of responders in the capsicum group of 60.8% against 42.1% in the placebo group (p = 0.0219). The sum of the 3 separate pain scales decreased more markedly in the capsicum group than in the placebo group (38.5% compared to 28.0%; p = 0.002). Relatively slight improvements of the impaired mobility and the functional status are explained by the characteristics of the disorder treated. The efficacy ratings by observers and patients was definitely in favour of capsicum. Adverse effects--mostly harmless and resolving spontaneously--were reported by 15 patients in the capsicum group and by 9 in the placebo group. The tolerance ratings by investigators and patients were superior to the placebo product. This, however, partly is due to the local pharmacological actions of the drug. As in comparably positive randomised studies with capsaicin cream in patients with osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia it was shown that a capsicum plaster preparation can also be used to advantage in chronic non-specific back pain.

Administration, Topical↗

A chromosome-scale genome of Capsicum pubescens provides insights into candidate terpene-associated gene clusters and pan variation of terpene synthases.

A chromosome-scale genome of Capsicum pubescens and comparative pan-TPS analysis support structural characterization and gene-level prioritization of a chromosome-9 terpene-associated candidate locus in this accession. Capsicum pubescens is one of the five domesticated Capsicum species, mainly cultivated in mid- to high-elevation regions of the Americas. Despite its distinctive morphology and fruit traits, genomic resources for C. pubescens remain less developed than those for the widely cultivated C. annuum. Here, we assembled a chromosome-scale reference genome for accession HNUCP0001, spanning 3.70&#xa0;Gb with a scaffold N50 of 278.01&#xa0;Mb. Comparative genomics revealed 679 significantly expanded gene families enriched in sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis. Genome-wide biosynthetic gene-cluster mining identified multiple terpene-associated candidate loci, which were subsequently prioritized using genome-derived structural criteria and Capsicum pubescens-specific expression evidence. Subsequently, we curated the terpene synthase (TPS) repertoire and, across 16 Capsicum genomes, resolved 36 TPS orthogroups with pronounced presence/absence variation, highlighting dynamic lineage-specific diversification. Together, these analyses establish HNUCP0001 as an accession-specific genomic resource and provide a comparative framework for prioritizing terpene-associated TPS genes and candidate BGCs in Capsicum. These candidate loci, together with accession-level transcriptomic and metabolomic evidence, offer testable hypotheses for future functional studies of specialized terpenoid metabolism in C. pubescens.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Topical treatment of chronic low back pain with a capsicum plaster.

The efficacy and tolerance of a capsicum plaster in non-specific low back pain was investigated in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled multicentre parallel group study. A total of 320 patients were randomly assigned to two groups of n=160 subjects treated by the active or the placebo plaster. The main outcome measures used were a compound pain subscore of the Arhus low back rating scale (continuous variable), and a response criterion of a reduction in pain subscore=30% from baseline to final assessment (secondary, non-continuous variable). In addition, the partial pain scores, disability and mobility restriction subscores, the total score of the Arhus low back rating scale, the global evaluation of efficacy by investigator and patient, adverse events, a patient questionnaire on use of the plaster, and an evaluation of tolerance by investigator and patient were obtained. After 3 weeks treatment with capsicum and placebo plaster respectively, the compound pain subscore was reduced by 42% (capsicum) and 31% (placebo) from values on entry. Responder rate was 67% versus 49% (p=0.002). The investigators rated efficacy as "excellent" or "good" by 74% and 36%; the patient's efficacy rating "symptomfree" or "improved" reached 82% and 50%. Adverse local drug reactions were found in 12 patients (7.5%) on capsicum and 5 (3.1%) on placebo. No systemic side-effects were observed. The superiority of the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain with capsicum plaster compared to placebo was clinically relevant and highly statistically significant. The capsicum plaster offers a genuine alternative in the treatment of non-specific low back pain.

Administration, Topical↗

The coat protein of tobamovirus acts as elicitor of both L2 and L4 gene-mediated resistance in Capsicum.

In Capsicum, the resistance conferred by the L(2) gene is effective against all of the pepper-infecting tobamoviruses except Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), whereas that conferred by the L(4) gene is effective against them all. These resistances are expressed by a hypersensitive response, manifested through the formation of necrotic local lesions (NLLs) at the primary site of infection. The Capsicum L(2) gene confers resistance to Paprika mild mottle virus (PaMMV), while the L(4) gene is effective against both PaMMV and PMMoV. The PaMMV and PMMoV coat proteins (CPs) were expressed in Capsicum frutescens (L(2)L(2)) and Capsicum chacoense (L(4)L(4)) plants using the heterologous Potato virus X (PVX)-based expression system. In C. frutescens (L(2)L(2)) plants, the chimeric PVX virus containing the PaMMV CP was localized in the inoculated leaves and produced NLLs, whereas the chimeric PVX containing the PMMoV CP infected the plants systemically. Thus, the data indicated that the PaMMV CP is the only tobamovirus factor required for the induction of the host response mediated by the Capsicum L(2) resistance gene. In C. chacoense (L(4)L(4)) plants, both chimeric viruses were localized to the inoculated leaves and produced NLLs, indicating that either PaMMV or PMMoV CPs are required to elicit the L(4) gene-mediated host response. In addition, transient expression of PaMMV CP into C. frutescens (L(2)L(2)) leaves and PMMoV CP into C. chacoense (L(4)L(4)) leaves by biolistic co-bombardment with a beta-glucuronidase reporter gene led to the induction of cell death and the expression of host defence genes in both hosts. Thus, the tobamovirus CP is the elicitor of the Capsicum L(2) and L(4) gene-mediated hypersensitive response.

Capsicum↗

[Studies on protein-based identification method of genetically modified capsicum].

The detection system based on protein is a method to evaluate the safety of genetically modified foods (GMF). Using cecropin BD gene in capsicum, a detecting method was set up. It is a system of evaluating the real expressive condition and safety of the foreign target protein of GMF. In this studies, with the preformative technic method, a satisfactory results by making use of hemolymph of immunized pupae of Antheraea pernyi as standard experimental material was achieved, comparing with the realities of the goal protein expressive condition of cecropin D gene in capsicum. The detecting steps were as following: the goal protein from material was extracted roughly, then with CM-Sepharose-FF ion-exchange chromatography twice, the goal protein was purified moderately. The purified product was identified by detecting the anti-bacterial activity, electrophoresis, biological auto-photography of the goal protein and MADDI-TOF mass spectrum. The results showed that the expressive foreign target protein in transgenic capsicum was in accordance with standard protein in the physical and chemical property, anti-bacterial activity and molecular weight. It indicated that expression of the target gene in capsicum is real, it corresponded to expected value. The separation, purification and identification methods of cecropin D were established in the study. By means of the comparative experiments about anti-bacterial activity and molecular weight of anti-bacterial peptide(ABP) from GM-capsicum and hemolymph of immunized pupae of Antheraea pernyi, the identification method of target protein from GM-capsicum was set up. The method is easy to be operated, fast and feasible.

Capsicum↗

Subchronic toxicity studies of capsaicin and capsicum in rats.

Rats were fed by stomach tube with 50 mg/kg B.W./day capsaicin (Sigma) or 0.5 gm/kg B.W./day capsicum fruit crude extract for 60 days. The influences of capsaicin or capsicum upon body weight, rectal temperature, food and water consumptions, haematological parameters, plasma chemistry, urine concentration and dilution tests, together with the relative organ weight, were evaluated at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days. The results showed that there were significant reductions of the growth rate in both capsaicin and capsicum treated groups. However, the food intake in both experimental groups increased steadily throughout the experimental periods. There were no significant differences from the control rats in the rectal temperature, water intake, plasma chemistry, urine dilution and concentration, and the relative organ weights. After one month of oral administration of capsaicin or capsicum, there were significant reductions of plasma urea nitrogen, glucose, phospholipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. It is also interesting to observe that capsicum fruit crude extract exerted more influences on the various biological parameters being studied here than its pungent substance, capsaicin. Therefore, it is concluded that capsaicin or capsicum, if given orally for a relatively longer period, may have a mild effect on the experimental animals.

Animals↗

Theophylline pharmacokinetics and metabolism in rabbits following single and repeated administration of Capsicum fruit.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of theophylline were studied in three groups of male rabbits, after intravenous administration (12 mg/kg), with and without oral ground Capsicum fruit suspension. Compared with control values, plasma theophylline half-life of distribution and of elimination, areas under plasma curves, clearance and volume of distribution did not show any significant difference. On the contrary, the elimination rate constant (k1,0) is significantly different (0.01 < P < 0.05) after a single dose of capsicum and remained unchanged after a repeated dose. Concerning the metabolism of theophylline in rabbits, the results showed that the oral administration of a single dose of Capsicum fruit suspension does not significantly affect the urinary excretion of theophylline and its metabolites--1,3-dimethyluric acid (1,3-DMU) and 1-methyluric acid (1-MU). On the other hand, after a repeated dose of Capsicum fruit for 7 days, the quantity of 1-MU was significantly reduced (0.01 < P < 0.05). In conclusion, it was found that a single dose of Capsicum fruit could affect pharmacokinetic parameters of theophylline (k1,0), while a repeated dose affected the metabolic pathway of xanthine oxidase.

Animals↗

Chromosomal localization and sequence variation of 5S rRNA gene in five Capsicum species.

Chromosomal localization and sequence analysis of the 5S rRNA gene were carried out in five Capsicum species. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that chromosomal location of the 5S rRNA gene was conserved in a single locus at a chromosome which was assigned to chromosome 1 by the synteny relationship with tomato. In sequence analysis, the repeating units of the 5S rRNA genes in the Capsicum species were variable in size from 278 bp to 300 bp. In sequence comparison of our results to the results with other Solanaceae plants as published by others, the coding region was highly conserved, but the spacer regions varied in size and sequence. T stretch regions, just after the end of the coding sequences, were more prominant in the Capsicum species than in two other plants. High G x C rich regions, which might have similar functions as that of the GC islands in the genes transcribed by RNA PolII, were observed after the T stretch region. Although we could not observe the TATA like sequences, an AT rich segment at -27 to -18 was detected in the 5S rRNA genes of the Capsicum species. Species relationship among the Capsicum species was also studied by the sequence comparison of the 5S rRNA genes. While C. chinense, C. frutescens, and C. annuum formed one lineage, C. baccatum was revealed to be an intermediate species between the former three species and C. pubescens.

Base Sequence↗

The effect of capsicum plaster in pain after inguinal hernia repair in children.

BACKGROUND: Capsicum plaster at a classical Chinese acupoint is an alternative to acupuncture, which has been used as a supplemental therapy to opioid analgesics for pain control during the postoperative period. We investigated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of capsicum plaster at Zusanli (ST-36) points after pediatric hernia repair. METHODS: This double-blind, sham-controlled study was designed in 108 children, aged 4 month to 9 year, undergoing unilateral hernia repair, and was randomly assigned to three treatment regimens: group Zusanli (Z)=capsicum plaster at Zusanli acupoints and placebo tape on the shoulder as a nonacupoint, group Sham (S)=capsicum plaster on the shoulders and placebo tape at Zusanli acupoints, and group control (C)=placebo tape at Zusanli acupoints and on the shoulder. The postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements during 24 h postoperatively were assessed. RESULTS: Total meperidine consumption was significantly lower in group Z (0.87+/-0.35 mg.kg-1) compared with group C (1.27+/-0.41 mg.kg-1) and S (1.22+/-0.45 mg.kg-1) (P<0.001). The pain scores on both the objective pain scale (OPS) and the Children Hospital of Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS), were significantly lower in group Z compared with the other groups at 6 and 24 h postoperatively, but not at the 10 min and 1 h postoperative time periods. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of capsicum plaster at the Zusanli points reduces pain and postoperative opioid consumption in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair, but not in the first six postoperative hours.

Acupuncture Points↗

Capsicum-laden soils decrease contact time by northern pocket gophers.

Fossorial rodents damage lawns/water impoundments/crops. We conducted a two-choice, parametric-type study to determine the effects of capsicum-oleoresin/soil mixtures (0.00, 0.75, 1.50, and 2.25%) upon soil-contact, soil-digging, and pelage-grooming behaviors in northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides). In 3 alternate-day (1-h/day) exposures to > or = 1.50% capsicum-oleoresin soil mixtures, gophers decreased mean soil contact time by 46% relative to placebo-exposed animals. Grooming time yielded a concentration x trial interaction that showed intense grooming by capsicum-exposed animals during trial 1, with "convergence" of times to near those of the "placebos" (0.00% capsicum oleoresin) by trial 3. The significant decrease in grooming activity was attributed to the gophers' reduced contact with capsicum soil across repeated exposures, rather than to chemical habituation. Soil-digging behaviors were minimally affected. Results demonstrate the feasibility of deterring gopher habitation by mixing chemical irritants in soil.

Analysis of Variance↗

Characterization of capsaicin synthase and identification of its gene (csy1) for pungency factor capsaicin in pepper (Capsicum sp.).

Capsaicin is a unique alkaloid of the plant kingdom restricted to the genus Capsicum. Capsaicin is the pungency factor, a bioactive molecule of food and of medicinal importance. Capsaicin is useful as a counterirritant, antiarthritic, analgesic, antioxidant, and anticancer agent. Capsaicin biosynthesis involves condensation of vanillylamine and 8-methyl nonenoic acid, brought about by capsaicin synthase (CS). We found that CS activity correlated with genotype-specific capsaicin levels. We purified and characterized CS ( approximately 35 kDa). Immunolocalization studies confirmed that CS is specifically localized to the placental tissues of Capsicum fruits. Western blot analysis revealed concomitant enhancement of CS levels and capsaicin accumulation during fruit development. We determined the N-terminal amino acid sequence of purified CS, cloned the CS gene (csy1) and sequenced full-length cDNA (981 bp). The deduced amino acid sequence of CS from full-length cDNA was 38 kDa. Functionality of csy1 through heterologous expression in recombinant Escherichia coli was also demonstrated. Here we report the gene responsible for capsaicin biosynthesis, which is unique to Capsicum spp. With this information on the CS gene, speculation on the gene for pungency is unequivocally resolved. Our findings have implications in the regulation of capsaicin levels in Capsicum genotypes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Capsicum--production, technology, chemistry, and quality--Part II. Processed products, standards, world production and trade.

Capsicums, as a spice, have been known since the beginning of civilization and historically associated with the discovery of the New World. The genus Capsicum (Fam. Solanaceae) provides many varieties and adds color, pungency, and aroma to the cuisines of most of the world. From the pungent chilli, of interest also to pharmaceuticals, to the colorful paprika and the bell capsicums with its remarkable aroma, the genus has been of great interest for its chemistry and physiological action. Pungency as a sensory attribute, its evaluation, structure-activity relationship, and its increasing acceptance and preference by diverse populations of the world are of great interest to many research disciplines. In a comprehensive review of all aspects in four sequential parts, Part I deals with History, Botany, Cultivation, and Primary Processing (CRC Critical Review, Food Science and Nutrition). The Capsicums among the spices are second only to black pepper in trades both in volume and value. The production of the different forms of this spice as ground, specialty seasonings, and as the concentrated oleoresins through technologically advanced processes, proposed newer products, the standard to control quality of the different products, world production, trade, and prospects are reviewed in detail in this, Part II.

Capsaicin↗