Capsicum Annuum Fruit Research Articles

High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of capsaicinoids in fruits of Capsicum annuum L grown in soil treated with Rhodopseudomonas sps

High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of capsaicinoids in fruits of Capsicum annuum L grown in soil treated with Rhodopseudomonas sps

First record of Atherigona orientalis Schiner, 1868 (Diptera: Muscidae) in France

AbstractThe first record of the pepper fruit fly, Atherigona orientalis Schiner, 1868, in mainland France is reported in this paper. Larvae were found in 2022 in fruits of Capsicum annuum and adults were reared in 2023 from Passiflora caerulea fruits in two localities of southern France. This species has pantropical distribution and is characterized by sarco‐saprophagous habits, but in some conditions can act as a primary pest of Solanaceae crops.

Evaluation of Eruca Sativa and Capsicum annuum alcoholic extracts as pesticide against aphid and whitefly pests

The aphid (Aphidoidea family) and the whitefly (Aleyrodidae family) are closely related, quickly breeding insects that, when infected, render plants susceptible to diseases since they suck the juices of these plants. They damage the aerial parts of plants and even their roots. Their control is of high concern to limit the damage and minimize the loss of the crops with the use of the safest pesticides. The present study was conducted to assess the perished effect of the Eruca sativa (local name: arugula) leaves and the Capsicum annuum (local name: hot pepper) fruits on aphids and on the eggs and nymphs of whitefly by spraying their alcoholic extracts on tested species. Three pesticide concentrations (0.5, 1 and 1.5%) of either extract were prepared and tested. Adhesives, propellants and other materials were added to the extracts to enhance their effectiveness. The results indicated that the pesticide prepared from these extracts has a concentration- and time-dependent impact on the growth of all tested species; the highest mortality rate was achieved at 1.5% concentrations. The time required for that highest effect was 72 hours for Eruca sativa leaf extract on aphids (100%); and on the eggs (89%) and nymphs (94.1%) of whiteflies. Meanwhile, the highest mortality rates achieved by 1.5% Capsicum annuum fruit extract were after 48 hours on aphids (100%), on the nymphs of whiteflies (100%), and 72 hours on whitefly eggs (96.4%). These effects may be related to the presence of many bioactive substances that were detected in the extracts of these two plants, including tannins, glycosides, phenols, resins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, coumarin, steroids and terpenes.

Development of biocomposite films incorporated with the extract from pitcher associated bacteria for the postharvest protection from fungi.

Pythium aphanidermatum is known to cause diseases likedamping-off, root rot, stem rot and fruit rot in a wide range of plants. Eventhough many chemical methods have been demonstrated to have the potential to manage these diseases, their benefits are being offset equally by the negative side effects. Therefore, the control of Pythium spp. using natural antifungal agents is of immense significance due to its environmental safety. Here, the plant associated microorganisms with antifungal metabolites have significant promises to be explored both as sustainable biocontrol agents and also as active constituents of antifungal materials. Antimicrobial packaging films prepared using such components can have significant applications to meet the requirements to prevent postharvest loss of agricultural produce by inhibiting the fungal growth. Eventhough there are reports on the development of antimicrobial packaging films for such applications, the use of bacterial extracts with antifungal activity for the same is least investigated. Hence, the present study demonstrates the development of biocomposite films prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with the extracts prepared from bacterial isolates (Serratia sp. NhPB1, Kocuria sp. NhPB49, and Pantoea dispersa NhPB54) previously isolated from the pitcher plant. Here, the individual films were prepared by incorporating 1mL of bacterial extract in 40mL of 3% PVA solution and the developed films were then subjected to antifungal activity screening against P. aphanidermatum. The antifungal activity analysis of the films prepared with the incorporation of extracts from Serratia sp. NhPB1, Kocuria sp. NhPB49, and Pantoea dispersa NhPB54 showed remarkable activity against the tested pathogen. The application of biocomposite films on Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annuum fruits for its protection from P. aphanidermatum by dip coating method further indicates the promises of developed biocomposite films for active packaging applications.

Dietary supplementation of Capsicum powder affects the growth, immunoglobulins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, meat, and liver histology of aflatoxin B1 exposed broiler chickens

The effects of dietary supplementation with Capsicum annuum fruit pericarp powder (CPP) and Capsicum annuum fruit seed powder (CSP) on the health and performance of broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was investigated. Four dietary groups were established: CON (control), AFT (0.5 mg/kg AFB1), CPAF (0.5 g/kg CPP and 0.5 mg/kg AFB1), and CSAF (0.5 g/kg CSP and 0.5 mg/kg AFB1). The AFT group shows a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the relative growth rate compared to CON, CPAF, and CSAF. In contrast, the latter two groups exhibit growth rates similar (P > 0.05) to CON. Additionally, immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, and IgA) in the AFT group are significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared to the other treatment groups. Serum interleukin-6 levels in the CPAF and CSAF groups were similar (P > 0.05) to CON but higher (P < 0.05) than in AFT. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were elevated (P < 0.05) in AFT compared to the other treatment groups. Interferon-gamma concentrations in AFT were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in the other treatment groups. The liver histology reveals that the AFT treatment group has periportal hepatic inflammation. In contrast, the CPAF and CSAF treatment groups exhibit normal hepatic microanatomy. In conclusion, 0.5 g/kg CPAF dietary supplementation may help to ameliorate the adverse effects of AFB1 exposure on broiler chicken health, specifically the growth, immune parameters and liver histology.

Study on the Pathogenic Fungi Threatening Pepper Cultivation in the Northern Guinea Savannah Ecological Zone of Nigeria

The Northern Guinea Savannah ecological zone of Nigeria, with its rich history of pepper production, faces challenges like diseases, pests, and weed management issues, resulting in lower yields compared to Western Europe. This investigation explores the prevalence and virulence of fungal pathogens affecting pepper cultivation in this region, specifically in Jalingo and Yola, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The study employed a complete randomized design for laboratory investigations and split plots for screenhouse pathogenicity tests, taking into account different pepper cultivars. It identified five primary fungal pathogens responsible for fungal diseases: Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum capsici, Fusarium solani, Phoma species, and Aspergillus niger. Fusarium oxysporum was the most frequently isolated fungus, comprising 91.7% of occurrences, particularly notable during seedling and maturity stages. Colletotrichum capsici, Fusarium solani, Phoma spp., and Aspergillus niger followed in frequency. These pathogens exhibit varying levels of virulence on pepper tissues, with fruits being more susceptible than leaves. Fusarium solani, notably, induces severe rot on Capsicum annuum fruits, with a pathogenicity level of 68.8%. This research offers valuable insights into the prevalence, virulence, and diversity of fungal pathogens affecting pepper crops in the Northern Guinea Savannah. The suggested recommendations for integrated disease management and cultivar improvement provide essential guidance for promoting sustainable pepper production in the zone.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with antioxidant and bactericidal activities using Capsicum annuum fruit extract

Metallic nanostructures, especially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have already found multiple applications in modern industry, science and medicine. Still, the production of nano-sized compounds often leads to the formation of toxic byproducts and possesses substantial environmental hazard. One of the promising solutions for the ecofriendly creation of nanomaterials predicts the use of a “green chemistry” approach using organisms, their parts or natural compounds to act as safe and effective producers of nanomaterials. Plant-mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles includes the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 by natural compounds, usually secondary metabolites which can be found in roots, leaves, cortex, fruits, flowers and seeds of various species. Aqueous extract of Capsicum annuum var. cv. (cultivar) Teja (S-17) fruits was used as a bioreducer for the reduction of AgNO3 solution to AgNPs. The formation of the AgNPs was confirmed by the presence of the Tyndall effect of light scattering combined with colour change of the solutions. The properties of the nanoparticles were assessed with UV-visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In the present study, we report the experimental optimization of operating parameters needed for silver biotransformation by C. annuum. Biosynthesized nanoparticles were 13–22 nm in size and spherical in shape. Colloidal solutions of AgNPs were also confirmed to show antioxidant activity in vitro as analyzed by the reduction of DPPH radicals. Characterization and application of AgNPs as bactericidal agents on two Gram-positive (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) prokaryotic microorganisms demonstrated the prevalent influence on Gram-positive strains.

Identification of the GDP-L-Galactose Phosphorylase Gene as a Candidate for the Regulation of Ascorbic Acid Content in Fruits of Capsicum annuum L.

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is an antioxidant with significant functions in both plants and animals. Despite its importance, there has been limited research on the molecular basis of AsA production in the fruits of Capsicum annuum L. In this study, we used Illumina transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to explore the candidate genes involved in AsA biosynthesis in Capsicum annuum L. A total of 8272 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the comparative transcriptome analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified two co-expressed modules related to the AsA content (purple and light-cyan modules), and eight interested DEGs related to AsA biosynthesis were selected according to gene annotations in the purple and light-cyan modules. Moreover, we found that the gene GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase (GGP) was related to AsA content, and silencing GGP led to a reduction in the AsA content in fruit. These results demonstrated that GGP is an important gene controlling AsA biosynthesis in the fruit of Capsicum annuum L. In addition, we developed capsanthin/capsorubin synthase as the reporter gene for visual analysis of gene function in mature fruit, enabling us to accurately select silenced tissues and analyze the results of silencing. The findings of this study provide the theoretical basis for future research to elucidate AsA biosynthesis in Capsicum annuum L.

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of CaFCD1 affecting cuticle biosynthesis in Capsicum annuum L.

CaFCD1 gene regulates pepper cuticle biosynthesis. Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an economically important vegetable crop that easily loses water after harvesting, which seriously affects the quality of its product. The cuticle is the lipid water-retaining layer on the outside of the fruit epidermis, which regulates the biological properties and reduces the rate of water-loss. However, the key genes involved in pepper fruit cuticle development are poorly understood. In this study, a pepper fruit cuticle development mutant fcd1 (fruit cuticle deficiency 1) was obtained by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis. The mutant has great defects in fruit cuticle development, and the fruit water-loss rate of fcd1is significantly higher than that of the wild-type '8214' line. Genetic analysis suggested that the phenotype of the mutant fcd1 cuticle development defect was controlled by a recessive candidate gene CaFCD1 (Capsicum annuum fruit cuticle deficiency 1) on chromosome 12, which is mainly transcribed during fruit development. In fcd1, a base substitution within the CaFCD1 domain resulted in the premature termination of transcription, which affected cutin and wax biosynthesis in pepper fruit, as revealed by the GC-MS and RNA-seq analysis. Furthermore, the yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays verified that the cutin synthesis protein CaCD2 was directly bound to the promoter of CaFCD1, suggesting that CaFCD1 may be a hub node in the cutin and wax biosynthetic regulatory network in pepper. This study provides a reference for candidate genes of cuticle synthesis and lays a foundation for breeding excellent pepper varieties.

Purification and characterization of glutaminase from Iraqi fruit of ‎ Capsicum annuum

L-glutaminase has recently attracted much attention due to its medicinal and industrial potential. It's an antileukemic drug with flavor-enhancing properties when used in fermented foods manufacturing. The enzyme purification was determined by ammonium sulfate precipitation, Ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography with estimating glutaminase activity and characterization of purified glutaminase in several parameters such as substrate concentration and reaction time pH, and temperature influence in this study. As a result, glutaminase is purified in three steps: ammonium sulfate precipitation with 30% saturation, DEAE-Cellulose and Sephacryl S-200. The specific activity increased to 85 U/mg protein with 4 folds of purification and 18% enzyme recovery. When glutaminase was incubated in the presence of 150 millimolar glutamine at thirty-five centigrade for thirty minutes, the enzyme reached its maximal activity of 1.8 u/ml, in the presence of a 0.05 Molar potassium phosphate buffer solution, at pH 8. Keywords: Capsicum annum, glutaminase, enzyme activity, glutaminase purification

Both caffeine and Capsicum annuum fruit powder lower blood glucose levels and increase brown adipose tissue temperature in healthy adult males.

Using a combination of respiratory gas exchange, infrared thermography, and blood glucose (BGL) analysis, we have investigated the impact of Capsicum annuum (C. annuum) fruit powder (475 mg) or caffeine (100 mg) on metabolic activity in a placebo controlled (lactose, 100 mg) double-blinded three-way cross-over-design experiment. Metabolic measurements were made on day 1 and day 7 of supplementation in eight adult male participants (22.2 ± 2 years of age, BMI 23 ± 2 kg/m2, x̅ ± SD). Participants arrived fasted overnight and were fed a high carbohydrate meal (90 g glucose), raising BGL from fasting baseline (4.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L) to peak BGL (8.5 ± 0.3 mmol/L) 45 min after the meal. Participants consumed the supplement 45 min after the meal, and both caffeine and C. annuum fruit powder restored BGL (F (8,178) = 2.2, p = 0.02) to near fasting levels within 15 min of supplementation compared to placebo (120 min). In parallel both supplements increased energy expenditure (F (2, 21) = 175.6, p < 0.001) over the 120-min test period (caffeine = 50.74 ± 2 kcal/kg/min, C. annuum fruit = 50.95 ± 1 kcal/kg/min, placebo = 29.34 ± 1 kcal/kg/min). Both caffeine and C. annuum fruit powder increased supraclavicular fossa temperature (F (2,42) = 32, p < 0.001) on both day 1 and day 7 of testing over the 120-min test period. No statistical difference in core temperature or reference point temperature, mean arterial pressure or heart rate was observed due to supplementation nor was any statistical difference seen between day 1 and day 7 of intervention. This is important for implementing dietary ingredients as potential metabolism increasing supplements. Together the results imply that through dietary supplements such as caffeine and C. annuum, mechanisms for increasing metabolism can be potentially targeted to improve metabolic homeostasis in people.

Bulk Process for Enrichment of Capsinoids from Capsicum Fruit

Various methods to synthesize capsinoids (the nonpungent analogs of capsaicinoids) from precursor molecules have been reported. Capsinoids are also naturally present, at typically low concentrations, in the fruit of many Capsicum species and genotypes. However, they are also present in the fruit of select genotypes at high concentrations. The fruit of high-capsiate genotypes represents a commercial source of these compounds. To date, no method has been published that efficiently extracts and purifies capsinoids from Capsicum fruit in a rapid and simple bulk process. This study evaluated the efficacy of various organic solvents for the extraction of capsinoids from dried Capsicum annuum fruit. Among the organic solvents evaluated, pentane appeared to provide a good combination of both recovery and purity. A subsequent liquid/liquid extraction step, utilizing pentane and acetonitrile, resulted in 26.3% (wt/wt) capsiate and 19.4% (wt/wt) dihydrocapsiate for a combined capsinoids yield of 45.7% (wt/wt). A third step, involving a rapid hp20ss chromatography column using a water/acetonitrile gradient, resulted in a combined capsinoids yield of 96.6% (wt/wt).

METHODS FOR OBTAINING AND DETERMINATION OF THE MAIN BIOLOGICAL-ACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM SUBCRITICAL СО2 - EXTRACT OF CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.

Abstract: Currently the intensive research is being carried out in the field of technology for obtaining extracts of plant raw materials. What is more, there is the study of the composition of plant extracts and the obtaining of biologically active components of plant in order to pharmaceutical industry uses. One of the actual problems of the plant extraction technologies is the study of the techniques, allowing to extract the complex of plant components without the use of high temperatures. In addition, the issues of environmental safety applied in the practice of plant extraction technologies make additional restrictions on the extractant. One of the most discussed methods of extraction technology is to extract plant compounds using carbon dioxide as an extractant. In this aspect, the most studied method is the technology of producing plant extracts with supercritical fluid extraction. In our work, we describe a method for obtaining a subcritical Capsicum Annuum L. fruit extract, followed by the obtaining of the main plant components responsible for the biological effect of raw material. The method of subcritical CO2 - extraction was obtained by the extract of the fruit of Capsicum Annuum L., the main component of which is capsaicin and the sum of its homologues. The extract was obtained using a subcritical extractor in 65 MPa mode of 23-28c ° at a constant flow of CO2 0.18 kg of CO2 / h for 4 hours. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the subcritical CO2 Capsicum annuum L. fruits extract was identified by GC-MS. The quantitative composition of the obtained capsaicine of Capsicum Annuum L. extract was evaluated by HPLC.

Cinnamon and paprika oleoresin emulsions: A study of physicochemical stability and antioxidant synergism

Cinnamon and paprika oleoresins (CPO) are by-products of the spice Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume and the fruit Capsicum annuum L., respectively. They present a hydrophobic nature and various active compounds that can act synergistically. However, they are both susceptible to degradation by light, oxygen, and temperature. This work aimed at identifying the synergistic effect of these oleoresin mixtures, incorporating them into emulsions and characterizing the obtained systems. The CPO concentration was 10%, and whey protein isolate (WPI), gum Arabic (GA), or maltodextrin (MD) were used as wall materials in different proportions, totalizing 30% solids. The synergistic effect was observed in the FRAP assay at a 1:1 CPO ratio, with its expected value being significantly higher than the values for individual oleoresins (p < 0.05). Emulsions containing GA were unstable, while the emulsions containing MD and WPI showed reduced droplet size and viscosity, remaining stable for 7 days. The sample with a 1:3 proportion of MD:WPI as wall material showed higher FRAP and ORAC antioxidant values (24.74 ± 0.83 and 28.77 ± 1.23 mmol TE/g of oleoresin, respectively) and 4.18 mg total carotenoids/g sample. These results suggest the emulsions have a protective effect on active compounds content and can be used as efficient delivery systems for food product applications.

Effects of different soil amendments and age of transplant on the post-harvest quality and shelf life of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruits

BackgroundTwo separate experiments were conducted in the minor season from September to November, 2019 and major season from March to May, 2020 to determining the type of soil amendment and transplanting age that can best improve the post-harvest quality and shelf life of sweet pepper fruits at Benso oil palm plantation of Adum Banso Estate in the Mpohor District of the Western Region of Ghana. The experiments were conducted as a 4 × 2 factorial, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Four fertilizer treatments including no fertilizer (control), 10 tons/ha of poultry manure, 300 kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 and 5 t/ha of poultry manure + 150 kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 and two ages of transplants including 6-week-old seedlings and 7-week-old seedlings were applied during the cultivation periods and were later evaluated of their effects on the post-harvest quality and shelf life of harvested fruits after a two-weeks storage period. Data collected on weight loss, shrinkage, decayed fruits and shelf life of harvested fruits were subjected to analysis of variance using the Genstat Statistical package. The least significant difference criterion was used to separate treatment means at 5% probability.ResultsPost-harvest qualities of sweet pepper fruits were not significantly influenced by age of transplant throughout the study. Fertilizer application generally increased percentage fruit weight loss, fruit shrinkage, fruit decay and reduced shelf life of sweet pepper fruits in the major season. Sole application of poultry manure mostly enhanced post-harvest quality of sweet pepper fruits in the minor rainy season, but fruit shelf life was improved if no fertilizer was applied. Application of a combination of poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 to 6-week-old transplants gave relatively low fruit weight loss and shrinkage values. Generally, fruit quality and shelf life were enhanced in 6-week-old transplants treated with no fertilizer.ConclusionsThe use of poultry manure alone should be encouraged to probably increase yield while improving the quality and shelf life of harvested sweet pepper fruits. Transplanting of 6-week-old seedlings is also encouraged for quality harvested fruits and extended shelf life.

Клініко-лабораторне обгрунтування удосконалення методу лікування фурункулів та карбункулів щелепно-лицевої ділянки

Selection of medications to apply locally for treatment of abscessive forms of boils and carbuncles of maxillofacial area still remains a debatable issue, despite their wide range. Alternative means for application use in surgical interventions in maxillofacial area are medications of natural origin. Drugs of natural origin that have anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties include cayenne pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum). Therapeutic properties are caused by the presence in their structure of the main active ingredient – capsaicin alkaloid and other biologically active compounds (vitamins, flavonoids, minerals, etc.) which influence the main pathogenetic inflammation bonds. Capsaicin has a distinct keratoplastic effect and normalizes microcirculation in the tissues. Phytogel with anti-inflammatory and anesthetic action (patent for utility model No. 30032 “Phytogel with anti-inflammatory and anesthetic action”) was developed for clinical use based on phytosubstance of pepper cayenne fruits (patent for utility model No. 19547 “Method of obtaining phytosubstance with anti-inflammatory action”). The purpose of the study was to increase treatment efficiency of boils and carbuncles of maxillofacial area by using a medication based on the capsicum annuum fruits. Materials and methods. The analysis of inspection and treatment results of 45 patients having boils and carbuncles of maxillofacial area at abscessing stage is carried out. On the first, third, seventh and tenth day of treatment, a number of clinical indicators (presence and intensity of edema and infiltrate, condition of regional lymph nodes, presence and intensity of pain in the inflammation site, time of wound exudate clearance, intensity of regeneration, length of hospital stay treatment) and indicators obtained by laboratory methods (total number of leukocytes, leukocyte intoxication index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were studied and compared with the same parameters in the control group, where traditional treatment was carried out; and when using the comparison medication - 3% propolis ointment. Results and discussion. Analysis of the results showed that despite the similarity of the clinical picture and laboratory parameters on admission to the hospital, the healing of purulent wounds under the influence of capsicum annuum phytogel was more effective comparing with traditional methods of surgical treatment. Thus, wound epithelialization of patients in the experimental group No. 1 was observed on average on the seventh day, which was significantly faster than in other experimental groups. Sanation of the inflammatory focus also decreased body intoxication, which can be traced by the dynamics of changes in the degree of leukocytosis, leukocyte intoxication index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate. On the tenth day, the clinical blood parameters of patients of the experimental group No. 1 were close to the average norm. As a result, the length of stay in hospital was significantly reduced. The average bed-day for the experimental group No. 1 was 7.5 days, which is authentically less than for patients of the control and experimental group No. 2. Conclusion. According to the results of clinical and laboratory studies, the efficiency of the proposed method has been proved in comparison with traditional treatment of boils and carbuncles of maxillofacial area

The study of the anti-inflammatory properties of carotenoid liquid extracts on the model of adjuvant-induced inflammation

The search for new anti-inflammatory substances is an important area of pharmacology. Plant carotenoids have many positive biological effects and are of interest as potential anti-inflammatory agents.&#x0D; The aim. To study the anti-inflammatory properties of extractive carotenoids from fruits of Capsicum annuum L. on the model of adjuvant-induced inflammation.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The fruits of Capsicum annuum L. were used as the plant raw material. Carotenoids were obtained by the extractive method. The model of adjuvant-induced inflammation was reproduced in young female rats. The dynamics of changes in the volume of the inflammatory edema and the total number of blood leukocytes were studied.&#x0D; Results and discussion. A decrease in edema in nonspecific inflammation was observed on day 15 during the therapy with carotenoid extracts (Δ1.01±0.08 in treatment group; Δ1.28±0.08 in control group). For specific inflammation, edema reduction when using carotenoids occurred on day 30 (Δ0.047±0.015 in treatment group; Δ0.073±0.012 in control group). A decrease in leukocytosis occurred on days 20 and 30 of the treatment for non-specific and specific inflammation, respectively. The mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory action of carotenoids are presumably associated with the antioxidant effect and the ability to affect the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.&#x0D; Conclusions. Extractive carotenoids from the fruits of Capsicum annuum L. have the anti-inflammatory activity in the case of adjuvant-induced inflammation. Treatment with Capsicum annuum L. extract reduced inflammatory edema and total leukocyte count

Phenotypic, molecular and pathogenic characterization of Colletotrichum scovillei infecting Capsicum species in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Anthracnose is a disease caused by Colletotrichum spp., one of the world’s most damaging sweet and chili pepper pathogens, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, anthracnose is one of the main obstacles for pepper crops. However, to date no research has focused on the identification and characterization of the pathogen, which is fundamental to understand the scope of the disease in the state. Thus, the correct identification of the fungal species and pathogenicity studies can provide important support for disease management and control, apart from identifying possible resistance sources for exploitation in peppers breeding programs. In this study, 11 Colletotrichum isolates were collected from peppers with typical symptoms in the Rio de Janeiro state. These isolates were characterized based on morpho-cultural characteristics and sequencing data from five regions (ITS, ACT, CAL, β-TUB and GAPDH), and the genetic variability was estimated by AFLP markers. Simultaneously, microscopy images of the colonization by the fungal species on unripe Capsicum annuum fruits were taken. Pathogenicity was tested and resistance sources were sought by means of infection of ripe and unripe fruits of 50 Capsicum baccatum accessions. The resulting data showed that all isolates belong to Colletotrichum scovillei specie. About the pathogenicity of Capsicum baccatum, differentiated, stage-specific responses, with higher resistance of ripe fruits were recorded. In addition, four possible sources of Colletotrichum scovillei resistance were detected among the tested accessions. The combination of these data can contribute to future studies on the interaction of Colletotrichum scovillei-Capsicum spp., a research line that is still unexploited in the main areas of this anthracnose fungus.

Evaluation of In Vitro Capsaicin Release and Antimicrobial Properties of Topical Pharmaceutical Formulation.

(1) Background: Capsaicin is the main capsaicinoid of the Capsicum genus and it is responsible for the pungent taste. Medical uses of the fruits of chili peppers date from the ancient time until nowadays. Most of all, they are used topically as analgesic in anti-inflammatory diseases as rheumatism, arthritis and in diabetic neuropathy. Reports state that the Capsicum genus, among other plant genera, is a good source of antimicrobial and antifungal compounds. The aim of this study was the preparation of a pharmaceutical Carbopol-based formulation containing capsaicin and the evaluation of its in vitro release and antimicrobial and antifungal properties. (2) Methods: It was first stabilized with an extraction method from the Capsicum annuum fruits with 98% ethanol and then the identification and determination of Capsaicin in this extract was realized by HPLC. (3) Results and Conclusions: Rheological analyses revealed that the selected formulation exhibited a pseudo-plastic behavior. In vitro release studies of capsaicin from a Carbopol-based formulation reported that approximately 50% of capsaicin was release within 52 h. Additionally, the Carbopol-based formulation significantly increased the antimicrobial effects of capsaicin towards all tested bacteria and fungi strains.

Capsaicinoids and mineral composition of peppers produced under nutrient deficiencies

The aim of the present study was to verify the effect of the nutritional stress caused by macronutrient and boron deficiencies on the biosynthesis of capsaicinoids and the mineral nutrient contents of dry Capsicum annuum fruits. The experiments were carried out in a shade house at Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ, Brazil, in sand fertigated with a nutrient solution, in randomized blocks applying an 8x2 bifactorial scheme, with eight treatments [Complete treatment and applying the element omission technique for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S) and boron (B)], and two fruit harvesting dates, with four replications. Pepper fruits produced under potassium deficiency displayed increased capsaicin contents, whereas sulfur deficiency decreased capsaicin contents. Capsaicin contents were different depending on the harvesting dates, ranging from 0.369 to 1.224 mg g−1.