American pepper

• Botanical Name(s): Capsicum Frutescens L.

• Popular Name(s): African red pepper, American pepper, Chili pepper, Chilies, Garden pepper, Red pepper

• Parts Used: Fruits

• Habitat: Africa pepper is found in Africa, Asia and South America. It is available in other parts of the world also.

Description: Africa pepper grows to a height of 3 feet or more. The plant possesses a stem which is woody at the lower areas but is branched at the upper parts. The leaves are ovate and petioled. The flowers are white to yellow in colour. The plant bears fruits which are in the form of pods having many seeds. The ripen fruit is red or yellow in colour.

Uses: Africa pepper has antiseptic, antibacterial and carminative properties. It has beneficial antioxidant and cardiovascular effects and it benefits gastrointestinal functions. It is used in bursitis, diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and in a number of other diseases.

The most important species of this family for the global diet is the potato or Solanum tuberosum. Although this plant itself is generally considered toxic, swollen subterranean sections of modified stem known as tubers generally possess no toxicity. Instead, the tubers contain a copious store of carbohydrates that both the plant and humans can use to obtain energy. However, the tubers may become toxic if allowed to sprout. Green areas on a potato indicate new growth, which may indicate the presence of chaconine and solanine. These glycoalkaloid compounds can be in sufficient concentrations in a single potato serving to be poisonous to humans. In many genera, the fruits are the desirable item, for example, tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplants, and peppers. Some people experience sensitivity or allergy-like symptoms in response to nightshade plants.