Ethnobotany of Capsaicin-Producing Plants

The traditional system of medicine has made an important position in the first tier of healthcare in most parts of the world, which is continuously sourced by a rich heritage of floral diversity. Traditional usage of plants by local communities has served not only in the first tier of healthcare, but also pharma industries at large. Capsaicin, not a novel compound characterized especially by its burning sensation, is continuously under monitor due to its ever-increasing clinical vigour. This pungent alkaloid in Capsicum species is the major bioactive compound and has been broadly explored in the pharmacological point of view alongside its bio-potential. Until very recently, additional data are available on the exploitation of capsaicinoids in various biological activities, majorly anti-inflammatory, anti-lithogenic, cardioprotective and many others. There are five cultivated and ~30 wild species of Capsicum. This current chapter documents information on the significant ethnobotany of capsaicin-producing cultivated and wild plants. The taxonomy, distribution, usages, extractions and detection methods are discussed in this chapter. The chapter also discusses evidence of validation done through pharmacological claims. Such documentation shall promote further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations and lead to the development of new drugs.