Abstract：
Capsicum annuum L., commonly known as chili pepper, is used as an important spice globally and as a crude drug in many traditional medicine systems. The fruits of C. annuum have been used as a tonic, antiseptic, and stimulating agent, to treat dyspepsia, appetites, and flatulence, and to improve digestion and circulation. The article aims to critically review the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of C. annuum and its major compounds. Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and some carotenoids are reported as the major active compounds with several pharmacological potentials especially as anticancer and cardioprotectant. The anticancer effect of capsaicinoids is mainly mediated through mechanisms involving the interaction of Ca2+ -dependent activation of the MAPK pathway, suppression of NOX-dependent reactive oxygen species generation, and p53-mediated activation of mitochondrial apoptosis in cancer cells. Similarly, the cardioprotective effects of capsaicinoids are mediated through their interaction with cellular transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, and restoration of calcitonin gene-related peptide via Ca2+ -dependent release of neuropeptides and suppression of bradykinin. In conclusion, this comprehensive review presents detailed information about the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of major bioactive principles of C. annuum with special emphasis on anticancer, cardioprotective effects, and plausible toxic adversities along with food safety.
摘要：
辣椒，通常被称为辣椒，在全球范围内被用作重要的香料，在许多传统医学系统中被用作粗制药物。C.annuum的果实已被用作补品，防腐剂,和刺激剂，治疗消化不良,食欲,还有胀气,改善消化和循环。本文旨在批判性地回顾C.annuum及其主要化合物的植物化学和药理特性。辣椒素,二氢辣椒素，据报道，一些类胡萝卜素是具有几种药理潜力的主要活性化合物，尤其是作为抗癌和心脏保护剂。辣椒素的抗癌作用主要是通过与Ca2+依赖性激活MAPK通路相互作用的机制介导的，抑制依赖NOX的活性氧的产生，和p53介导的癌细胞线粒体凋亡的激活。同样，辣椒素的心脏保护作用是通过它们与细胞瞬时受体电位香草素1通道的相互作用来介导的，通过Ca2+依赖性释放神经肽和抑制缓激肽来恢复降钙素基因相关肽。总之,这份全面的综述提供了有关传统用途的详细信息，植物化学,以及C.annuum的主要生物活性原理的药理学，特别强调抗癌，心脏保护作用，和可能的有毒逆境以及食品安全。
