Uses
Depending on the form in which it is used (i.e., extract of the whole plant versus extract of just the fruit, or as juice, powder or resin) a wide range of therapeutic properties are attributed to pepper (Capsicum annuum). extract from the whole plant can help mask odor, is tonic, and also serves to improve skin condition. In a skin care formulation, extract from the fruit can be used for anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, astringent, and skin-protecting properties. In hair care products, it could be used as an anti-dandruff and hair-conditioning ingredient. The juice, powder, and resin forms are all considered skin conditioning. Among pepper’s constituents are carotenoids, capsaicin, volatile oil, organic acids, vitamin C, flavonoids (e.g., rutin), and mineral salts.
